Space Shuttle Launch Tomorrow
 

Weather permitting, there are 2 of us planning on going to Space View Park in Titusville for tomorrow evening's launch. We're from out of town, so this is the first time for both of us. I've done a lot of research here on the forums, but have a few last minute questions.

If the launch is scheduled for 7:55pm, what time should we plan to arrive at the park so that we can stake out a good spot?

Also, we were thinking of finding street parking close to I-95 (according to Google Maps, it's about a 30 minute walk) since we assume there will be traffic, etc. after the launch. We figured we could park further away, get some exercise, and be in a better position to get on the interstate after the launch. Is this even a good idea, or should we just plan on parking near the park?

Finally, what is the traffic situation for those heading north, rather than south or west? We're staying in Daytona Beach, wondering if that is a good idea or not.

Thanks for any help you can provide!

Since its a night launch, and on a Friday night, its hard to say how many people come to watch it. My best guess is to be in Titusville about 2 hours before lift off.

I would skip the idea of parking by I-95, the walk is alot farther than you think. There is actual a fair amount of parking along the river. I would come down US 1. It brings you closer to Space View Park, and is easy to travel between Daytona and Titusville.

After a launch, most of the traffic is heading west towards Orlando, so going back north should be easier. Bring some drinks and snacks and have a little post-launch tailgate party. Traffic should let up in the area pretty quickly. Most of the cars will be stop and go along S.R. 50 and the Beachline. I've never noticed any major congestion north of Titusville. If there is, you can cut back to I-95 on S.R. 46 or S.R. 5.

Keeping my fingers crossed that we have a successful launch tomorrow!

Well, my parents say traffic is already heavy on S.R. at 12:00 noon, so anyone still thinking about heading out for the launch today may want to head out earlier than normal. Haven't heard about traffic coming from the north.

DH says its looking kind of iffy, due to the weather (getting a bit cloudy).

Thanks for the advice. We arrived at the park at 3pm and it was already packed! Still had a great view, though.

Found a good parking spot near the park, and used the GPS to navigate away from traffic in only about 10 minutes. The drive to Daytona Beach took about 70 minutes total.

We drove from California - not for the launch, that was just a coincidence with the timing - but it was so spectacular and definitely a highlight of the trip.

Thanks again!

Glad you made it! The news said more people showed up to watch this launch then they've had in years. Some people going to the beaches had to park 2 miles away and walk!

I watched from my parent's place in south Titusville. The traffic stayed backed up on S.R. 50 for hours. Luckily, I didn't have to rush right out and join the crowd.

It was a great launch, especially with the moon sitting low in the sky, looking like it was hovering just above the launch pad!

Hope you have a safe trip back to California!