Now that we live in Florida, it finally dawned on us that we could possibly drive and see the space shuttle take off this Wed. What suggestions do you have? How can we best view this, etc. Is the public even allowed any where near the site?

We are just 45 minutes West of Cocoa and see the launches great. We did go once 7 miles away and felt the earth shake...quite the experience to do once. The launch does tend to change and has already been rescheduled. I think you can buy a ticket to go much closer, but do yuou really need to?

This is exactly what I'd like to know. Are there places we could just park and see this event? Where should we go? We'll be driving from the west coast of FL.

I googled to find this -
http://www.launchphotography.com/Shu...h_Viewing.html

Hi teacherD!

To view the shuttle launch from the Space Center itself, you must buy an advance ticket, but there are many areas to get a great view of the launch for free!

I prefer watching from any where on the Indian River (U.S. 1) in Titusville. This puts you in the most direct line of sight to the launch pad. There are several parks where you can park for free. There are also some areas to park for a fee.

Some people park on the waterfronts along the Beachline (S.R. 528). Others head to Jetty Park or any of the beaches in Cocoa Beach (there will be fees of at least $3 to park).

Be aware that launches can be scrubbed for many reasons (weather, technical problems, wandering aircraft, etc.) so you may make the trip for nothing. Once you are in the area, tune your radio to 1240 or 1350 AM for live launch coverage. Bring a cooler with drinks and snacks, and maybe an umbrella for shade.

Viewing a launch is a great experience. I've been lucky enough to see most of them, and it still gives me a thrill! Good luck!

Thanks for the great advice re: public free viewing areas.

Jetty Beach State Park- you'll be as close as you would be at the Space Center, and they have a beach with showers just in case it gets scrapped.

I also saw a pair of manatees in the canal there once!

Second cocontom. Jetty State Park is the place.

My experience that summer launches are more likely to be scrapped due to weather. In addition, winter launches are usually better viewing because of less clouds.

I hope you made the trip over teacherD! We just had a beautiful launch. Good rumble too, the house is still shaking a little bit. The cats will be under the bed for at least an hour...

As much as I wanted to go we decided not this time. We have show tickets for today plus dinner plans with a group before the show. We figured 6 hrs. of driving (round trip) for a few minutes would not be worth it. So we'll have to wait for another time when we can plan on staying for a few days on the East coast. I've copied all of the great info. I received and thank everyone again.

teacherD, the link starrsville gave you has great info on where to see launches - it's the one I always post for people (great minds thinking alike, starrs!).

It was a beautiful launch last night, and Cocoa Beach was jammed!

It was a beautiful launch and enjoyed from my front porch in Maitland. Always fasinating!