Watching a space shuttle launch is a truly memorable experience. But time is running out: There are only 14 launches left before the space shuttle program retires in 2010.
Is it difficult to see a release? Nope! NASA allows public viewing of the launch from
Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and there are also a number of excellent
observation points around the center. The release schedule is known well in advance,
so you can plan accordingly. Read internet forums, travel reports and blog sites
for hints and tips. There are many useful tips available.
The most important thing is that you want to ensure the best place to see
possible. You can buy a so-called “launch ticket” (or LTT) to
view from NASA driveway. This location is approximately 6 miles away from the
launch pad and offers an impressive sight and sound experience. Nope
Surprisingly, LTTs run out quickly. The best way to get them is
subscribe to KSC’s “armchair astronauts newsletter.” Once this is done, you will receive status updates on upcoming
releases. And most importantly, you will learn the exact date and time.
when tickets go on sale. This is the key information. LTTs are usually depleted
In a few minutes. For STS-120, they were all sold after about four (!)
minutes. When you know the sales start date, make sure you’re ready to
to buy online. Do not order over the phone. The phone option is too slow in comparison
to the direct entry of orders through the Internet.
Once you’ve got the tickets, you should see the release date.
Spaceflight is a very complex business and many things can go wrong. This
It is not uncommon for flights to be delayed for days or even weeks. your tickets are
not for a specific release date, they are for a specific mission. For
example, I bought tickets for the STS-115 mission. The original target date was
August 28, 2006. There were several delays and the shuttle Atlantis finally
launched into space on September 9. While you can be sure that your
tickets are still valid, keep an eye out for release delays.
On launch day, make sure you have enough time to drive to Kennedy
space center. There are many visitors and the roads can be very crowded. KSC
recommends at least double the normal travel time, but it doesn’t hurt
come even earlier. Also, pack as light as possible. There is strong security
at KSC and the less you carry, the faster it will go. Also be prepared to
long lines of traffic after launch, then almost everyone wants to go home in
the same moment
Watching a space shuttle launch is an experience you will never forget.
With a little planning, you can get to see it live before the ferry fleet.
It is withdrawn.