[net.columbia] VAFB shuttle watching

normb@tekred.UUCP (Norm Babcock ) (08/27/84)

When I worked at VAFB some years ago, the Air Force launched
quite a number of "secret" payloads. The nearest town, Lompoc,
had a front row seat to most of these, (and also watched a
number of interesting destructs), despite the classified nature
of the shots. It got to point that the local barmaid could tell
you the launch time, window, the pad, etc. Because of the spread
out nature of the base, people were starting to climb fences
to get a closer look at the fun, and some were getting as close
as a mile or so.
The Air Force was getting nervous at the thought of someone getting
hurt, (and I'm sure the liability angle was also of concern)
and as a result, established viewing areas, complete with a 
sound system. Because of the "progress for peace" nature of the
shuttle, I'm sure people will be allowed to watch the launch from
these areas. If the the complex is the one we used to call SLC-10,
there are off-base ares that are good. If anyone is interested,
send a mail item, and I'll provide detailed directions, rather
than use net time.

normb@tekred.UUCP (Norm Babcock ) (09/26/84)

In response to several requests (by mail) for more info
regarding the VAFB shuttle launch, I mailed a form letter to
various people. In a number of cases, the mail item comes back
with a note from "postmaster", saying it can't be delivered.
Since I'm new to the net, and UNIX (2.4), can someone tell me
of a bulletproof way to respond to net items and mail? I don't
know the relevant portion of the headers to use in the TO:
line. I also use the <repl> command to reply to mail items; is
this the best thing to use? Any advice will be appreciated.
At the risk of cluttering the net I'll re-run the form letter
I attempted to send. Norm


Since it's Friday already, I thought I'd better respond
to those who ask for information re VAFB shuttle watching,
before another week goes by.

I put some information on the net, a week or so ago, but I'll
give a synopsis here:

Lompoc is the best place to watch, but will be crowded. Lompoc
officials expect up to 200,000 people to filter into the area.
I recommended staying in Santa Barbara for the best access to
Lompoc, Santa Maria second, and Solvang third. If you camp,
that probably would be best. Gaviota, between Santa Barbara
and Lompoc would be good. If the traffic gets the best of you,
you still will get a pretty good wiew.

The USAF will close all roads leading to the base, including
the one to the little RR station called Surf, which is between
North VAFB and South VAFB (the shuttle will launch from SVAFB).

Lompoc will produce a publication explaining the rules, sometime 
in early '85. I'll post a address on the net when it's available.

Just for you guys, I plan to watch from the one spot the Feds 
are likely to miss, the city dump. The dump is northwest of town,
and overlooks a great deal of SVAFB. I won't be able to see lift-
off, but should acquire within T+10 secs. You're welcome to join
me if you can (depending on the wind) stand the smell. 

In response to those who ask "Are you the Norm Babcock who..."
a brief resume: 1956-1959 U.S.Navy, flying the barrier between
Midway and Adak. (Any of you out there familiar with that operation?
                1960-1965 VAFB, Federal Electric Corp, rf labs, 
data reduction, test documentation.
                1966-1967 DewLine
                1968-1970 VAFB again
                1970-1972 White Alice (Alaska)
                1973-1976 VAFB (FEC WPO) anyone know about this?
                1976-     Tektronix
I'd like to hear from anyone who has had experience relating to the
above. Also from anyone who has a project (basket case) airplane,
of the C-150/J-3/Super Cub (including Wag-Aero) or the like, and
would like to get it out of the garage.
                                          Regards-Norm