Shuttle Launch Viewing

[pcolaboy]

Sorry for the off-topic post but I know I can count on better information from you Gold Coasters.

I'm planning a trip to watch the next shuttle launch on Feb. 7th, assuming all systems are go, and wanted opinions on the best place to watch the launch. When I was a kid, we went to a Skylab crew launch and also the first shuttle launch but we always went to Titusville which really wasn't all that great since the trajectory is always away from you.

I'd like to get north or south of the cape to get a longer and hopefully better perspective. Is Cocoa Beach always the best place? Where in Cocoa would you go? This launch is scheduled for 4:39 AM and I'll have my two small children along as well.

Thanks in advance,

Pcola

 

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[DanFL1962]

You may want to try Jetty Park. You can enjoy detecting the beach while waiting for the launch. If you want a great place to eat in that neighborhood, go to Grill's at Port Canaveral.

Space View Park in Titusville is a great spot but the traffic afterwards can be a pain.

 

[FISHEYE]

Pcola,

The best place to watch the launch is at JB's fish camp in bethune beach,south of new smyrna beach.You can sit out on the deck and drink a beer or have lunch and see the launch without haveing to fight traffic.If the wind is blowing north you might even feel the heat from the rocket blast.Plus you are far enough away in case theres a mishap with the rocket.You have a chance on getting the hell out of there quick in case of chemical or debris fallout.And JB's has the best grouper sandwich and clam chowder and steamed crabs.Plus you can fish off the dock while waiting for the count down.Most likely the hotels in the center of town near the boardwalk wont be all booked up.Since the launch is at 4:39 am you can still go to JB's.No one will bother you at that hour,we fish till the sun comes up at the dock.Half a block south of JB's is the cape national seashore park.You can see launch towers from JB's.

http://www.jbsfishcamp.com/

 

[bucketofguts]

what is the closest spot? i will bring my own nc seafood, and beer. don't mind staying till traffic is gone. traffic can't be as bad as charolotte motor speedway. thanks in advance!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~bog

 

[GOHO]

Titusville is the closet viewing area at around 12 miles from the launch pad, Jetty Park is around 14 miles from the launch pad. I know a great secluded place in Titusville to watch the shuttle... If you take US1 North of Titusville to a small town called Mims... Go north of HWY 46 about 2 miles and turn right onto Wiley Ave and follow the road till you come to a stop in front of Union Carbide plant, turn left then take your first right and you will be on the Indian River looking at the Pads... No traffic & beautiful view.... been a while though since i went there to watch a launch because now i live in Sebastian.... Bring your fishing pole too!!!

 

[bucketofguts]

many thanks, i plan to come early, and plan for any delays. i will have oysters and beer. as the date gets closer maybe a few of us could plan on some sort of party. just a thought! cheers and thanks again GOHO!

 

[pcolaboy]

Thanks for the great replies and information! I'll certainly be checking up those recommended locations.

Pcola

 

[ashleen]

I watched both the Ares1 test launch, and STS129 Atlantis from Jetty Park. It was a great spot. Having never been before, we just lucked out camping at Jetty Park.
And both launches were way cool! Ares1 was delayed a day, but STS129 went off on schedule. Have fun! Take lotsa pics. I have a ton I have to post.
And if you go to the Kennedy space center.............................DO the lAUNCH EXPERIENCE. cOOL

 

[macblastr]

try not to make your plans so you only can view it on that day.... they love to delay the shuttle. keep that in mind. Also if you gave me more time I could get you tickets into Nasa to watch the launch.

 

[FISHEYE]

Bring a tent or a camper trailer or your rv or cabin cruiser boat.You can live in it for the shuttle delays with break downs and bad weather.

 

[bucketofguts]

macblastr, i would love to sit by the countdown clock. please advise how to achieve that end! thanks a bunch! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~bog!

 

[macblastr]

how many people are with you?

 

[pcolaboy]

Macblastr...

I've been trying to get tickets for a few years now. If you can swing it, I will have my wife and two children for a total of four. I'll bring you a fresh load of Gulf shrimp in appreciation!

Pcolaboy

 

[macblastr]

probably not this launch, as it is too close to the launch date & all the tickets have been handed out - also it is a 4 am launch & you have to be escorted.... but give me a heads up for the next launch & I will see what i can do.