Local Space Shuttle launch info please........ - Page 2

pkspx · 10-02-2007, 09:46 AM

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/content/?cid=5241

Shuttle already rolled out to pad 39A. Things SO FAR look like they are on target for the Oct 23rd launch. Keep a look out on www.nasaspaceflight.com for insider information and the www.floridatoday.com in the space section.

STS-120 Rollout and Pad Processing Latest information:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/for...view.asp?fid=2

Launch window information:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/for...sts=28&start=1

STS-120 on PAD 39A (09/30/2007)

Quote:

www.nasa.gov
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A banner at Launch Pad 39A proclaims the sentiments of the work force at Kennedy Space Center following the arrival of Space Shuttle Discovery on a balmy Florida afternoon. Discovery arrived at its seaside launch pad around noon and was hard down at 1:15 p.m. First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 6:47 a.m. EDT. Rollout is a milestone for Discovery's launch to the International Space Station on mission STS-120, targeted for Oct. 23. The crew will be delivering and installing the Italian-built U.S. Node 2, named Harmony. The pressurized module will act as an internal connecting port and passageway to additional international science labs and cargo spacecraft. In addition to increasing the living and working space inside the station, it also will serve as a work platform outside for the station's robotic arm. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

DJD · 10-02-2007, 01:22 PM

Thanks for the info guys!!! Both my son & daughter (5 and 3) are jumping out of their skin & can't wait.
Now all we need is good weather & a few million electrical components to work in our favor

JW in Texas · 10-02-2007, 06:20 PM

Wind was the gotcha for us but she finally went up on the second try two nights later. Traffic is a bear leaving. Take snacks & entertainment for the kiddos.

pkspx · 10-02-2007, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJD

Thanks for the info guys!!! Both my son & daughter (5 and 3) are jumping out of their skin & can't wait.
Now all we need is good weather & a few million electrical components to work in our favor

Yep, it will be something AWESOME for sure. If you translate the thrust the shuttle makes into HP, it turns out to be 37 MILLION HP!!!! Just keep after that nasaspaceflight.com site and check the status. It is actually really interesting following the shuttle launches throughout the processing flow. Some minor things have already come up, obviously didn't post pone the OCT 23rd launch window yet. BTW, interesting note for STS 120, Stowed on board with Discovery throughout the mission is the prop lightsaber used in the Star Wars movie Return of the Jedi, used by Mark Hamill.

More information on the lightsaber
http://www.floridatoday.com/floridat...s-shuttle.html

Complete mission details...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/STS-120

gotime34 · 10-02-2007, 09:28 PM

I was there today doing contract work. That place is huge, and man, seciurity is tight. Its about a 3-4 mile drive from where the news people watch to where the regular guests watch, I can't imagine that its that much of a difference. I think I am going to try to make the launch as well, it is on my list of things to see/do in my lifetime.

DJD · 10-03-2007, 02:15 PM

Well our trip is going to be a big gamble. We are supposed to fly out Monday night to Orlando & drive out to the hotel near Kennedy. Tuesdy launch (hopefully) and mess around at the visitors complex for the rest of the day. Wednesday a.m. hit Disney & then get back on a plane at 7p.m. If there was a 24 hour delay, we could just reverse the plan.
I'll be checking the news up till flight time on Monday. If anyone down there has better info or could call me between 4p.m. and 6:20 p.m. (when I'll be away from the computer on the way to the flight) if there is a substantial delay, I'd appreciate it. PM me & I'll send my cell#

Thanks! Dave

Dean Ferry · 10-03-2007, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJD

Well our trip is going to be a big gamble. We are supposed to fly out Monday night to Orlando & drive out to the hotel near Kennedy. Tuesdy launch (hopefully) and mess around at the visitors complex for the rest of the day. Wednesday a.m. hit Disney & then get back on a plane at 7p.m. If there was a 24 hour delay, we could just reverse the plan.
I'll be checking the news up till flight time on Monday. If anyone down there has better info or could call me between 4p.m. and 6:20 p.m. (when I'll be away from the computer on the way to the flight) if there is a substantial delay, I'd appreciate it. PM me & I'll send my cell#

Thanks! Dave

Dave,
I'll try to keep you updated.
Dean

DJD · 10-04-2007, 08:49 AM

Hey Dean, quick question:
I was looking at hotels in Titusville & someone mentioned that they wished they had stayed out on the beach instead because of traffic?? I found a few nice hotels on the beach (Doubletree, Hilton). Would it be a mistake staying at Cocoa Beach? We have tickets with a scheduled 9:00a.m. "arrival time" at the Kennedy visitor complex.
Thanks!!
Dave

Dean Ferry · 10-04-2007, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJD

Hey Dean, quick question:
I was looking at hotels in Titusville & someone mentioned that they wished they had stayed out on the beach instead because of traffic?? I found a few nice hotels on the beach (Doubletree, Hilton). Would it be a mistake staying at Cocoa Beach? We have tickets with a scheduled 9:00a.m. "arrival time" at the Kennedy visitor complex.
Thanks!!
Dave

Dave,
Yes it's better to stay at CB, because when the launch is over, most of the traffic will be headed west bound, back to the Orlando, while you'll be headed east. You'll still have leave early to be in time for the launch.
Hope this helos.
Dean

FeverMike · 10-04-2007, 10:14 PM

How I miss the old days to go watch a launch! You will need 600+mm lens and a tripod to get any sort of good pictures were they now allow you.