2006-10-13 14:28:53 · 15 answers · asked by dtshaff 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Ok, I went through this myself. I love the space program, but never saw a launch. After Columbia, I swore I would see the next lauch if at all possible. I did get to see the 'Return to Space' launch, and it was awesome, but I learned a few things...
One, as a previous answerer said, keep an open schedule. I rented a car, drove non-stop to Florida, and they cancelled.
Two, plan ahead. Have your rental car and Hotel room booked well in advance. I made the novice traveller's mistake of assuming I could get something when I got there (I flew the second time). Ended up with a very expensive luxury convertible and an overpriced roach-trap motel.
Third, don't waste your time and money on NASA lauch viewing tickets. They're not so overpriced as just not needed. The Astronaut Hall of Fame viewing area is not really a good spot to see the launch, and it's massively crowded. There are little parking areas and public parks all along the shoreline that are free, less crowded, and provide a better vantage point. If you're willing to spend a little though, try one of the lauch view boat tours.
Overall, if you like the space program and want to see the launch, it's 100% worth it if you plan it right and avoid unecessary hassles :)
2006-10-13 14:49:39 · answer #1 · answered by lmn78744 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is worth visiting NASA but, People tend to get a little cranky around Cape Kennedy and Titusville because of the influx of people during a launch and the price of everything goes up..
If you go another time you can actually go on the grounds and walk up through the cargo bay of a Shuttle to the cockpit and look at the controls. Plus you can view all of the other rockets and capsules that were used to launch men into space. It is amazing how small some of them are.
In additon, you will get to enjoy the true hospitable nature of the people in the area and not have to put up with pushy out of towners and traffic. That's all the info you get. Where you can rent a two bedroom 2 bath townhouse with cathedral ceilings and a fireplace for $85 per night will remain a secret.
2006-10-13 15:16:00 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I saw a launch on October last year. I bought my tickets to be in the Visitor Complex at Kennedy Space Center. I couldn't find tickets on the nearest place (don't remember the name of the place), they sold out really fast! So at the Visitor Complex you are far, but it was great because they had huge screens, and some astronauts and other people narrating, doing Q&A and stuff like that. Since this launch was early in the morning, with the tickets we bought we could stay and we walked around the complex, saw a movie, went on the new attration, etc. I've heard a lot of people go to Cocoa Beach to see it from there, and it does get crowded. So make sure you get there on time, stay tuned to CF News 13, they have a good news coverage on places to see the launch, traffic, etc. Traffic is really really really heavy after the launch, it took some friends almost 4 hours to go back to Orlando!!
2016-05-22 00:06:53 · answer #3 · answered by Greta 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
C'mon dude - I live in Florida, and I have never been to see a space shuttle launch. What man accomplishes doesn't impress me. Look up at the sky during August, and watch the Perseids meteor shower, THAT'S awesome!
2006-10-13 14:39:11 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Their are so many things that are worth seeing here in Florida! The beaches, beaches, beaches, and seeing the shuttle launch and land is pretty cool too.
2006-10-13 14:37:22 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it would be absolutely worth it! But have a flexible schedule, because launches as you know I'm sure, get post-poned due to weather and maintenance issues.
I've been told though, that a shuttle landing is more spectacular to see!
2006-10-13 14:32:06 · answer #6 · answered by Fun and Games 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi. Yes but you better make it soon. The shuttles will be retired an a few years.
2006-10-13 14:41:06 · answer #7 · answered by Cirric 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I live in Florida and have gone to Cape Canaveral to see it. I can see it from where I live in the the SW portion of FL, but up close...it was absolutely amazing. Yes.
2006-10-13 14:34:27 · answer #8 · answered by Devin 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely. From Virginia it is not far at all. I have come clear across the continent.
2006-10-13 14:36:45 · answer #9 · answered by beckychr007 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was there for a launch and it was spectacular. I only wish the re-entry had not been so tragic.
2006-10-13 14:36:29 · answer #10 · answered by B R 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