kclenden@silver.ucs.indiana.edu (Kevin Clendenien) (08/25/90)
I've always wanted to work for NASA, of course that hasn't happened
yet. I've always wanted to see a shuttle launch. Well I have time
to go see the next launch, assuming it really does launch Sept 1., or
even Sept 2, or Sept 3. I'm currently in Cary, N.C. and have decided
that the 400 mile drive would be well worth it, especially since as
far as I know this launch is supposed to be at night. So, I'm
requesting any helpful hints, and suggestions that anyone might have on
how to get a good vantage point, what to take along, and info like
that. Thanks for any help.
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kclenden@silver.bacs.indiana.edu Kevin Clendenien
BLAST BBS - (812) 332-0573 BLAST, President
"I want someone like you, only nicer."dil@mace.cc.purdue.edu (Perry G Ramsey) (08/27/90)
In article <55268@iuvax.cs.indiana.edu>, kclenden@silver.ucs.indiana.edu (Kevin Clendenien) writes: > I've always wanted to see a shuttle launch. So, I'm > requesting any helpful hints, and suggestions that anyone might have on > how to get a good vantage point, Glad you asked. Stop in Titusville, NOT Cocoa Beach. Titusville is much closer to Complex 39. You can get an excellent unobstructed view of the launch from the shores of the Indian River in north Titusville. Also, the hotels are more available and cheaper. This is based on the assumption that you are a space nerd. If you want to watch the girls or otherwise engage in any sort of fun and diversion, go to Cocoa Beach. Even the press site is a long way from the pad. Take some binoculars (10X or better would be good). A camera with a good telephoto might be interesting, but I suspect that you would still end up with a horizion and a couple of spots. On the other hand, how could you not try? SEE the visitors center. There is a lot of good stuff there. You get there on State Road 405, which heads east from south of Titusville. After the launch, go to Ron Jon Surf Shop (the only reason to go to Cocoa Beach)(take US 1 to SR 528) and get a Space Shuttle shirt. If you are into wildlife, see about the Black Point Wildlife Drive, which is on the Merrit Island Wildlife Refuge. You get there by going across the river on SR 402 in north Titusville. This is based on 10 years of Apollo watching while I lived in Titusville. (You thought this was a biased account, didn't you?) Cocoa scum, flame away! I have the truth on my side! -- Perry G. Ramsey Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences perryr@vm.cc.purdue.edu Purdue University dil@mace.cc.purdue.edu We've looked at clouds from ten sides now, And we REALLY don't know clouds, at all.
wherry@alazif.enet.dec.com (bradley g wherry) (08/28/90)
In article <5414@mace.cc.purdue.edu>, dil@mace.cc.purdue.edu (Perry G Ramsey) writes: |> In article <55268@iuvax.cs.indiana.edu>, kclenden@silver.ucs.indiana.edu (Kevin Clendenien) writes: |> > I've always wanted to see a shuttle launch. So, I'm |> > requesting any helpful hints, and suggestions that anyone might have on |> > how to get a good vantage point, There is a small park next to the Howard Johnson's and across US 1 from the Titusville Chamber of Commerce. This is an excellent vantage point. my suggestion has to do with what to do AFTER the launch. |> |> Glad you asked. Stop in Titusville, NOT Cocoa Beach. Titusville is much closer |> SEE the visitors center. There is a lot of good stuff there. You |> get there on State Road 405, which heads east from south of Titusville. |> After the launch, go to Ron Jon Surf Shop (the only reason to go to |> Cocoa Beach)(take US 1 to SR 528) and get a Space Shuttle shirt. |> If you are into wildlife, see about the Black Point Wildlife Drive, which is on |> the Merrit Island Wildlife Refuge. You get there by going across the river |> on SR 402 in north Titusville. |> I absolutely whole-heartedly agree 100 percent. After the Launch, I would highly, highly recommend eating dinner/lunch at the "DIXIE Crossroads". This is in fact on SR402 aka Garden Street aka the first exit off I-95 into Titusville (Playalinda Beach Exit). (btw, I have nothing to do with them other than as a very happy customer.) |> This is based on 10 years of Apollo watching while I lived in Titusville. |> (You thought this was a biased account, didn't you?) This is based on 18 years as a resident of this city. (Though I used to watch launches from the roof of my house....:-)) |> |> Cocoa scum, flame away! I have the truth on my side! Let them try. |> -- |> Perry G. Ramsey Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences |> perryr@vm.cc.purdue.edu Purdue University |> dil@mace.cc.purdue.edu We've looked at clouds from ten sides now, |> And we REALLY don't know clouds, at all. |> -- brad wherry | Ex ignorantia ad sapientiam; wherry@alazif.enet.dec.com | e luce ad tenebras.