Launch at Kennedy space center

sw16 · 2 Jun 17, 05:27 PM

There is a launch scheduled at the space center when we are there. Is it worth swapping our plans around a bit to go and see it? Is the museum usually heaving on these days? Is there somewhere u can watch it included in a normal ticket entrance or do you have to pay extra? Is there enough time to look round evverything and watch a launch in the same day (I think it's at around 2:15)

ianc · 2 Jun 17, 08:30 PM

KSC is definitely worth a visit, even without a launch, and I wouldn't describe it as a 'museum' - not like most museums anyway. A launch is 'extra' value. Attendance might be up slightly, but not a lot. If there is a launch, visit on that day - it - is a shame to miss it.
There are basically 3 ways to see a launch:
1. Buy the add-on ticket, which normally gets you a close-up view from the Apollo/Saturn Center. However, according to the KSC web site (you should read it!) there is no add-on this time - The Apollo/Saturn Center is available without extra charge on a first come first served basis until full.
2. View it from within the visitor centre without the add-on. They open up 2 viewing areas either side of the Atlantis building - to the left there is a grassed lawn, to the right a tarmac area with some bleachers. You are further from the launch site and you see the rocket once it has cleared the tree line. There is a commentary over the tannoy.
3. View it for free from outside KSC. As the launch is from Launch Pad 39A, a good spot is the middle of the Max Brewer Bridge at Titusville. You are about 11 miles away, but you have a clear view across the water and can see the actual launch pad, although it is rather small. If they are landing the first stage, I understand a vantage point at Port Canaveral is better to see that aspect.
More info here about which site is 'best'. launchphotography/Del...h_Viewing.html
Be aware that the launch could be delayed, either within the launch window (probably about an hour) or to another day due to weather or technical reasons. The delay can be announced literally seconds before launch. Don't try to do the 'extra' bus tours.

Moorlandman · 2 Jun 17, 08:47 PM

Yesterday's launch was cancelled due to rain. Now planned for tomorrow but bad weather is in the forecast again

Guest · 2 Jun 17, 09:10 PM

Yes 100% worth going and seeing the launch, you can still get everything at KSC done

sw16 · 3 Jun 17, 10:11 PM

I did have a quick look at the website and look at it again hopefully tomorrow but was at work and couldn't spend a lot of time looking and knew a dibber would know the answers. Will speak to the rest of my party and see of its something we can do

**disneygirl1985** · 3 Jun 17, 10:25 PM

Looks like we will be off to KSC for the launch, as DH is very keen to attend

Will be keeping a close eye on the website for more information.

2 Jun 17, 05:27 PM	#1
	2 Jun 17, 05:27 PM sw16 Apprentice Imagineer
sw16 Apprentice Imagineer Join Date: Nov 07	Launch at Kennedy space center There is a launch scheduled at the space center when we are there. Is it worth swapping our plans around a bit to go and see it? Is the museum usually heaving on these days? Is there somewhere u can watch it included in a normal ticket entrance or do you have to pay extra? Is there enough time to look round evverything and watch a launch in the same day (I think it's at around 2:15) __________________

2 Jun 17, 08:30 PM	#2
	2 Jun 17, 08:30 PM ianc Apprentice Imagineer
ianc Apprentice Imagineer Join Date: Jun 10	KSC is definitely worth a visit, even without a launch, and I wouldn't describe it as a 'museum' - not like most museums anyway. A launch is 'extra' value. Attendance might be up slightly, but not a lot. If there is a launch, visit on that day - it - is a shame to miss it. There are basically 3 ways to see a launch: 1. Buy the add-on ticket, which normally gets you a close-up view from the Apollo/Saturn Center. However, according to the KSC web site (you should read it!) there is no add-on this time - The Apollo/Saturn Center is available without extra charge on a first come first served basis until full. 2. View it from within the visitor centre without the add-on. They open up 2 viewing areas either side of the Atlantis building - to the left there is a grassed lawn, to the right a tarmac area with some bleachers. You are further from the launch site and you see the rocket once it has cleared the tree line. There is a commentary over the tannoy. 3. View it for free from outside KSC. As the launch is from Launch Pad 39A, a good spot is the middle of the Max Brewer Bridge at Titusville. You are about 11 miles away, but you have a clear view across the water and can see the actual launch pad, although it is rather small. If they are landing the first stage, I understand a vantage point at Port Canaveral is better to see that aspect. More info here about which site is 'best'. launchphotography/Del...h_Viewing.html Be aware that the launch could be delayed, either within the launch window (probably about an hour) or to another day due to weather or technical reasons. The delay can be announced literally seconds before launch. Don't try to do the 'extra' bus tours.

2 Jun 17, 09:10 PM	#4
	2 Jun 17, 09:10 PM Guest Guest
Guest Guest	Yes 100% worth going and seeing the launch, you can still get everything at KSC done

3 Jun 17, 10:11 PM	#5
	3 Jun 17, 10:11 PM sw16 Apprentice Imagineer Thread Starter
sw16 Thread Starter Apprentice Imagineer Join Date: Nov 07	I did have a quick look at the website and look at it again hopefully tomorrow but was at work and couldn't spend a lot of time looking and knew a dibber would know the answers. Will speak to the rest of my party and see of its something we can do __________________

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