|
Author
|
Topic: STS-104
|
Lynn
Member Posts: 68
From:
Registered: Jun 2000
|
posted 07-10-2001 02:50 PM
   
I could certainly use some advice right now from any of you who might assist - My family and I leave early tomorrow morning for Central Florida; after a failed attempt 2 years ago to see a shuttle launch, we seem to stand at least SOME chance of seeing this one if the weather cooperates. It appears that the weather down there is pretty bad right now, and Atlantis is unlikely to launch at 5am Thursday as scheduled (am I right there, or is the weather channel making things look worse than they are?). My question is this: what is the most reliabe way (a phone number, radio station, etc.) to find out in advance for certain when it will launch if it is delayed? Hopefully this has an obvious/basic answer, I'm just not quite sure how to get solid information while there.THANK YOU!! in advance for ANY advice or input. ANY comments on how to go about this adventure are very welcome. Lynn |
James Brown
Member Posts: 1287
From: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Registered: Jun 2000
|
posted 07-10-2001 03:08 PM
This phone number will work, 321-867-2525. It's a recording that is updated accordingly. James |
Lynn
Member Posts: 68
From:
Registered: Jun 2000
|
posted 07-10-2001 03:15 PM
James,Thank you for that number. Lynn |
Ben
Member Posts: 1896
From: Cape Canaveral, FL
Registered: May 2000
|
posted 07-28-2001 09:18 PM
So how was it Lynn?? -Ben |
Lynn
Member Posts: 68
From:
Registered: Jun 2000
|
posted 07-30-2001 07:40 AM
Ben, thanks for asking - It was Fantastic!! I think the extra effort required to see a 5am launch (especially with two 8-yr-olds) made the whole experience even more memorable. We arrived at the gate at about 12:30am (after a 2 hr nap at the motel), and were allowed in to the causeway before 1 (we were not among the lucky ones with press passes, but the causeway was really a good setup). I was impressed by how much room there was to spread out; everyone had room for a blanket to lay on, without blocking anyone's view. the 9' alligators gliding back and forth in the moonlight just beyond our 'homestead' definitely added to the ambiance! As I had been told, the launch lit up the surroundings like sunrise, and it was beautiful. Everything really turned out perfect. We then went back to our motel in time to watch the sun rise over the ocean, and then slept for the next 5 hours... The next day, Friday, we had a great time at KSC. My husband even kept the kids entertained while I went on the 'Canaveral Then and Now Tour' (what a great guy!) Did anyone else out there get to see this launch (I know Ken was there somewhere in some VIP Spot!) Lynn [This message has been edited by Lynn (edited July 30, 2001).] |
Lynn
Member Posts: 68
From:
Registered: Jun 2000
|
posted 07-30-2001 09:08 AM
Ben -I didn't visit your website until just now, and wish I had prior to our trip! I didn't realize it had such concise tips on viewing. I kind of winged-it this time, but all worked out well. One thing you mention caught my attention: you suggest not arriving at the gate until just before it closes. We were told by a lady at NASA to be sure to get there before they opened, so that's what we did. I can see your point now that that might put you at the East end of the causeway, but the night that we were there the people entering gate 1 seemed to be filling that end (we came in gate 2, I believe), and we were situated somewhere from the center, or even West of center and the view was very good and unobstructed. It seemed that the view of the launch pad might be somewhat blocked by land if you were too far to the West? is this true? Anyway, for future reference, it is OK to arrive after opening? Lynn |
Ben
Member Posts: 1896
From: Cape Canaveral, FL
Registered: May 2000
|
posted 07-30-2001 10:51 AM
Sounds great Lynn! Glad you had a good time.Seeing it from 3 miles is someting you should do once for sure. Forget press...just write a leter to your local Congressman, with specific launch, and target date, and youll most likely get them. I myself would like to get different views in the future, from causeway and Titusville. To be specific, the causeway is filled first in the center, then outward to both ends, as there are gates on both ends. I should say a good reason to wait until later before entering is to save time with all the traffic! For 93, I had arrived 4 hrs before, and it took an hour to get out! But 101, I arrived an hour and a half before, and was able to quickly make a flight back to NY from Orlando two hours after the scheduled launch!!! Dont get stuck in the middle or you'll be there forever  ....Yes, at the west end, there are a few islands in the river which might block it just a bit (see my sts93 scrub photo, you can see the lower half of the shuttle was blocked). But one needs only to move 30 yards left or right to have a clear view. Hope that helps, and glad everything went A-OK for ya!!!! -Ben [This message has been edited by Ben (edited July 30, 2001).] |
Ben
Member Posts: 1896
From: Cape Canaveral, FL
Registered: May 2000
|
posted 07-30-2001 10:54 AM
By the way. Dont worry about the weather beforehand. And if its technical, youll certainly hear beforehand. The weather for 104 was supposed to be terrible for days! And look, it cleared up.Im worry a bit about 105...5:38 pm tends to mean afternoon Tstorms. But, what the hec, Im going.  -Ben |
Ben
Member Posts: 1896
From: Cape Canaveral, FL
Registered: May 2000
|
posted 07-30-2001 10:57 AM
And I might add one last little thing...For 93, it was at night. The causeway opened right after sunset, and the 4 hr wait in the dark was magical. With 101, it was a day launch, and not pleasant even with the breeze. So for a night launch, I might wait the 4 hours under the stars again! -Ben |
tegwilym
Member Posts: 2331
From: Sturgeon Bay, WI
Registered: Jan 2000
|
posted 07-30-2001 11:18 AM
Arrrggghh!!! You are so lucky. My launch - STS-98 - was pushed back 2 weeks the night before I left Seattle.
