Shuttle launch viewing from Orlando?

[gill38]

Originally Posted by Bettsie

We watched the last shuttle go up in June 07 - (I think it was Atlantis), if you go to Jetty Park, it costs $5 dollars to park, there is a beach which you can pass the time of day, and also bbq areas (if you wanted to bring your own). It is the nearest you will get to the launch, it was fantastic! The ground shook under our feet.

Jetty Park is unknown to tourists, it is where the Floridians go to watch, and all the worldwide news channels. Good Luck, we got some fantastic launch photographs, and even videod the entire launch, together with close ups of when the booster separates from the shuttle!

Cheers

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Thank you for that. Do you have to get there really early, as we just wanted to go later to see the Launch.

[Guest]

I've just watched a recording of yesterdays press conference on NASA TV and they said that if the Pheonix rocket isn't launched on the 3rd then they may slip the Shuttle launch by a day to the 8th.

[Guest]

This is the press release on NASA which actually gives the go ahead for launching on 7th August.

RELEASE: 07-166


NASA Gives 'Go' for Shuttle Endeavour Launch on Aug. 7

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Thursday, NASA managers set Aug. 7 as the official launch date for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-118 mission to the International Space Station. Liftoff from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla., is scheduled for 7:02 p.m. EDT.

Endeavour's launch date was announced following the traditional Flight Readiness Review at Kennedy. During the two-day meeting, top NASA and contractor managers assessed any risks associated with the mission and determined that the shuttle's equipment, support systems and procedures are ready for flight.

Commander Scott Kelly and his six crewmates are scheduled to arrive at Kennedy at 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 3, for final launch preparations. The countdown is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4.

During the 11-day mission, Endeavour's crew will add another truss segment to the expanding station, install a new gyroscope on the complex and add an external spare parts platform. The flight will include at least three spacewalks. The crew will debut a new system that enables docked shuttles to draw electrical power from the station to extend visits to the outpost. If this system functions as expected, three additional days will be added to the STS-118 mission.

Joining Kelly on the flight will be Pilot Charlie Hobaugh and mission specialists Tracy Caldwell, Rick Mastracchio, Barbara R. Morgan, Alvin Drew and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Dave Williams.

The mission will be Endeavour's first flight in more than four and a half years. The spacecraft has undergone extensive modifications, including the addition of safety upgrades already added to shuttles Discovery and Atlantis.

So will keep an eye on the countdown set to start on 4th August at 9pm

[Guest]

Thanks for that Suzie, I'm getting really excited now!

[Guest]

YVW xx You know how excited I am - driving my hubby absolutely round the bend here - especially as he can't get on the computer (which is his second home) because I am spending all my time here on the Dibb lol.

And of course, he's not coming is he awwwwwwwwwwwwww poor boy xx

How sad, what a pity, never mind - gives me two weeks without him YIPPEE

[N52939]

Think there is only a 10 minute launch 'window' on the 7th so if there are any problems they don't have much leeway. One good thing is that is an evening launch so the sun will be behind you as you view.

[Quensabob]

We watched a satellite launched from Coco Beach last year it was fantastic!

[princessfiona]

We are just back and we were lucky to see the launch of Endevour. We watched the launch from the Astronaught Hall of Fame.This is just before the visitor centre at Kennedy. You cant miss it. It is an official watch site and there is a musuem and bits and picies for you to look at inside. It does pass the time, as to get in the car park we were there at 1pm. The lauch was not until 6.30pm. It was so worth it, and there was a big screen to watch space things and an astronaught giving a talk. Just a word of warning for travelling back. As you can imagine it is extremely busy. It took us 3 hours to get back from Kennedy to our villa at Davenport. Have drinks and snacks handy for the journey back!

[Guest]

Just a note of caution to say make sure your plans are flexible as launches can be delayed quite frequently. Endeavour actually launched the day after the scheduled launch date. This won't be such a problem if you can easily move your plans around a day or two if a delay occurs.

Seeing a shuttle launch is an awesome experience, not to be missed if you get the chance.

[gpb]

We watched from the pool at ASMU, last christmas. It is a amazing sight.