Space shuttle launch?

[summer02]

Has anyone been down to Cape Canaveral for a shuttle launch?

I'm debating between buying tickets to the space center or just driving down to the national park and hoping for the best. We were planning on the park since the launch was sold out, but now they've released more tickets.

The ranger that we spoke to over the weekend said that the launch would be visible from the park, but I'm wondering if it would be worth it to get the full experience by buying tickets to view it from the space center?

Thanks for any advice! I can't believe that I'm living some place that gives me the option to have such a dilemma :D

[Meganator]

I haven't been to one myself, but a co-worker and her family went to one a while back, at the invitation of someone they know who works on the project. The scheduled launch ended up being rescheduled twice that week - maybe that's not a big deal if you are within driving distance, though. Also, the viewing spot they were at was pretty far away, so I don't know if the park you are talking about would necessarily be much worse viewing. They thought it was pretty cool to be there, but it seemed really far away to me, from looking at their photos.

[DeeK]

You can see the launch well from Jetty Park. If you are talking about watching it from the National Park, be aware that it may be closed that day depending on the trajectory of the launch.

Playalinda Beach will probably be closed also.

You can see the launch well all along Route 1 from Titusville to Cocoa Beach. We usually park somewhere close to State Route 50 and Route 1. There is a McDonald's for snacks (restrooms) and several grassy areas that you can park on.

Good luck finding a good spot. I'll be watching from my yard. It's not quite as close as you will be, but I don't have to fight the crowd. ;)

[GingerPow]

We lived in Satellite Beach, near Cocoa when I was a kid, and we used to watch the launches. However, it wasn't the shuttle. Probably the Saturn rocket, circa 1961 or 62. JFK was president.

If you have a chance to see it, GO - you'll always remember it.

[summer02]

It looks like we are headed down to KSC...just as we had decided to watch it from the McDonalds area (everyone we've asked says that it is the place to see it :)) there was a knock at the door. It was the UPS man with a brown legal envelope - DMIL ordered the tickets for us as a birthday present when they were first made available :D I can't wait!

[DeeK]

It looks like we are headed down to KSC...just as we had decided to watch it from the McDonalds area (everyone we've asked says that it is the place to see it :)) there was a knock at the door. It was the UPS man with a brown legal envelope - DMIL ordered the tickets for us as a birthday present when they were first made available :D I can't wait!

Have a wonderful time! What a nice surprise. You have a very nice DMIL. :)

[BarbaraL]

How cool! An old boyfriend worked at the space center and used to get to watch the launches (he never said from where he watched). I would have loved to see one. Have a great time!