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Author
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Topic: STS-123 mission viewing
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Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 02-07-2008 10:37 PM
   
Tickets to view the STS-123 launch from the NASA Causeway and KSC Visitor Complex will go on-sale at 9:00 a.m. EDT, Monday, February 11, on this website as well as by phone at +1 321-449-4400.Launch ticket orders cannot be placed via email or by leaving a voice mail message. You must place your order online or by speaking to a reservation agent. STS-123 is targeted to launch on March 11 at 2:28 a.m. EDT on a flight continuing assembly of the International Space Station with the addition of the Japanese Kibo logistics module and the Canadian Dextre robotics system. |
Jerri
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Registered:
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posted 03-02-2008 06:28 AM
If the shuttle does go at 2:28 am on March 11, do you think I can see it? We are in Flamingo, down in the everglades right on Florida Bay. I plan to go out and look for it. I hope I can see the light it puts off. Thanks------------------
Jerri |
Ben
Member Posts: 1896
From: Cape Canaveral, FL
Registered: May 2000
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posted 03-02-2008 09:50 AM
As long as you have a clear view (no clouds) you should see it with no problem. |
Tom
Member Posts: 1597
From: New York
Registered: Nov 2000
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posted 03-02-2008 11:24 AM
Believe it or not, if it is clear here in the New York area, we'll be able to see the last 30 seconds or so of powered flight... including MECO.Over the years, I've been able to see 7 shuttle launches from Long Island... Main Engine Cut-off is pretty impressive! |
spaceman48263
Member Posts: 75
From: Michigan
Registered: Aug 2004
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posted 03-02-2008 02:46 PM
My daughter will be playing softball in the Cape Coral area on March 11th. What are the chances of her seeing the launch that night? |
garymilgrom
Member Posts: 1966
From: Atlanta, GA
Registered: Feb 2007
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posted 03-06-2008 03:13 PM
Robert you quote EDT (eastern daylight time) for the launch but don't we go to daylight saving time this weekend?Thank you. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 03-06-2008 04:09 PM
Indeed, Daylight Saving Time starts at 2 a.m. (local time) this Sunday, which is why the time for March 11 is given in EDT (as that will be the time zone we are observing on that day). |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 03-07-2008 01:10 AM
HDNet release quote:
HDNet To Broadcast Live, High Definition Coverage of the Launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour - Tuesday, March 11, 2008WHAT: HDNet to broadcast LIVE HD coverage of the launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour, marking NASA's 25th US mission to the International Space Station. Endeavour will fly the astronauts, a space station module and a robotics system to the International Space Station on March 11. STS-123 is an international mission combining the expertise and experience of several countries working together to create a working 'home' in space. The crew - including one Japanese astronaut, will deliver the first section of the Japanese-built Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency's two-armed robotic system called Dextre. HDNet's coverage is hosted by World Report Correspondent Greg Dobbs. WHEN: HDNet's LIVE coverage begins at 2:00 a.m., running until 3:00 a.m. ET - with the launch of Endeavour scheduled for 2:28 a.m. ET. HDNet will also re-air the launch at 10:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 11.
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Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 03-08-2008 03:06 PM
For those planning to attend the launch, here are the relevant road closures and times: quote:
State Road 3 from the Gate 2 News Media Pass and Identification Building to State Road 405, NASA Causeway, via Space Commerce Way will be closed for launch beginning at 9 p.m. on Monday, March 10. NASA Causeway between the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex also will close starting at that time. Roads will reopen approximately two hours after launch.
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Rob Joyner
Member Posts: 1308
From: GA, USA
Registered: Jan 2004
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posted 03-08-2008 09:57 PM
Hmmm. Thanks Robert! That's news to me! Does anyone else have a car placard that states to be there Monday by 9:30 PM or before?
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space4u
Member Posts: 323
From: Cleveland, OH USA
Registered: Aug 2006
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posted 03-09-2008 10:20 AM
I have a question about viewing a landing of the space shuttle. I will be in the Orlando area at the currently scheduled time of the landing for STS-123. Anyone have any tips on seeing a landing (and this one is scheduled for night time) at KSC?Thanks so much, Marcy |
Ben
Member Posts: 1896
From: Cape Canaveral, FL
Registered: May 2000
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posted 03-09-2008 06:09 PM
Unfortunately, there is virtually nothing to see from a distance for a night landing. You will hear the sonic booms if you are anywhere near the flight track or Cape, but it is not worth making any special trip to try and see it. |
RGW
Member Posts: 40
From: Long Island, New York, USA
Registered: Sep 2004
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posted 03-09-2008 07:17 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Tom:
Over the years, I've been able to see 7 shuttle launches from Long Island... Main Engine Cut-off is pretty impressive!
