eugene@ames.UUCP (08/28/84)
[leq: "Can he make it? You bet he can Mr. President!!.." Buck Turgidson] In response to the question on visibility of launches, I can give three perspectives. 1) When I was a kid growing up in Los Angeles (over 100 air miles from the Western Launch Site at VAFB) I can remember seeing numerous evening Minuteman launches: contrails, ascending booster flame, and that funny circular cloud associated with the cover blowing off the silo: most impressive at sunset (lasted 15 minutes [cloud that is]). So, the sunset launches of the shuttle will be quite impressive. 2) Later, I helped launch a satellite at VAFB (A civilian oceanography satellite). Normally civilians are not allowed at any launch at VAFB. There might be exceptions in the near future, there were in the past. You can get to within 3 miles of some launch pads. 3) I took the Coast train back to Santa Barbara (My old alma mater.) recently. The train goes right past the Shuttle launch pad, not 500 yards or so. You can see it any time. The area is surrounded by steep slopes, not conducive to spectators (probably due to crowding of other launch sites at VAFB). I wondering about the day, I might take the train and ride pass the Shuttle. The train may become a new Shuttle viewing attraction. I have heard the best way to watch the Shuttle is from a private plane outside the restricted zone. --eugene miya NASA Ames Res. Ctr.