Space Shuttle Launch

[John Neff]

There is a launch scheduled for Feb. 4, 2010. I have never seen a launch live. Any suggestions as to a place to park?

[Nonno]

I'm sure others with experience can be more specific but I understand there are some good spots along Rt 1 near the junction with Rt 50.

We're going to be at The Great Outdoors during that time and look forward to seeing our first launch too. Was there about 6 years ago but launch was delayed because of mechanical problems. Been told it can be seen from TGO but we plan on heading over to Rt 1.

[Rich and Cork]

We viewed the November launch a bit north of the launch site in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge area. The place we were was at the Haul Bridge, which is right at the Manatee viewing area. This area is about a mile west of where they set up an area that you could no longer continue on the road without proper credentials. About 45 minutes before the launch a bunch of folk started arriving. So this is where the locals appear to come to watch. The Haul Bridge is high enough that you can see the Shuttle on the pad. It was AWESOME. Take a look at a map, it is easy to find.

[Nonno]

Unfortunately, the space shuttle scheduled for Feb 4th now has a target date of Feb 7th, the day we are leaving Titusville. This far out, it may well be rescheduled again which means we may miss it. A bright spot though is that a United Launch Alliance Atlas V launch is scheduled for the 3rd.

[Route 66]

NASA launch schedule.

[depchief]

We went to the night launch in 06 and stayed at The Great Outdoors.
We went to the launch and stopped about a mile north of rt 50 on rt 1, at Paul's restaurant parking lot and parked facing the water. They charged to park which was acceptable due to the event and the food was outstanding. The launch site was almost directly oposite. You could see the launch site but take binoculars. If you have access to a ham radio they link up the radio conversations at the launch center and the site.

The first night it was cancelled, 5 minutes from launch. We decided to stay over and watched Saturday night, same time, from the same location.

TGO is a great Resort, we would go back again if in the area. I also would put a launch on your bucket list as a night launch was unforgettable.