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Author
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Topic: STS-134: Viewing, questions, and comments
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MikeSpace
unregistered
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posted 04-04-2011 10:38 AM
 
When STS-133 was scrubbed in November it was during the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation's Astronaut Autograph and Memorabilia Show. Pad tours were cancelled, but the launch windows trump everything.The STS-134 launch date is now one week before the 2011 Astronaut Hall of Fame inductions, Hopefully no more slips. |
Fezman92
Member Posts: 1031
From: New Jersey, USA
Registered: Mar 2010
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posted 04-04-2011 11:21 AM
 
I'm going to have to talk to my parents, but I think I may still be able to go. Fingers crossed. |
lunarrv15
Member Posts: 1355
From: Cincinnati, Ohio, Hamilton
Registered: Mar 2001
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posted 04-04-2011 02:19 PM
Scramble city - change flight schedule for additional fee and hotel.  |
tegwilym
Member Posts: 2331
From: Sturgeon Bay, WI
Registered: Jan 2000
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posted 04-04-2011 02:20 PM
Ugh! I feel the pain of those having to change plans. I've done that. So glad I went to STS-133! That final 5 minute hold was about as much stress as I could deal with. |
Fezman92
Member Posts: 1031
From: New Jersey, USA
Registered: Mar 2010
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posted 04-04-2011 02:27 PM
I'm trying to convince my parents to let my friend and I drive down by ourselves. |
drjeffbang
Member Posts: 110
From: Virginia
Registered: Nov 2009
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posted 04-05-2011 08:34 AM
With the date change, we are going to take my daughter down to FL to see the launch (hopefully)! Anyone have some KSC passes they can't use now? |
kr4mula
Member Posts: 642
From: Cinci, OH
Registered: Mar 2006
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posted 04-05-2011 09:14 AM
I'm hoping to secure some launch passes, too, from some unfortunate soul who can't meet the new schedule! Out of curiosity, has anyone seen (or can you see) a launch from Patrick AFB (or Cape Canaveral AFS?), assuming you have access to the base? I wonder if the Air Force employees gather anywhere on site to watch without the crowds. |
SpaceAngel
Member Posts: 307
From: Maryland
Registered: May 2010
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posted 04-05-2011 09:40 AM
Will this delay have any effect for the STS-135 mission targeted for June 28th? |
ApolloAlex
Member Posts: 390
From: Yeovil, England
Registered: Oct 2004
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posted 04-06-2011 05:08 AM
I do hope not as I myself have booked my family and I to watch the last Shuttle launch and especially for this reason booked our accommodation on the shores of the Indian river! |
Go4Launch
Member Posts: 542
From: Seminole, Fla.
Registered: Jul 2003
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posted 04-06-2011 07:24 PM
quote:
Originally posted by kr4mula:
...can you see) a launch from Patrick AFB (or Cape Canaveral AFS?), assuming you have access to the base?
Absolutely. Even the southern-most point on CCAFS is still a bit closer than Jetty Park, which was/is a popular public vantage point. But, assuming you're willing to battle the crowds, US 1 in Titusville is still much closer (and a better bet than Patrick for sure).
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Ben
Member Posts: 1896
From: Cape Canaveral, FL
Registered: May 2000
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posted 04-06-2011 10:12 PM
CCAFS and PAFB are not the same place, a misconception among some. Patrick, as mentioned, is some 20 miles south of the Cape on the Atlantic.In addition, AF/military personnel cannot access CCAFS. It is not an AFB such that you can go on if you have a military ID. You have to have a badge specifically issued by them. |
Hart Sastrowardoyo
Member Posts: 3445
From: Toms River, NJ
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 04-07-2011 07:48 AM
The Erie Planetarium will have a banner taken on 134. Any other tidbits as to what else is in the OFK? |
Fezman92
Member Posts: 1031
From: New Jersey, USA
Registered: Mar 2010
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posted 04-12-2011 07:20 PM
I'm looking at the KSC store and am getting ready to buy some 134 stuff. While at the launch, do you get a free launch program or do you have to buy them? |
NavySpaceFan
Member Posts: 655
From: Norfolk, VA
Registered: May 2007
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posted 04-13-2011 06:47 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Fezman92:
While at the launch, do you get a free launch program or do you have to buy them?
