Kennedy Space Center/Shuttle Launch About This Page:

[Tink and co.]

I just learned that the space shuttle is scheduled to launch while we're in Florida, and we want to see it! My question is this--can you get close enough to see it without buying the tickets (as they're non refundable if the launch is rescheduled, and we're not close enough to pop down again so quickly), and my son is just dying to go to Kennedy Space Center. Would it be crazy to go on that day before the launch? Tickets to the center are included in the launch tickets. I'm just thinking it would be super crowded. Anyone know?

[jimmymac]

I've covered several shuttle launches for work, and it is quite an awesome sight. You feel the roar of the thrust of the engines deep in your whole body. But I was in the press area; i don't know where the ticket-buying folks are. You can see the launch from just about anywhere in central Florida, but if you want the full sensation I'd get the tickets. Don't be surprised if they miss this launch window also - this return to space has been snake-bitten. And it will be quite crowded! Hope you get to see it

[BabieeMelly]

We're planning on visiting the Kennedy Space Center when we're in Orlando, and I had no idea there was a shuttle scheduled for when we're down there (July)... I don't think we'll get tickets to the launch but I'd love to try to see it from elsewhere

[DopeyGirl]

Like Jimmy said, you can see it from anywhere, but for the full effect, you want to get tickets!!!

When we lived in Jacksonville, we could see launches (once they had lifted off) by sitting in our apartment complex's parking lot and we also had seen them from sitting on St. Augustine Beach!!!

There are areas you can park along in the Titusville area and you can see/hear from Cocoa Beach in some places, but it sometimes gets crowded, especially during the summer (if a lot of people are aware of the launch). Best bet would probably be to just go ahead and get the tickets and visit the Space Center that day!

[jimmymac]

I don't know how much the tickets cost, but NASA has missed the last 2 launch windows because of technical problems and safety concerns, so thay just may miss this one too

[DopeyGirl]

[ QUOTE ]
I don't know how much the tickets cost, but NASA has missed the last 2 launch windows because of technical problems and safety concerns, so thay just may miss this one too

[/ QUOTE ]

True . . . it also looks like they have everything sold out on KSC property for the July launch (STS-114). There is one package that is available still though it is viewing from the Astronaut Hall of Fame, which is before you go over the bridge to the KSC visitor center . . . here's a link to that:

http://www.ksctickets.com/kennedyspa...tashaloff.html

Also, here is a link to some of the good viewing spots outside of KSC for launches:

http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/...w_shuttle.html

[Tink and co.]

Thanks Sarah! That list for offsite viewing was what I needed. I hate to buy tickets since it's likely to be cancelled. I thought I'd keep an eye on it while we're there, and hopefully we can buzz over! And then maybe we can do the Space Center another time or even before or after our cruise in 2006.

[loobyoxlip]

Cool. That would be fun if it actually launches and you got to see it.