psuvm%rak@psuvax.UUCP (11/11/83)
IS FOR GAINING ENTRANCE TO KENNEDY SPACE CENTER TO GET A FRONT SEAT VIEW OF A SHUTTLE LAUNCH? PLEASE EITHER POST TO NET.COLUMBIA OR SEND ME MAIL TO THE BITNET NODE PSUMVS USERID RAK. THANKS FOR ANY HELP I MAY GET.
eder@ssc-vax.UUCP (Dani Eder) (11/13/83)
13 November 1983
There are several ways to get access to the Kennedy Space Center
during a shuttle launch. I am assuming you want to get as close as
possible, and are therefore not satisfied to be 5-6 miles away around
the periphery of the Center. One of the best places to watch from is
the press grandstand. To get there you have to get press accreditation
from NASA, which is a lengthy process. You have to convince them you
are there for some news organization. In my case I was with my college
radio station for STS-1. You write the Public Information Officer at
KSC and ask for accreditation. The press grandstand is a good place
to watch from since it is 3.5 miles from the pad. In front of the
grandstand is an area for still and movie photographers, and forward
of that is the countdown clock and the barge turning basin.
You will be able to hear and see the 'NASA feed' over televisions
set up around the area, and there will be a press building with lots
of handouts and representatives of whatever payload is flying available
for questions. Bring industrial strength mosquito repellant.
The next best place is the VIP grandstand. It is near the VAB,
about the same distance from the pad, but lacks all the nice information
flow. It holds more people. You have to know someone to get there.
Without knowing your individual situation, I would guess your congressman
would be your best bet. It also lets him know someone is interested
in space. Good luck!
Dani Eder
Boeing Aerospace