Tom, where on Long Island were you when you saw the 7 launches... and what portion of the sky should we be looking at for the STS-123 launch on March 11?Thanks! |
Tom
Member Posts: 1597
From: New York
Registered: Nov 2000
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posted 03-09-2008 08:05 PM
Just about anywhere on Long Island that gives you a clear view to the south / southeast.The first glimpse (approximately 8 minutes after launch) will be a pulsating orange colored star in the south that is traveling towards the east. With binoculars, you'll be able to see the "v-shaped" main engine exhaust. It will be about 15 degrees above the horizon. At main engine cut-off (MECO) you'll see the flashes of the thrusters firing for a few seconds, before it disappears into the east.
Really awesome experience... try not to miss it.
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Ben
Member Posts: 1896
From: Cape Canaveral, FL
Registered: May 2000
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posted 03-10-2008 02:12 AM
Yea, and it is very bright (Venus-like). Moves faster than a plane. Will come out of the south, across the southeast sky heading towards the northeast where MECO will occur. |
star61
Member Posts: 294
From: Bristol UK
Registered: Jan 2005
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posted 03-10-2008 02:53 PM
Some photos of that would be neat!! ...any chance? Phil |
Jerri
New Member Posts:
From:
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posted 03-10-2008 07:08 PM
We have a few clouds here in the Everglades, so I hope they clear out because I really want to see it. |
Mr Meek
Member Posts: 353
From: Chattanooga, TN
Registered: Dec 2007
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posted 03-11-2008 09:38 AM
Anyone have any luck watching along the eastern US? It was too low in my sky to see well. If It wasn't 2:30 in the morning, I would've driven out in the county a bit more.Oh well. Hopefully there will be another night launch before the end of the program. |
garymilgrom
Member Posts: 1966
From: Atlanta, GA
Registered: Feb 2007
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posted 03-11-2008 11:29 AM
It was too cloudy in Atlanta to see anything. |
Rob Joyner
Member Posts: 1308
From: GA, USA
Registered: Jan 2004
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posted 03-11-2008 05:54 PM
Gary, if it makes you feel any better, those of us watching from the NASA causeway got only about a 22 second view! Endeavour quickly disappeared into the clouds not to be seen again, leaving all spectators with only an audio show with the roar of the engines!On another note, I've mentioned this before - what's up with NASA security? This is the third time in a row there has been no security personnel at all at the U.S. 1/AHOF entrance! Robert explained above per NASA that the entrance would be closed as of 9:00 PM, which obviously differs from my car placard which stated to be there by 9:30, so I left even earlier than planned to beat the deadline. I arrived at the entrance at 8:45 PM to what appeared to be just another ol' evening in Titusville! Are there now not enough security guards to handle launch traffic? Or have they decided not to have security posted at this area anymore? I've been to KSC almost countless times and have done everything there is to do many times over. I'd much rather have taken my time arriving closer to launch time and not having spent it rushing there an extra 3 1/2 hours early for what now seems to be a third time with no reason. I understand that NASA & Delaware North want to stagger the arrival of vehicles as not to bottleneck the road closer to launch time, but they need to enforce their regulations. I saw many, many cars there with no car placard which, as in the past, would not have gotten through security. This only compounds the traffic problem getting in and getting out, which took over an hour just to get back to U.S. 1. I'm thinking of waiting a few hours before arriving for the next launch, but then that would probably be the time when security is out in full force and packing machine guns. If anyone knows who to contact about this problem please let me know as I would very much like to contact them. Thanks! |
wizardofeyes
Member Posts: 11
From: Auburn, NY 13021
Registered: Sep 2006
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posted 03-11-2008 09:13 PM
I watched the STS-123 night launch this AM, and, in the long shots, I could see a flare off flame, which I assume is from the burnoff of waste LH2 vapor. They never showed any great detail of the flare tower.I know that hydrogen fires are generally considered to be invisible, and therefore especially dangerous. I also know that many TV cameras can well into the infrared where the flame would indeed be visible. Since I've never had the opportunity to actually witness a night launch (or a day launch, for that matter) in person, I wonder if those who have actually been there could see the flame with the naked eye. Thanks,
Dave |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 03-11-2008 09:31 PM
quote:
Originally posted by wizardofeyes:
I wonder if those who have actually been there could see the flame with the naked eye.
