Shuttle Launch Viewing
March 9, 2011 4:36 PM Subscribe
Space shuttle launch from the water? from land?
My family is planning on attending the next shuttle launch (April 19th). We have a 22 ft boat we enjoy grilling out on, and we were thinking about watching the launch from the water. We'd also be open to watching from land. Where would be the best place from land or water to watch? Pros and cons to either?
Thanks!
My family is planning on attending the next shuttle launch (April 19th). We have a 22 ft boat we enjoy grilling out on, and we were thinking about watching the launch from the water. We'd also be open to watching from land. Where would be the best place from land or water to watch? Pros and cons to either?
Thanks!
22 ft. boat, in generally acceptable on-shore wind (19 knots, shielded by barrier islands) and weather conditions for a Shuttle launch, viewing from the Intracostal Waterway? OK to marginal boating, so-so viewing, compared to various on-shore points of view, if you get to on-shore points early enough.
22 ft. boat, offshore, at max on-shore wind conditions (19 knots) for Shuttle launch, from closest Coast Guard permitted viewing point (probable 4 to 5 foot seas, significant drift conditions, etc.)? All the remaining Shuttle launches are to the ISS, requiring initial roll and climb of the Shuttle to a nearly North heading from launch, to catch up to the ISS, so the NASA team is primarily concerned about surface winds from Northeast, and will "Go" in 19 knot winds from that quarter, max. Max winds from west, and other directions can be up to 34 knots. I, personally, would not want to be trying to stand offshore, for recreational viewing of a Shuttle launch, in a 30 knot wind from the Gulf, in a 22 ft. boat. And for on shore wind directions, I would personally be prone to frequent upchucking in an 18 knot on shore, from the minimum acceptable Coast Guard positions, in a boat half again that waterline, and max ballast. However, YMMV.
As with all Florida boating endeavors and plans, so much depends on local weather, at the time of the event...
posted by paulsc at 5:14 PM on March 9, 2011
22 ft. boat, offshore, at max on-shore wind conditions (19 knots) for Shuttle launch, from closest Coast Guard permitted viewing point (probable 4 to 5 foot seas, significant drift conditions, etc.)? All the remaining Shuttle launches are to the ISS, requiring initial roll and climb of the Shuttle to a nearly North heading from launch, to catch up to the ISS, so the NASA team is primarily concerned about surface winds from Northeast, and will "Go" in 19 knot winds from that quarter, max. Max winds from west, and other directions can be up to 34 knots. I, personally, would not want to be trying to stand offshore, for recreational viewing of a Shuttle launch, in a 30 knot wind from the Gulf, in a 22 ft. boat. And for on shore wind directions, I would personally be prone to frequent upchucking in an 18 knot on shore, from the minimum acceptable Coast Guard positions, in a boat half again that waterline, and max ballast. However, YMMV.
As with all Florida boating endeavors and plans, so much depends on local weather, at the time of the event...
posted by paulsc at 5:14 PM on March 9, 2011
I went to the STS-132 launch last year and the view from Titusville (across the river from Kennedy) was pretty fantastic. I don't know how you'd fare trying to watch it from a boat, though - I think they closed the river down to boat traffic, as all we saw were police boats (maybe coast guard? idk.) ones in the water.
on preview: paulsc's boaty info is lots better than mine.
posted by elizardbits at 5:16 PM on March 9, 2011
on preview: paulsc's boaty info is lots better than mine.
posted by elizardbits at 5:16 PM on March 9, 2011
I've never watched a launch from a boat, but I've seen many from across the river. I think one of the advantages of watching on land is being part of a group... everybody shouts the countdown together ("5! 4! 3...") and when the shuttle actually leaves the ground there's a big collective gasp of amazement. It's kind of goosebump-inducing and inspiring... very fun to share with a big, cheering group.
Have fun... it's really an amazing thing to see!
posted by Sifleandollie at 6:08 PM on March 9, 2011
Have fun... it's really an amazing thing to see!
posted by Sifleandollie at 6:08 PM on March 9, 2011
Keep in mind launch days are traffic gridlock. Worth it if it goes but sucks if it don't.
posted by patnok at 6:41 PM on March 9, 2011
posted by patnok at 6:41 PM on March 9, 2011
Launch windows are 2 trys then stand down one day & try again. so figure a 4-5 day stay at a motel in/near Titusville will put you front & center.
posted by patnok at 6:46 PM on March 9, 2011
posted by patnok at 6:46 PM on March 9, 2011
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Scroll down to see boating information. I must add that I'm extremely envious!
posted by cooker girl at 4:39 PM on March 9, 2011