[mgman]

We will be moving to TV next week and I am interested in seeing the Nov. 1 shuttle launch. It is one of those things on my bucket list. Can someone help me with info on where to go to see the launch? We don't want to go really early to see it, just find a place we can get to an hour or so ahead of launch and experience the grandeur of the event. Anybody know where I can go that day? The launch is scheduled for just after 4 PM.

[trichard]

Launch is scheduled for 4:40 pm. Nasa web site will keep you updated.

[DickY]

Originally Posted by mgman

We will be moving to TV next week and I am interested in seeing the Nov. 1 shuttle launch. It is one of those things on my bucket list. Can someone help me with info on where to go to see the launch? We don't want to go really early to see it, just find a place we can get to an hour or so ahead of launch and experience the grandeur of the event. Anybody know where I can go that day? The launch is scheduled for just after 4 PM.

One place to go is Titusville ( http://www.titusville.com/page.asp?navid=204 ) which is near the NASA facility. It's about a 2 hour drive from The Villages. The big problem will be the traffic, especially people trying to see the final launches. It is definitely worth going to see a launch. Be prepared to spend about 4 hours getting back to TV because of the traffic leaving the area.

[JimJoe]

Originally Posted by DickY

One place to go is Titusville ( http://www.titusville.com/page.asp?navid=204 ) which is near the NASA facility. It's about a 2 hour drive from The Villages. The big problem will be the traffic, especially people trying to see the final launches. It is definitely worth going to see a launch. Be prepared to spend about 4 hours getting back to TV because of the traffic leaving the area.

I agree with this post PLUS ...
We had to go 3 times to see the launch.. Things happen such as weather and mechanical issues that require them to reschedule.. The view from Titusville is neat but nothing like you see on Television.. and the traffic is bad. I think you are still about 15 miles from the launch pad.. bring your binoculars or sure... and a portable radio so you can listen to the countdown and the announcers.. much nicer than a quiet launch with the sound delayed a couple of seconds...
BE alter.. it goes off without much warning and because the sound is delayed, you will miss a lot if you dont keep your eye on the launch pad...
Ask someone there where the launch pad is.. you may be looking at the wrong spot and miss some..
Enjoy the crowd.. best part of the event for me.
Park heading back to TV or you will really have a hard time getting out..
Be prepared for crowds.
Enjoy the trip and the wait.. the launch is very short.
If were going back, I would not go down to the shore.. I would find a nice view on a hill next to a resteraunt, go early, eat, after eat go out pull out lawn chairs, turn on portable radio, get camera set, enjoy the launch and leave..
JJ

[CaliforniaGirl]

If you don't want a long drive, just go south on US 27 to Lake Harris. Park at the pier. If you walk to the end of the pier and look straight ahead, you'll have a perfect unobstructed view once the shuttle clears the tree tops. Take some folding chairs and go early - the pier gets crowded for shuttle launches.

[Mikitv]

I was on the http://www.nasa.gov/center/kennedy/a...e_shuttle.html site looking for information. Per the site all reserved seats are sold out, but the listed numerous areas with directions for viewing the launch.

[swrinfla]

I avoid even thinking about going anywhere near the Cape. Under almost any circumstances, the launch can be seen from my street here in TV. No sound, of course, but sharp eyes will see the shuttle headed up, and, with luck it can be tracked for a long time.

Considering the hour of the planned launch, I suspect the neighbors will toast lift-off with their wine!

SWR

[tpop1]

Originally Posted by mgman

We will be moving to TV next week and I am interested in seeing the Nov. 1 shuttle launch. It is one of those things on my bucket list. Can someone help me with info on where to go to see the launch? We don't want to go really early to see it, just find a place we can get to an hour or so ahead of launch and experience the grandeur of the event. Anybody know where I can go that day? The launch is scheduled for just after 4 PM.

Went to a launch two years ago and stayed at the Clarion Inn Kennedy Space Center Hotel in Titusville.

It is directly on the river across from the launch pad. Truly awesome!
It has a grassy area behind it on the river which is great for tailgating and your lawn chairs!

We went to a launch that took place at 4PM and stayed that night to avoid the massive traffic jams out of the area. It had a nice pool at which to spend the evening.

Only downside is booking a room you are at the mercy of any delays in launch.
I give the experience 5 stars.

[Talk Host]

We were scheduled to pick some friends up at Orlando airport on a shuttle launch night a couple of years ago. We hit bumper to bumper traffic on the Turnpike about 10 miles south of the Villages. We were over 1 1/2 hours late getting to the airport for the pickup.

It's hard to believe that many people are trying to get to the cape for the launch.

BTW it was scrubbed that evening.

A couple of days later, we had a pretty good view of it from our front porch in Chatham. You never get tired of seeing it.