Yes, the flame from the flare stack was quite visible, which is not uncommon. It can be seen during the day as well.I believe an additional fuel is added to the gaseous hydrogen so as to make it visible. |
James Brown
Member Posts: 1287
From: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Registered: Jun 2000
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posted 03-15-2008 11:51 PM
My STS-123 launch photo made Astronomy Picture of the Day (March 16).I'm very excited about this. James |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 03-16-2008 02:24 AM
Congratulations Jimmy! That's a great shot of a very short-lived sight... |
irish guy
Member Posts: 287
From: Kerry Ireland
Registered: Dec 2001
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posted 03-16-2008 05:42 AM
Congrats James, thanks to your work, and the rest of the gifted members on this site, we all get to enjoy every single mission the little bit more. |
Ben
Member Posts: 1896
From: Cape Canaveral, FL
Registered: May 2000
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posted 03-16-2008 11:22 AM
Great shot, congrats as well! |
James Brown
Member Posts: 1287
From: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Registered: Jun 2000
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posted 03-16-2008 05:45 PM
Thanks guys.James |
Jay Chladek
Member Posts: 2272
From: Bellevue, NE, USA
Registered: Aug 2007
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posted 03-24-2008 09:04 PM
On Tuesday night there will be an interesting viewing opportunity. Both the Shuttle and the ISS will still be flying in close enough formation to be seen close to each other in orbit. But the interesting thing is the ATV will be leading the pack about three minutes before the pair. So for some lucky individuals, you will have the chance to see three spacecraft in orbit on parallel tracks almost simultaneously.In my part of the country (the Midwestern US), the party begins with the ATV at about 8:32PM with the other two following at 8:36PM in the southern sky. It should be interesting to watch, assuming no clouds obscure the sky. |
Lunar rock nut
Member Posts: 911
From: Oklahoma city, Oklahoma U.S.A.
Registered: Feb 2007
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posted 03-26-2008 08:59 AM
Yesterday evening while out sitting in front of the house talking with my brother, we looked up by chance and saw the station leading the shuttle by about 30 seconds. The pass over at 8:34 pm CDT was in a crystal clear sky and lasted four minutes. I hadn't visited the H.S.F. pass over schedule and was caught off guard and quite pleased afterwards. There will be another station pass over, five minutes duration tonight at 8:56 pm CDT here at Oklahoma City.Terry |
FFrench
Member Posts: 3161
From: San Diego
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 03-26-2008 11:35 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Jay Chladek:
On Tuesday night there will be an interesting viewing opportunity. Both the Shuttle and the ISS will still be flying in close enough formation to be seen close to each other in orbit. But the interesting thing is the ATV will be leading the pack about three minutes before the pair. So for some lucky individuals, you will have the chance to see three spacecraft in orbit on parallel tracks almost simultaneously.
I got to watch this last night from outside our front door... with a fourth object (probably ROSAT), starting the show, followed by a magnificent procession of the three objects across the sky. Jules Verne and the ISS are insanely bright, and to watch the shuttle flying along right behind them was amazing - truly like something out of science fiction. A magnificent show!
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AmirBer
Member Posts: 24
From: Be'er Sheva, Israel
Registered: Dec 2006
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posted 03-26-2008 02:46 PM
Earlier tonight I saw a triple pass, the ATV at mag 0.4 a minute after it set the ISS followed it's trajectory to a whopping -2.5 and just as it reached the zenith (not SL) the Endeavor started rising. It was by far THE BEST satellite pass I have had a chance to see, I must say, the Endeavor seemed anxious to come back home  While I saw the pass from the Ilan Ramon youth physics center, my boss Dr. Netzach Farbiash photographed it from his home. Here is a set of ISS pics crossing the big dipper. |
mikepf
Member Posts: 441
From: San Jose, California, USA
Registered: Mar 2002
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posted 03-27-2008 10:50 AM
I went out last night to see Jules Verne and the ISS fly right over my house. I couldn't believe how big and bright the ISS looked as it went by. Still using just the old eyeballs, but never get tired of it. Things were clouding up pretty bad a couple of hours earlier, but I was happily surprised to see clear skies for the fly-over. Did anybody else catch them? Any new pictures Tom?Mikie |
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