Shuttle Launch help

[minnyinapinny]

They are launching Atlas 5 next week whilst we are there which I think is a satallite. If we were to go to Cocoa Beach for the day would there be anything to see/a good atmosphere etc. I saw a proper shuttle launch many years ago and wondered if it would be similar.

Also which is the best bit of the beach to head for, if I went near the Ron johns shack would that be a good spot or is there a better one (not having been for ages I can't remember)

Many thanks

[AuntyA]

Hiya

I went to Cocoa Beach way way back in 1988!!! When we were there we were right on beach front (can't remember name of hotel i'm afraid, was only 14!!!) however my granda was sat on the balcony 1 night and shouted us to go on with him and there was a test rocket being launched which you could see really well. It was no where as big as rocket as will be launching next week so should be a good view.

I also remember the hotel we stayed in had a launch view platform on the roof for major launches, and the families of the astronauts stayed there too.

Hope that helps you.

A

[Hotlush]

Hate to tell you this but the April 21 launch is from Vandenberg (California), not Kennedy :(

[minnyinapinny]

Hi Hotlush - Not sure if we have the same one. The one I am on about is on the Kennedy website on 20th April. It is Atlas 5. If I am wrong feel free to correct me!

[criminalnine]

Hate to tell you this but the April 21 launch is from Vandenberg (California), not Kennedy :(

on ksc web site
Event: Atlas 5 • ASTRA 1KR
Date: 4/20/2006

Time: 04:26:00 PM EST
Time: Launch Window Open untill 07:16:00 PM
Details: The Lockheed Martin Atlas 5 rocket (AV-008) will launch the ASTRA 1KR television broadcasting spacecraft for SES ASTRA of Luxembourg. The satellite will join a fleet of orbiting ASTRA craft transmitting programming to the leading direct-to-home satellite system in Europe.
Contact: Reservations
Phone: (321) 449-4444
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

[Hotlush]

Wierd, they seem to have about 3 different launch schedule pages.
The "official" NASA one doesn't show anything about it :/