[FL] ? Best place from which to watch the Shuttle Launch?

Just J · 03-10-2009, 10:52 PM

I'm in Ft Lauderdale on business. A number of us are thinking of driving up to see the Shuttle launch tomorrow. Can anyone recommend the best place to go to get a good view? Thanks...

JDC1999 · 03-10-2009, 11:07 PM

I am by no means an authority, but I've thought about doing the same thing on a couple of different occasions, but I have been told that traffic can be a nightmare as you get up closer to Cape Canaveral. I think it may have something to do with the fact that many of the roads closer to the coast dead end and therefore there is only one way in and one way out it many cases. Again, I'm no expert and I will be interested to hear what locals have to say.

It would be nice if you could find a member that lives close by that would let you hang out at their place and watch the launch and then pass the time as you wait to leave.

Good luck!

Purerock105 · 03-11-2009, 01:20 AM

Well, the best view would probably be at the actual NASA VAB viewing area where the press are located. Other than that, most other places are pretty equal in terms of a good viewing location. I've been to a few and always hit the Banana River Causeway along SR528/A1A which is the road towards Port Canaveral and Cocoa Beach.

Be in the immediate area 1-hour before launch as traffic will be crazy. And even more ridiculous leaving. We stopped for dinner and got back on the road 2-hours later and it was still bumper-to-bumper for almost 2-hours, BUT I was heading west back to Orlando, 95-Southbound I would guess wouldn't be as bad once things thin out.

I was there for the last one in Nov. It is without question one of the most awesome things to see in person and a night launch is the best.

My video...

Rocketmanwpb · 03-11-2009, 01:22 AM

I have viewed several launches. The best location the general public can go to is the causeway that leads to Port Canaveral.

I have also recently viewed the launch from Palm Beach and was able to see the entire launch.

Floridasky · 03-11-2009, 06:30 AM

If you are going to still be in Fort Lauderdale for the launch drive out to Route 27 and I75, get just north of I75 so the lights are to your back. The shuttle will appear directly north up the road first with an orange glow at ground level and then you see the shuttle. Last launch you actually saw the boosters separate. Got to get awy from city lights.

Awesome to see!

Just J · 03-11-2009, 08:16 AM

Thanks, everybody!

jwt1603 · 03-11-2009, 09:01 AM

Or the parking lot at Eckler's.

1truL48 · 03-11-2009, 12:31 PM

I had a once-in-a-lifetime chance to view the maiden voyage of Discovery from the roof of Mission Control.

My first cousin, Col. David Hilmers, USMC, was senior mission specialist on this, the first return to flight after Challenger.

I was very honored to be there. And it was unlike any experience I've had since.

:

7vettes · 03-11-2009, 04:42 PM

Fuel leak, now they're gonna try for Thursday night. That's the risk of driving long distances to view a launch, the odds that they'll get postponed. Link.....

http://www.floridatoday.com/content/blogs/space/

Luckily we're able to just walk out to the beach when it's a go....

08 ATOMIC-Z · 03-11-2009, 05:00 PM

TV in HD

sorry couldn't resist.............

Launch is scrubbed till Thursday. Fuel Leak, think they might want to fix that one...

Just J · 03-12-2009, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 04VaVette

TV in HD

sorry couldn't resist.............

Launch is scrubbed till Thursday. Fuel Leak, think they might want to fix that one...

Last time I checked they were saying Sunday at the earliest. I'll be back home by then, so no joy this trip. I got stuck in a work dinner and didn't get to drive up, so I would have missed it anyway.

Joe_G · 03-14-2009, 02:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Floridasky

If you are going to still be in Fort Lauderdale for the launch drive out to Route 27 and I75, get just north of I75 so the lights are to your back. The shuttle will appear directly north up the road first with an orange glow at ground level and then you see the shuttle. Last launch you actually saw the boosters separate. Got to get awy from city lights.

Awesome to see!

Right in my neighborhood! I bet you might be able to see it from Everglades Holiday Park too..
Thanks for posting up!

dogboy · 03-15-2009, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwt1603

Or the parking lot at Eckler's.

That's close enough to get a good view and get the heck out when the traffic exits.

parkland_c6 · 03-18-2009, 09:32 PM

I was actually in Disney World when the candle was lit..check out the pics I took from Frontier Land. It froze a parade in the middle of the action.

GrandpasC502 · 03-21-2009, 10:11 PM

I was down for the launch and watched it from the beach at the Patrick Air Force Base officers club. It was absolutely amazing. First one I'd seen in person!

I took mostly video, however here are a couple of shots from the camera. Really cool how the sunlight is reflected in the vapor trails. In the first picture you can see the shuttle after it dropped the boosters. It appears lower in the horizon than the vapor trail.