You have to buy one, but they are very prevalent. |
Ken Havekotte
Member Posts: 2915
From: Merritt Island, Florida, Brevard
Registered: Mar 2001
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posted 04-13-2011 06:46 PM
My firm will be supplying STS-134 mission souvenirs such as cachet envelopes, decal stickers, pins, special Endeavour ribbons, patches, medallions, and more throughout the launch week. Email me. |
Fezman92
Member Posts: 1031
From: New Jersey, USA
Registered: Mar 2010
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posted 04-14-2011 09:09 AM
I finally got all the plans finalized, hotel reservations, etc done. Just waiting to get the schedule and stuff next week. I'm so excited and happy that I can go down. I'm going with my best friend who I have know since kindergarten and his dad. I know I won't be able to sleep for that entire week, even more so the night before. |
jwill1975
New Member Posts:
From:
Registered:
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posted 04-14-2011 03:16 PM
I just found out I have Congressional passes for this launch, (can't wait to go!!!) but having trouble finding any nearby hotels. Searching online the closest hotel I can find is Orlando or Daytona Beach. Is that the best I can do with this late notice or does anyone have any other ideas? Thanks! |
Fezman92
Member Posts: 1031
From: New Jersey, USA
Registered: Mar 2010
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posted 04-14-2011 03:27 PM
Congrats on the tickets. The only place you are going to go find is the Orlando area. |
Walter II
Member Posts: 36
From: WV
Registered: Jul 2006
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posted 04-14-2011 03:55 PM
quote:
Originally posted by jwill1975:
Searching online the closest hotel I can find is Orlando or Daytona Beach. Is that the best I can do with this late notice or does anyone have any other ideas?
I highly recommend the Daytona/Port Orange area. It would take hours for you to get back to Orlando. Getting to Daytona was a breeze after STS-133 once we got back on I-95. |
BMckay
Member Posts: 3219
From: MA, USA
Registered: Sep 2002
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posted 04-14-2011 04:02 PM
To all that are going. Don't try to save money by staying in Orlando area. If you can afford to go down and see a launch, try to stay the closest to Kennedy Space Center as possible. Why spend the extra hours in the car when you can enjoy the area and towns around it? Yes many are booked solid but there are a few that still have rooms and yes, you will need to pay four times the regular rate, but it still would be worth it. |
AJ
Member Posts: 511
From: Plattsburgh, NY, United States
Registered: Feb 2009
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posted 04-14-2011 06:19 PM
There is a nice Holiday Inn in New Smyrna Beach, which is just south of Daytona. It's not as touristy as Daytona and has beautiful beaches and some great restaurants. I've stayed at that Holiday Inn and it's very clean, with great ocean-view rooms. Plus it's right on the beach so when you aren't doing shuttle-related stuff, you can enjoy the ocean and weather.  |
Fezman92
Member Posts: 1031
From: New Jersey, USA
Registered: Mar 2010
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posted 04-15-2011 09:34 PM
I was wondering is it possible to drive down to the KSC area the night before the launch and be able to see the pad light up? If it is, what is the best spot and when? |
Neil Aldrin
Member Posts: 84
From:
Registered: Feb 2010
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posted 04-16-2011 05:47 AM
If you want to see the pad(s) at night I know that we had a pretty decent view from the cruise ship area at Port Canaveral. There is a road that runs along the north side that you can access. You'll be 12-14 miles from the pads, so bring your binoculars, but from the deck of our cruise ship I had a great view of both pads and the VAB.As far as hotels... The Days Inn Titusville is showing rooms right now (I searched 4/28-4/30) at the bargain price of $250 a night-ouch, for a hotel that should be $50. Bring your own Lysol. Supply and demand! |
Fezman92
Member Posts: 1031
From: New Jersey, USA
Registered: Mar 2010
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posted 04-16-2011 05:37 PM
We are staying at one of the Marriotts in Orlando and are going to try to go down to Titusville or if possible NASA Causeway to see the shuttle the night before the launch. |
drjeffbang
Member Posts: 110
From: Virginia
Registered: Nov 2009
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posted 04-19-2011 10:12 AM
Any surprises expected after today's Flight Readiness review?It seems that after Discovery's many delays for STS-133 there has been very little news about this mission. |
kr4mula
Member Posts: 642
From: Cinci, OH
Registered: Mar 2006
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posted 04-19-2011 11:12 AM
Looks like I will be making the trek down for the launch! I managed to get some re-sold Gator Tours tickets from a guy who couldn't make the re-scheduled date. After all these years and one failed launch viewing attempt (it was scrubbed), I'll hopefully be able to see one with my space-loving son in tow. |
Fezman92
Member Posts: 1031
From: New Jersey, USA
Registered: Mar 2010
