Shuttle launches - can anyone help?

[papasmurf]

I’m due to land in Orlando on 18th January and there seems to be a planned launch for that evening.

kennedyspacecenter/l...ght-abort-test

Can anyone shed any light on this particular launch? I note it doesn’t have a time yet. Also, it’s talking about aborted launches. Is this something worth going to see?

[papasmurf]

I say shuttle. I mean rocket.

[Gasman66]

From what I can make out it could be an interesting launch (if its on time) as a "Proving" flight, the Falcon 9 rocket will launch, then after a minute or so the flight will be aborted and at the same time the astronaut capsule on the top of the rocket should fire its 4 engines (on the side of the capsule) to separate it from the main rocket and bring the "astronauts" back down safely on the parachutes... but remember very few launches happen on the day, so just keep checking.. On my 50th birthday trip, we were lucky enough to be there and see Discovery on STS92 launch in the year 2000 and it was the 100th shuttle launch.. not seen a launch live since... that's the luck of the draw !

[papasmurf]

Originally Posted by Gasman66

From what I can make out it could be an interesting launch (if its on time) as a "Proving" flight, the Falcon 9 rocket will launch, then after a minute or so the flight will be aborted and at the same time the astronaut capsule on the top of the rocket should fire its 4 engines (on the side of the capsule) to separate it from the main rocket and bring the "astronauts" back down safely on the parachutes... but remember very few launches happen on the day, so just keep checking.. On my 50th birthday trip, we were lucky enough to be there and see Discovery on STS92 launch in the year 2000 and it was the 100th shuttle launch.. not seen a launch live since... that's the luck of the draw !

See more...

Sounds interesting.

I’m due to land at 1630 so it could be tight to get near for 1900

[Gasman66]

No updates for the launch times the only info available is that the launch window opens at 0800 EST on the 18th... will keep an eye out for you

[papasmurf]

Originally Posted by Gasman66

No updates for the launch times the only info available is that the launch window opens at 0800 EST on the 18th... will keep an eye out for you

See more...

Thank you 😊

[disney-2019]

Hi we went last year we watched from space park it is where all the locals go across the water from where it is let off. you have to get their few hours before but great view. their is also a commentary of what is happening as well. The only thing is you can never be 100% sure if it will go up. Last year we went and it got cancelled 30 mins before due to launch due to wind. We then went back following day and watched. Take chairs if you have but great watching space.

[Steveje]

You need binoculars!
I seen a shuttle launch 10 yrs back from the nearest point without the special tickets.
Could not really see anything and then all over in about 2 mins. Noise was about 20 secound delay.
Crazy crowds going and even crazier crowds coming home. Took about 6hrs to get home. Would not go again but I guess it was a lifetime experience.. just shame I could not see anything !

[archibald]

We went to an official ticketed shuttle launch that didn't happen after many hours due to the rain in Spain iirc. The countdown is long and interrupted. Things like that are always 'worth' going to see, but just be prepared that it may not happen.

[Gasman66]

Space X rocket launch "Targeted" for 0800 EST on the 18th January, so if it gets delayed for a couple of days, which is quite possible, you might be in luck...if not there's always you tube !