I was just wondering.......
I have tickets for the October STS 120 Discovery launch. The tickets will get me, my wife and our two kids (5 and 3) into the visitors complex to view the launch. They say it's 6 miles from the pad but we will not be able to see Discovery on the launch pad. We will be able to see it approx. 2 seconds after it lifts off. Is there anywhere better to view it? Any safety concers (worst case scenario) to think of with my kids there?
I saw Challenger go up once from Port Canaveral & that was awsome. I can't wait for this
Thanks!
Dave

Dave,
That's about as close as you can get without a VIP pass. It will be an awesome sight from where you are going to see it from.
Dean

We watched it from the shore of the Indian River a long time ago. I'm sure we were farther tahn six miles but it was still way cool. It's right up there with one of the "must see" things to do in your life.

You'll be able to see the shuttle on the pad just fine up until the ssme's light. Once the engines light, you'll lose sight of the vehicle because of the steam cloud from that angle. Once it gets a little altitude, you'll see it again. It is a pretty good spot to watch from. The only thing better would be a press site pass or VIP pass, both of which are hard to get.

Rene

We went to the night launch last year & watched from the Visitor Center. Very cool experience!

Dave,
We live in the area and I think the launch is now scheduled for Oct. 23rd. The viewing sight that you selected will be great and as previously mentioned, only a VIP pass would be better. Hope for good weather and enjoy.

Dail

are there any good places to view by boat, ie marinas?

i seen from titsville fla and coca beach

Even the VIP site isn't much closer. They even stop the tourists from getting within a mile or so if the shuttle is just siting on the pad. Once the shuttle roll-out starts the bus tour stops till after the launch.
If you try going by boat the security police will stop you from entering the lagoon and a specified area offshore. Pick up a nautical chart to see the restricted zones.

Best spot in the water is the Banana river, just south of the power lines, (North of the power lines is a FEDERAL NO BOAT ZONE!!) Here's a pic from a couple of years ago, from this location.
Dean