When my parents dropped me off at the airport in the moring to go to Florida, I was just about in tears I was so bummed out that I wouldn't even have a chance to see a launch scrub at minimum. Oh well, when I got there and saw KSC which I have been dreaming of seeing my whole life, I cheered up and was like a little kid in a candy store!
I was so busy looking at stuff one day that I almost forgot to eat anything all day.I'm really looking forward to my next attempt, not sure when that will be, but it WILL happen. Tom
|
Lynn
Member Posts: 68
From:
Registered: Jun 2000
|
posted 07-30-2001 11:18 AM
You hit the nail on the head - it was really magical at night. We waited 5 hours, but it really was a great experience. the crowd was light with all in a good mood, everyone was fairly quiet listening to the PA system, and it was almost chilly. I thought at the time that a 5 hour wait in Florida afternoon heat might not be nearly so pleasant! It did take a while to get out, but only about 1/2 hour or so. We were mentally prepared, and the kids just slept so it was no big deal. Ah yes, the kids sleeping... another bonus to a night launch!!I would love to see a launch from half the distance; I did write one congressman in an attempt to secure VIP passes but I never heard back. Next time (whenever that is) I will start trying earlier, and be more persistent. |
Ben
Member Posts: 1896
From: Cape Canaveral, FL
Registered: May 2000
|
posted 07-30-2001 12:02 PM
Tom,The penalty for changing flight tickets after booking them is usally 75$ a tic..well worth it to see a launch, or even attempt. I can barely remember, but for 93 I think I booked too early and did change them. Now, I wait till after the Flight Readiness Review to book plane fares, which is usually two weeks before launch. This time, its not till Wednesday. But I should have no problem with the small airlines no one has ever heard of! On advantage of living in NYC...a lot of small airlines are East Cost only, designed mainly for business travelers. And Orlando is a hot business destination. Similarly, Im sure the same goes for the PAcific. Too bad its not the same for cross country flights, huh?  -Ben [This message has been edited by Ben (edited July 30, 2001).] |
Tom
Member Posts: 1597
From: New York
Registered: Nov 2000
|
posted 07-30-2001 02:14 PM
Lynn:
Glad you enjoyed the launch!
I did see the STS-104 launch...but from a really different view. We can actually see (on shuttles launched before sunrise or after sun set, with clear skies) main engine cut-off from our back yard on Long Island, New York. Not nearly as impressive of course as the experiences I've had from the press site, but still worth going outside for, no matter what time of night.
