We've just realized that our trip to Florida coincides with the next scheduled shuttle launch on April 5! I made a hotel reservation in Palm Bay (closest I could find to launch site on short notice). From what I've read here and elsewhere, Jetty Park in Cocoa Beach is one of the best places to see the launch from. The googlemaps directions have me going up 95, then to 528. That seems like a very direct route, but I'm wondering about traffic factoring into the time it will take to get there. Google says 53 minutes. The launch is scheduled for 6:21 am; what I'm really looking for is info about how long it might actually take to drive, find parking and walk to the park. We're able-bodied and can walk a decent distance with no complaints. Thanks for any tips.

anyone?

Because of the early launch time, your drive time is about right, but I still think you will be parking some distance from the park and have a walk to the jetty. I would arrive about 5:40. If you hear local scuttle that the crowds will be heavier, 5:30. Check launch schedule the night before, the morning before you leave and on the radio during your drive.

I would allow 3 hours.

I hope it goes as scheduled, we will be there for Atlantis on May 14.

UpstateCat, I work in Cocoa Beach and it has been insanely crowded this week, probably due to spring break. Also, there is a huge surf festival this weekend which has attracted lots of people, many of whom will stay over for the launch. Expect a lot of traffic and go early.

Jetty Park is fine, but the best spots (outside Space Center grounds) are along the Indian River in Titusville. From there you get a clear and relatively close view. There is excellent information here, and I'd advise you to read it: http://www.launchphotography.com/Shu...h_Viewing.html

Thank you all, especially 321go. That's just the type of current info I need to know. We're looking forward to it, even though we'll be getting up in the wee hours of the morning.

UpstateCat, the weather forecast is looking really good (launch delays tend to be because of weather): http://flametrench.flatoday.net/ It should be a beautiful and memorable launch at that time of the morning. After that there will be only 3 more shuttle launches.