Anyone live in Titusville and Cocoa Beach? Shuttle launch viewing tips needed.

[shireen]

A large group of us who are affiliated with the Hubble project are planning to view the October 8 shuttle launch for the last servicing mission.

I'm interested in some advice on good sites for viewing the launch outside the KSC compound. Ideally, we'd like to be able to see the shuttle from the launch pad from our location. A lot of the popular places, like Space View Park or Sand Point Park are going to be very crowded, given the high profile of this mission. Can anyone suggest some other sites that would be good viewing for the launch?

[SteppingRazor]

1. The couple times I did it...

I just parked my car by the side of the road across the cape from the launch pad. :shrug:

[shireen]

2. i've heard the cops are pretty strict about viewing by the road

was there a particular spot where parking was permitted? I'm trying to find a place that would be suitable for a large group.

[SteppingRazor]

3. I've been twice, both times with a small group, three or four people...

Sat by the side of the road, drank some beers, never had a problem with the cops.

But, yeah, it would probably be bad for a large group. Sorry. :(

[iquiring mind]

4. You should be able to get on KSC property

http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/about/information/visitor_faq_prt.htm#17

Q. How do I request a car pass to view a Shuttle launch?
A. Due to recent world events, NASA has suspended the issuance of car passes for Space Shuttle launch viewing from inside of the Kennedy Space Center. Bus tickets to view Space Shuttle launches are available through Delaware North Park Services at the Visitor Complex. Visitors to the Kennedy Space Center may inquire about these tickets by contacting Kennedy's Visitor Complex at [phone] or by visiting their Web site, listed below.

+ Launch Viewing passes
http://kennedyspacecenter.stores.yahoo.net/ltt.html

Launches are always subject to unanticipated delays and changes. For updated information, please call 1 877-893-NASA (6272) for a Kennedy launch status report. For up-to-date information on the next launch, check out the NASA Launch Schedule link below.

I would do what ever you could, contact whoever you can, to get on Kennedy Space Center to view the launch. Any where along the river in Titusville or along the beach in Cape Canaveral or Cocoa Beach would be a location to view the launch. But, nothing can compare to viewing the launch from Kennedy Space Center.

I used to work at KSC and from that close you can literally FEEL the launch as the sound waves buffet your body.

Good Luck!

[shireen]

5. thanks, but we are looking for sites outside KSC....

it's a long story, but for many of us, getting KSC passes will not be an option. I've viewed two launches from the Banana Creek viewing site, about 3 miles from the complex, and you're right ... the sound effects are amazing!

There are some good viewing sites in Titusville, but I expect it will be crowded and traffic will be horrendous. An other option would be the Cocoa Beach Pier, about 14 or so miles away. We won't be able to see the shuttle on the pad, but will certainly get great views of it in the sky. If the shuttle goes off on schedule, on October 8, it will be night launch, at around 1:30am, which will be awesome.