Tom
|
Ben
Member Posts: 1896
From: Cape Canaveral, FL
Registered: May 2000
|
posted 07-30-2001 02:32 PM
Oh yea, Ive seen two now from NYC. Very interesting. Doesnt have to be sunrise or set, just a night launch. Not quite the same as satellite watching...this is the ME light, not reflected sunlight -Ben[This message has been edited by Ben (edited July 30, 2001).] |
tegwilym
Member Posts: 2331
From: Sturgeon Bay, WI
Registered: Jan 2000
|
posted 07-30-2001 03:00 PM
The tickets I got for the trip were the cheaper non-refundable type. I paid $354 and then a couple days later they were $281. I called the airline asking if I could refund the tickets and buy the lower cost ones instead. All they could do was credit me the difference and not change any dates. I guess I could have changed the date easy enough, but I had resevations for a car, motel, and I was starting a new job the day after I got back, so things were a little tight. You don't know the true feeling of sadness until you get on a plane with zero chance of seeing a shuttle launch. Tom |
Ben
Member Posts: 1896
From: Cape Canaveral, FL
Registered: May 2000
|
posted 07-30-2001 04:24 PM
I dont mean refundable tickets...airlines will, for a fee of about 75$, let you *change* flying dates...I think they give you a whole year to use them. But they wont just give your money back.-Ben [This message has been edited by Ben (edited July 30, 2001).] |
albatron@aol.com
New Member Posts:
From:
Registered:
|
posted 07-31-2001 07:05 AM
Lynn:Im assuming you had a Causeway pass to view the launch. Don't feel like youre missing anything not having VIP passes. As far as the view itself goes, keep in mind at the VIP site while you may be a tad closer (and trust me, 3 miles doesnt make a noticeable difference), at the VIP site the Shuttle launches AWAY from you, whereas at the Causeway site it goes sorta from left to right and the view, in my opinion is far better.
The advantage to being at the VIP site is the proximity to the Saturn V center where you can go inside and hang out until near launch time (in the air conditioning - heck even us Florida natives know to stay out of the heat.....<G> )and the occasional astronaut/celebrity who walks by. Don't forget to make some covers while youre there for the event as a nice memento of being there for a launch. Best, Al |
Ben
Member Posts: 1896
From: Cape Canaveral, FL
Registered: May 2000
|
posted 07-31-2001 07:11 AM
Al is absolutely right that you are not *missing* anything at the causeway...and it does offer a different view which can be nice. But I would have to disagree that 3 miles doesn't make a difference. The sound is louder, the shuttle bigger...and the atmosphere is much different there. -Ben |
Lynn
Member Posts: 68
From:
Registered: Jun 2000
|
posted 07-31-2001 07:21 AM
Al and BenDuring the day, I can see where the air conditioning would be one of the great advantages to the VIP site! Although, beleive it or not, Florida was downright cold compared to where I am from. It was around 103 in Oklahoma during the days we were gone, and only upper 80's to low 90's in FL (and afternoon clouds and showers to cool things off, to boot!). Anyway, we're pretty well acclimated to the heat and humidity. Well, back to the relevant subject. I have no complaints about the causeway viewing, but would love to see a launch closer some time. One thing that astounded me was how long we were able to see the shuttle. The last distance announcement I remember hearing over the PA system was that the shuttle was 480 miles away (or so), and we were still able to see it for some time after that...in fact, basically until it went over the horizon. Very neat! I think we kept it in sight for around 5 minutes or so. (am I right, or was my judgement skewed by the excitement?) That was an unanticipated benefit to a night launch. |
Ben
Member Posts: 1896
From: Cape Canaveral, FL
Registered: May 2000
|
posted 07-31-2001 07:26 AM
During night launches, the light from the MEs is visable until a good six minutes into flight, even from Florida when the shuttle is passing by New York! Its pretty bright! My friend who attended the launch too reported the same. -Ben |
Tom
Member Posts: 1597
From: New York
Registered: Nov 2000
|
posted 07-31-2001 12:57 PM
Ben:The shuttle comes into view, south/southeast of New York a little passed 8 minutes into powered flight. It's visible for about 10 seconds or so, and before you know it, it's gone. There's no doubt about the speed it's reaching at that point!
Tom
|
Ben
Member Posts: 1896
From: Cape Canaveral, FL
Registered: May 2000
|
posted 07-31-2001 05:53 PM
It becomes visible 6-7 minutes after launch, and lasts a good minute. It starts low..at the southern horizon, streaks across the SE, and the MEs shut down when it reaches the East. Both times Ive seen it, it has also appeared to wink out for a few seconds at a time...I have no idea why.Where around here do you live? Maybe inland or north it appears later and lasts shorter? -Ben |
Ben
Member Posts: 1896
From: Cape Canaveral, FL
Registered: May 2000
|
posted 07-31-2001 05:58 PM
Oh oh...I think I see the misunderstanding.I meant that the shuttle is visible until a good six minutes into flight as seen *from* Florida at night. Here in NY, it is as I said in the post above this one -Ben |
advertisement