posted 09-13-2009 04:42 PM               

I was so very fortunate to see a shuttle launch once before - STS-102 in March 2001. It was perhaps one of the most beautiful shuttle launches, taking place only two or three minutes after sunrise, causing that awesome shadow effect across the whole sky! Even more fortunate was that I lucked out and was able to see this launch from the VIP site on the Banana River front.

I'd like to see another launch before they cease, and more importantly, want to take my wife who has become a bit of a junior space buff herself, and has never seen one. A friend has tried to get launch transportation tickets (LTT) for the last two launches and they sell out within about two minutes of going on sale. I've seen some third party vendors selling bus passes to the NASA Causeway well after tickets sell out through the Visitor Complex. Anyone have any experience with any of these guys? Are they safe to deal with?

Also, if LTT tickets cannot be procured, what is the best secondary viewing site, Titusville or the KSC Visitor's Complex?