Community Forums

HR-TX · 05-09-2011, 08:55 PM

I am incredibly lucky to be working at an RV resort where I can watch the space shuttle launches, but the program is about to end. Maybe everyone already knows this, but if not...

The last 2 space shuttle launches are quickly approaching. Working where I do I see all the activity and hear all the news. It's a very big thing here.

Space Shuttle Endeavor, the next to the last launch in the program, is now scheduled May 16th at 8:56 AM. That's just a week away. This is the crew with Gabby Gifford's husband, Commander Mark Kelly. The Titusville area is expecting up to 1,000,000 visitors for this launch.

Space Shuttle Atlantis, the last launch of the space shuttle program, is scheduled for June 28th. This one is truly historic being the last time one of these birds heads into space. I can't imagine how many will come to watch this one go up.

Having see 2 of them go up from the resort I am working at, I can tell you it is an incredible sight. RV spaces and hotels / motels from Daytona to Cocoa will be gone well before the launch. I'm lucky to be where I am because I can watch the launch right from the resort and there parties everywhere... sort of like the tailgating that goes on before a NASCAR race or a NFL game.

When the winds are coming in from off shore, the rumble rattles everything in sight. When the winds are blowing off shore, the launch is much quieter until up in the sky a bit. We are close enough to see all but the first few seconds, and can watch it with the naked eye all the way to separation of the boosters and beyond. It's a really cool sight.

If this is something you had in your bucket list, you need to act quickly. You won't be sorry!

SteveLevin · 05-09-2011, 09:13 PM

It's definitely something I am thinking of doing. As an aviation nerd, it IS on my bucket list, but being on the West Coast it's a little tougher to make it all work :(

Steve

edj · 05-09-2011, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HR-TX

Space Shuttle Atlantis, the last launch of the space shuttle program, is scheduled for June 28th. This one is truly historic being the last time one of these birds heads into space. I can't imagine how many will come to watch this one go up.

I am not sure that Atlantis has been funded for a launch yet. According the Melbourne newspaper flight schedule, the launch has been authorized but not funded yet. The following is from the writeup in the launch schedule for Atlantis on June 28th.

"Congress authorized the mission in late 2010 but has not yet appropriated money for the flight."

If this is true and with the current mood in congress, Atlantis may not go up.

HR-TX · 05-10-2011, 05:28 AM

I have a neighbor here who works for NASA and is very "involved" in the shuttle program. He told me that was no longer an issue and the Atlantis is definately going up. Now I supose things could still change, but he said it's a go.

Mr_Bill · 05-10-2011, 11:36 AM

HR-TX,

What campground do you work in? We have reservations at Manatee Hammock for the June launch. Really looking forward to seeing it!

HR-TX · 05-10-2011, 11:39 AM

I work at Willow Lakes, just north of Titusville

edj · 05-10-2011, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_Bill

HR-TX,
We have reservations at Manatee Hammock for the June launch. Really looking forward to seeing it!

You had better keep close track to the Atlantis shuttle schedule and be prepared to change you reservation quickly. The latest story is that the launch is likely to slip into July.