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Author
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Topic: God Speed 102--All the way
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thecollector
Member Posts: 216
From: West TN, USA
Registered: Jun 2000
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posted 02-14-2001 07:34 PM
  
Yesterday, I was informed that I will be witnessing the STS-102 launch from VIP seats at Kennedy Space Center. What a trill! My first Launch. The launch is schedule on Thursday, March 8. My plane back leaves the Cape around 6:00 a.m. Monday, March 12 so it has 3 days to scrub! Wish me well, as I sure hope to see the "Leonardo" module with the crew of Discovery blast off. The school has been kind enough to excuse my absences for the trip and I took off work, so I am good to go. Anyone else attending this launch? Good Luck 102!
Ryan |
thecollector
Member Posts: 216
From: West TN, USA
Registered: Jun 2000
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posted 02-14-2001 08:39 PM
P.S. I need an unsigned photo of Story Musgrave, preferably on an EVA but any would do. He will be speaking at the Astro. Encouter while we are there, and I would like to try to snag an autograph. If anyone has one they would be willing to let go fairly cheap (the trip is kind of expensive all by itself!) I would appreciate it! Thanks!!!!!Ryan |
tegwilym
Member Posts: 2331
From: Sturgeon Bay, WI
Registered: Jan 2000
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posted 02-15-2001 12:21 AM
Good luck! I hope you get to see the launch. I was there last month to see the STS-98 launch on the 19th, but it was delayed right before I left Seattle. Arrgghh!!!
I also met Story Musgrave, but he wasn't signing autographs. Maybe you will get lucky! I did get my picture taken with him though. See my web page: www.geocities.com/tegwilym/ksc I have already decided that I will try again to go to another launch next winter - after I have some vacation time built up from my new job! :-)
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GLYNN
New Member Posts:
From:
Registered:
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posted 02-15-2001 02:28 PM
I met Story last July at the Encounter and was so enthralled went back the following week to see him again. He had crew litho's from four of his missions and would sign any you took as well, I even had one signed for a friend. Great guy and a pleasure to listen to. |
thecollector
Member Posts: 216
From: West TN, USA
Registered: Jun 2000
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posted 02-17-2001 07:29 PM
Is there any way to know which astronauts will actually be on hand at the launch? I would be willing to be Story will be there since he is speaking at A.E. that week, but past that, I have no clue who to expect to be there! |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42981
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 02-17-2001 09:25 PM
It is customary (as I understand it) for the next crew due to fly to attend the launch. Beyond that, NASA does issue a list of VIPs attending the launch a few days before to the press. This release is posted to the KSC website, though it is sometimes difficult to find. |
Bob M
Member Posts: 1744
From: Atlanta-area, GA USA
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 02-18-2001 06:20 AM
Have a great time, Ryan! You mention that
you'll be viewing the launch from the VIP
seats. By that, I would think that you'd be
at the main NASA Guest-VIP Viewing site at
the Saturn V/Apollo Center, less than 4
miles from the pads. And be on tne look-out for astronauts! As
Robert mentioned, it's customary for the next
crew to be at KSC for the launch, but they
have several choice locations to view launches from, such as on top of the VAB! But
the Saturn V/Apollo Center/NASA Guest viewing site is popular with the astronauts. I was there for STS-101 & while I missed the
launch because of 3 straight days of scrubs
because of high wind, I did meet & get autographs from 5 astronauts during the countdowns: John Herrington, Andy Thomas, Ken
Cameron, Sam Durrance & Bill Gregory. Gregory
was there relating to his affiliation with
Honeywell & Cameron was there because of
being the next to appear at the Visitor's Center "Astronaut Appearance." The day before
I met & got an autograph from Mike Mullane at
the Astronaut Encounter. So that was a total
of 6 & the number varies. For STS-87 I met &
got autographs from 11. For STS-83 I saw only
three. Be sure to be prepared with photos or covers
for them to sign, plus a clip board for them
to sign on. Some will be wearing the NASA
blue jump suits & will stick out like a sore
thumb, but others will be wearing regular
clothing, so you'll have to be able to identify those. Last time for me, Cameron,
Durrance & Gregory all had on regular clothing & I was proud that I was able to pick them out from the crowd. Good luck - Bob
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thecollector
Member Posts: 216
From: West TN, USA
Registered: Jun 2000
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posted 02-18-2001 02:02 PM
The letter I have from the NASA PAO only says that "from [the NASA Administrator's briefing] you will be taken to the VIP viewing site at Banana Cree, just 2 1/2 miles from the launch pad, to witness the spectacular launch of the Space Shuttle." So not very specific on where we will be, but as long as I am somewhere close enough to see the shuttle, I am happy! |
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