mb (11/01/82)
I am thinking about going down to see the next flight of Columbia from Cape Canaveral. I need some information about the mission. (1) Is liftoff scheduled for Nov. 11? (I think I remember that date.) (2) How many days will the mission last? (3) Will it land back at the Cape or at Edwards? (4) Are there any special tips for watching this that I should know about? Any especially good or bad locations? Any need for special passes? Thanks in advance, Mike Burns Bell Labs, Piscataway 201-981-6731
sjb (11/01/82)
The liftoff is scheduled for 11 November. I have not heard what time though, but the last two or three have gone off at 1000 or 1100 E?T. The mission will be five days, and it will land at EAFB. If you have some good field glasses, right across the lake would be a nice spot: You get a nice clear picture of the pad and the surrounding land and an unobstructed view of the ascent. Otherwise, you can't get past the 3 mile limit (only press can get up that close, as they are considered 'expendable' by NASA), due to alluminum fallout.