Space Shuttle Launch in the evening--is it worth it??
 

Hello and happy fall fellow Fodorites.

I have been checking NASA's website periodically for the space shuttle launch schedule as we will be visitng Disney World 10/11-10/18. Initially Atlantis was set to launch 10/8 but as luck would have it, it has been rescheduled for 10/14 at 10:20pm. I realize this date could also change but given the opportunity to see a launch, is it worth it in the dark?

Our kids are 9 and 6 and I think this would be something for all of us to see. Just not sure what the experience would be like after dark vs. daytime.

Your input is always appreciated. Please offer recommendations on viewing, travel time from Orlando, etc...

Thank you!

Just think of all the bragging rights with family, friends, neighbors and school! I would go for just this reason :)

Considering the cost is free, I don't see any downside. A nighttime launch lights up the whole sky.

Only you would know if it is "worth it" or not.

We've gone for a number of shutter launches, had some of them cancelled, and watched others slowly lift up while you are trying to help them along. Then the ground starts to tremble and you (me definitely) feel an thrill being at a shuttle launch.

The night ones are much more spectacular! We are 45 minutes west of there but watch from our porch and it is amazing!!!!

Thanks bnbtraveler. That was really my question but didn't articulate it as such. "Worth it" meaning how much can you see, is it still spectacular at night?

We are keeping our fingers crossed it actually launches during our trip. All we can do is wait.....

I took a tour bus from Orlando to the KSC for a 5PM launch (May 31). It was about an hour from Orlando the KSC and about three hours coming back.

At night against the dark sky it is just beautiful! We only went near there once in 17 years, about 7 miles away, for a morning launch. It did go as planned and we heard it and felt the ground rummble...quite exciting too!

For those people who love watching the Shuttle launches, night launches are considered the best. People in surrounding areas, such as Orlando, who wouldn't bother traveling to the coast for a daytime launch, will make the effort to view a night launch.

As others have stated, it is very dramatic. The shuttle is spotlighted at night, so it makes it easier see exactly where it is located. First time viewers tend to have a problem with this, and end upn wishing they were in a better viewing spot. As the engines ignite, the eastern sky begins to glow orange, which intensifies as the shuttle lifts off the pad into orbit. Its like watching a small fiery sun rise in the night. Some people feel the noise is also louder during a night launch, with less humidity to dampen the sound. The final advantage is that you can usually see the solid rocket boosters as they tumble back to earth, something that is very difficult to do during the day.

If the launch still happens during your stay, I would consider making the trip to the coast. Bring lots of snacks, and pillows and blankets for the kids (it may take a few hours to get back to Orlando). If you decide to stay in Orlando, you should still be able to see the shuttle once its high in the sky, but you won't get anywhere near the same effect.

Have a great time here in Florida!

Thank you bnb and rascat--I love your enthusiasm and remain hopeful we get to see the launch.

Any advice on particular viewing places would be helpful as we are not familiar with the area. I know that WMMB 1240AM and 1350AM will give launch info. I have also found on Fodor's that Titusville, Cocoa Beach and Jetty Park are good locations for watching a launch. Is one better than the other? Unsure about KSC. I think we'd have to buy advance tickets?

Also, what time should we plan on departing the Orlando area for a 10:20PM launch?

If the weather is clear you can see a day launch from just about anywhere in Central Florida. A night launch will light up the night sky like the sun in rising. Those are the most spectacular. The closer you can get the better.

You definitely need advance tickets to be on Kennedy Space Center (KSC) itself. They can be purchased through the Visitors Center. A quick check of www.ksctickets.com shows that you need to call 321-449-4400 to reserve them. If you can still get tickets to the Banana River viewing site, this will be the best view you can get, but it will cost you.

mrwunrfl purchased tickets from another company that was allowed to bring a tour bus onto KSC property and had a good experience. Hopefully, they can give you more details if you want them.

My favorite viewing site after KSC is along the Indian River in Titusville, especially near Sand Point Park (intersection of US 1 and Garden St in north Titusville). I think it is the most direct line view to the launchpad without being on the space center itself.

Other areas to consider are along the Beachline (SR 528), at the Indian or Banana Rivers. I'm not really crazy about those areas with kids, because you are standing along a busy highway.

Lots of people like viewing from the beach, but not sure how it works with a night launch. Maybe 321go or another Cocoa Beach poster knows if Jetty Park will be open that night. You can access other areas of the beach at night, but Jetty Park is the closest to KSC.

Driving time to the coast from the WDW area is usually about 1 hour. There may be more traffic with the launch, and you will want time to scope out your view spot and settle in, so I'd add another hour or two to get over here. The local TV stations do a great job with traffic reports, so check them to see if people are heading over earlier. The big jam up is when everyone goes to leave, so plan on a few hours to get back.

We watched a daytime launch once, from Cocoa Beach. It was a good place to see it, plus you can walk along the sand at the same time.

We were staying at the Hilton Cocoa Beach, and you can walk easily there.

Night launch is much better. If you're on the Banana River you get a great reflection off teh water.

There is nothing quite like an night launch and we've seen both day and night; if you are fortunate enough to be there and see if, take sunglasses...its that brilliant. We had excellent access due to an invitation from one of the astronauts for both of our trips down. unforgettable and more than worth the effort!!

Sounds awesome. I hope it works out for you.

PS - we found a best western hotel for the night of the launch; it will be quite late when you start driving back to Orlando otherwise...its not a bad trip but we decided to stay close by.

Thanks everyone for your input into the pending shuttle launch. Unfortunately, NASA has postponed this mission until 2009. Bummer.

On the bright side, only 5 days 'til Disney World! :)

rascat, your post at 9/26/2008, 9:09am was one of the best, if not THE best, verbal descriptions of a night launch I've ever read! I can remember Apollo 17 and that night launch like it was yesterday, one of the most impressive things I've ever witnessed.

Back in 2000 we were fortunate to get a pass to the press site next to the VAB to view a late-evening night launch. About 3 miles from the actual pad (as close as "civilians" can get) and it was tremendous!

Any place along US 1 in Titusville is the best for a clear and unobstructed view of any shuttle launch.

MvK

Why thank you, Mvk!

DH is an engineer and math instructor who works in the aviation/aerospace industry. So, I've been fortunate to view all of the launches but one. They've all been amazing to me, especially because DH has made me aware of how truly complex the Space Shuttle is!