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