Shuttle launch
 

Has anybody been to a shuttle launch since living here. If so, is seeing it from the visitor complex worth it? I tried to get the good tickets but they sold out in 3 minutes!!

Re: Shuttle launch
 

I went last year. The visitor center is pretty small I think it's only worth going there if you want to see the shuttle launch at the same time, or you're a real enthusiast. The launch isn't guaranteed either, IIRC they call it off 20% of the time. If you do manage to go, pack for a long day because you have to be there early (the park entrance closes at 1pm on launch days) and the traffic afterwards is one long traffic jam (we spent three hours in it).

Saying that, the launch is pretty spectacular, this picture doesn't do it any justice:

Re: Shuttle launch
 

Yes, I've been to one back in 1993. I'm not sure if the visitor complex was the same place where I was at or not. I was some distance away, 3 miles I seem to remember so you don't see much except when it launches. You hear it more than you see it! It sounds like a series of low frequency rapid-firing popping noises. Weird really. Not what you'd expect. The first day I went, they scrubbed the launch because of weather but you could use the ticket again the next day.

Re: Shuttle launch
 

I haven't been since the Apollo missions. My father took me there when we were kids. Apparently you're much farther away nowdays though from what I've heard it can still be pretty impressive.

Re: Shuttle launch
 

I would say get as close as you can if possible. We went and the amount of wankers who bring 'scaffolding' to block your view. You also get entry to the complex afterwards if you get a ticket.

Re: Shuttle launch
 

http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/countdown/video/

pretty good for sitting at work.

Re: Shuttle launch
 

Wow! Color me jealous of those who have seen one. I've been here for more than 27 years and haven't seen one.

Re: Shuttle launch
 

Well get yourself down to FL then Ugacrew! ;)

Re: Shuttle launch
 

Nice pics from KC airshow Ugacrew. That 300mm lens really helps on the close ups eh?

Re: Shuttle launch
 

Don't pay to watch from Kennedy; we free parked next to Hall of Fame just before the Kennedy Visitor Center.

Hang about by the main road (the cops will try to move you on) force of numbers near to launch time will make cops give up and the whole road becomes a great viewing area.

Parking is great right up to the launch (within 30/40 mins anyway) getting away takes time!!

Re: Shuttle launch
 

A few years ago some friends visiting Orlando had bought tickets for a shuttle launch. The launch got postponed, so they gave the tickets to us, but unfortunately I couldn't go because of work. So hubby went along with his best friend. They both said it was incredible, and they got some amazing pics.

I've been lucky enough to see launches from my front garden and from my office building all the way in Tampa, though!

Re: Shuttle launch
 

Would you believe it, but the next shuttle launch will have a bearing on whether I can stay in the states or not :blink:

If they fix Hubble properly, I stay. If they don't fix Hubble properly, I don't get my grant money because I won't have any data, my contract expires and I get kicked out :huh: