From: smw@sage.cgd.ucar.edu (Steve Welch)
Subject: Re: Shuttle Launch Info?
Organization: Scientific Computing Division/NCAR Boulder, CO
Date: Sat, 7 Nov 1992 07:19:36 GMT

In article <1992Nov6.154047.1188@galaxy.gov.bc.ca>, rforster@galaxy.gov.bc.ca (Russ Forster) writes:
|> > In article <27205@oasys.dt.navy.mil>, bonanni@oasys.dt.navy.mil (David Bonanni) writes:

|> > 3.  How do I go about seeing the launch? ie, how early should I show
|> > up, where do I go for the best view (or is there any choice in the matter),
|> > who do I bribe :> etc.
|> > 
|> 	Columbia was to launch at 11:16 so based on that, we made sure
|> 	we got there 2 hours in advance.  The travel time from Orlando
|> 	to KSC is 1 hour via the bee-line (make sure you have change for
|> 	the toll booths).  We watched it from US 1 a few miles north of
|> 	SpacePort USA.  An enterprising young lady was charging $5 to park
|> 	on some grass directly across from the launch pad (about 4.5 miles
|> 	away).  We had a great view of Columbia, the only regreat is that
|> 	we were not closer.

Actually, the closest point on US 1 is about 11 miles away from the pads, if
I remember correctly.  It is pretty easy to figure out where to be from the
old free  FL state map--if they haven't changed it, it has a Cape area map with
enough detail to figure it out from.  I'd go the night before and check it
out.  The vehicle is lit up with these incredible searchlights, and you can
see it miles before you get to Titusville.  Be sure to check it out an hour
or so befor dawn.  

Even from eleven miles, it is a very moving experience, by the way.  I'm
sure others have told you about getting vehicle passes and/or VIP passes from
your congressperson.  DOD launches are a bitch, but I seem to remember they
used to still give out Causeway viewing passes, which puts you about 7 miles
away, but with a clear view of the vehicle.  From US1 or the press site or
the VIP site, you can't see the shuttle until it clears the tower, unfortunately.

I went to the first launch after Challenger, and due to a screw-up with my
press credentials (the best way to go if you are legit), I didn't get onto 
the base until after the launch, so I watched the launch from Titusville with 
the crowd.  It was...  well, moving sounds pretty lame, but it was.  Very
different from the press site--not that everybody there is jaded, but the
"real people" seemed to really care much more.  Or something.

It reminded me of the Apollo launches I used to go to as a kid.  I saw 8,9,
10,11,12, and 13 from Titusville--we used to set up our tent on a sand
spit at the exact closest point to the pad (we checked it out on the USGS
quad maps).  It was a Woodstock atmosphere, every launch... good memories.
Definitely got some of those vibes from the Shuttle launch that time.

|> > I apologize if these are dumb or often asked questions, but I've just
|> > discovered this newsgroup, and couldn't find a FAQ or anything.  Any
|> > replies will be appreciated... needless to say, I'm all a-tingle at
|> > the chance to the the shuttle go up!

I've been lurking here for quite a while now, and your questions are definitely
not dumb, and not asked very often, really.  Make sure you see a launch,
though.  Just do it!  You won't regret it, I'll personally guarantee it.

As a final note, I've only been to one landing, but it was even more moving
than the Shuttle launch, and not nearly so nerve-wracking.  Also recomended!
Nothing beats the Apollo 17 night launch, though.  That was a religious
experience for me.  STS-8 (the first night launch) was pretty close, come 
to think of it.

Go!
 
---
Steve Welch    <smw@sage.cgd.ucar.edu>    Voice: 303-530-2661
National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, CO  USA
also: Complex Systems Research, Niwot, CO   Fax: 303-581-9820