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posted 04-19-2011 11:31 AM
I don't think there should be any surprises after the Flight Readiness Review. They changed the layout of the STS-134 mission page though. |
crash
Member Posts: 318
From: West Sussex, England
Registered: Jan 2011
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posted 04-19-2011 08:11 PM
Good for you, kr4mula. My son is too young so I envy you being able to show your son the launch. Enjoy it! |
Fezman92
Member Posts: 1031
From: New Jersey, USA
Registered: Mar 2010
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posted 04-20-2011 02:37 PM
Apparently the President is going to the launch, Spaceflight Now reports: President Obama will attend next week's launch of space shuttle Endeavour, the first time since 1998 a sitting president has visited the Kennedy Space Center to view a manned blastoff, according to a White House official. It will be President Obama's second visit to the spaceport after delivering a policy speech in April 2010 defending his vision for the U.S. space program. Several news reports indicate President Obama will bring along his family for the launch, which is set for next Friday, April 29, at 3:47 p.m. EDT (1947 GMT). Oh dear, this should be fun. I still haven't gotten my schedule from NASA yet. It would be cool if I got to meet the President... |
MarylandSpace
Member Posts: 1336
From:
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 04-20-2011 02:51 PM
I will be driving down for the launch. Staying at Daytona Beach an hour away.Probably will view from Titusville area and visit the Space Walk of Fame Museum again (a hidden treasure). Hope to see my cS friends at KSC. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 04-20-2011 03:19 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Fezman92:
It would be cool if I got to meet the President...
It would be cool, but if precedent (i.e. as President Clinton did) holds true, then the President will view the launch from the roof to the LCC. |
Fezman92
Member Posts: 1031
From: New Jersey, USA
Registered: Mar 2010
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posted 04-20-2011 03:38 PM
Thanks for the info. Depending on where I am, there is that very off chance that I might get a photo of him with my telephoto. Either way, it is making the launch more exciting. |
Fezman92
Member Posts: 1031
From: New Jersey, USA
Registered: Mar 2010
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posted 04-22-2011 12:26 PM
Just got my itinerary. According to it, I am viewing it from the Causeway. I feel a bit cheated. I did a lot of research with this and was really aiming for the VIP site or the Creek... I'll enjoy it though... |
tegwilym
Member Posts: 2331
From: Sturgeon Bay, WI
Registered: Jan 2000
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posted 04-22-2011 03:05 PM
Don't worry, you'll have a great view from the causeway. Just point your telephoto at the shuttle. I've seen three launches from there and it's great!This is taken with my little pocket Panasonic Lumix camera.  |
Fezman92
Member Posts: 1031
From: New Jersey, USA
Registered: Mar 2010
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posted 04-22-2011 03:12 PM
I'm bringing my 300mm telephoto lens and hope to get some nice photos. I'll enjoy it for sure. Only reason why I was a bit disappointed because Buzz Aldrin is going to be at the Banana Creek site and I would have loved to have meet him. I've never met an Apollo astronaut before |
drjeffbang
Member Posts: 110
From: Virginia
Registered: Nov 2009
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posted 04-23-2011 11:22 PM
Well, we have obtained tickets for the Visitor's Center. Does anyone know if there is wifi available there? |
irish guy
Member Posts: 287
From: Kerry Ireland
Registered: Dec 2001
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posted 04-24-2011 06:17 AM
Just a heads up to everyone on the Isle of Ireland, and Southern England that with this new launch time we stand a very very good chance of once again seeing the shuttle and external tank blaze across the skies 20 minutes after launch. |
johnraiders
Member Posts: 78
From: Cobham, UK
Registered: Sep 2009
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posted 04-24-2011 03:50 PM
What direction and elevation to look? Any chance of seeing it in Surrey? Might be worth going to a hill.
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AJ
Member Posts: 511
From: Plattsburgh, NY, United States
Registered: Feb 2009
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posted 04-24-2011 07:48 PM
Just an FYI for anyone trekking into Titusville, plan lots and lots of time, even the night before. We're already here and word is that 700k+ are expected here, with some setting up at space view park the night before. Amusingly, we overheard some tourists on the KSC tour today asking about getting tickets for the launch. |
irish guy
Member Posts: 287
From: Kerry Ireland
Registered: Dec 2001
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posted 04-25-2011 04:10 AM
Regarding the pass over, not being an astronomy buff, the best thing to do would be to try a dry run each night till Friday night. Check out Heavens Above then go out and find the station, on Friday night the shuttle and tank will follow the exact same path. |
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