OK, so I happened to see a picture of the Space Shuttle somewhere and I though, OK, this time, see if the damn thing is flying while you're in Florida, because it is pretty much does every time and I don't find out until after the launch. Well, what do you know, there is a launch scheduled while we're down there! I think that perhaps I should try to go see it from where ever you're allowed to watch. I've dreamed about it since I was a kid.
I want to see one of these things launch! Even if you only get to see it for about a minute, I just think the power behind it has got to be a site to behold in person.
On top of that, this is a rare occasion where there are two shuttles on the launch pads at the same time. This is the first time since 2001 and the last time ever.
There is a possibility of us going down to Florida during the week of Thanksgiving. With the next shuttle flight scheduled for the 16th of November, there might be a possibility of it launching while I'm visiting if there are weather delays or whatnot.
I went to Orlando in June of 2007 and the day I was to arrive, there was a launch scheduled. I figured it would get postponed a million times and I'd never get to see it while I was there for the week, but it launched right on time.
I arrived in the airport that morning, got settled in to the townhouse I rented, then headed towards the Space Center. Once you get on the Causeway that leads to the Space Center (there are two and I can't remember which we were on) and start approaching the Center itself, you'll see people on the sides of the road waiting. You don't need to get as close as possible because you can't miss it. I think we ended up getting 4 or 5 miles away and we saw it perfectly once it was above the buildings and treeline.
Many gather in parks and whatnot, some even getting to the Space Center itself, but we were strapped for time and, to be honest, I wouldn't have wasted so much time for the one or two minute launch. Regardless, it was an experience I'll never forget.
Call your congressman, they might be able to get you closer to the launch....
That's why we opted to view it from afar. Much cheaper, a lot less traffic and many less headaches. It is what you make it into. I know my fiancee and I had a ball.
I'm determined to see a Shuttle launch in person before the end of the program. Hopefully next year.
I'd love to be able to watch from the "main" observation area by the giant countdown clock, but I hear it's a massive pain in the ass to make that happen.