Best Places to View a Launch
Created | Updated Jan 28, 2002
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Best Places to View a launch.
I've lived in Cape Canaveral for over 4 years now and have viewed many launches of shuttles and rockets. Over time I have found some very good viewing areas for watching launches from NASA and the Cape Canaveral Air Station.
NASA of course, is where the space shuttle is launched from. There are two pads, 39A and 39B, both within a half mile of each other on the coast. This is where the Apollo missions were launched from. Most folks go to Titusville and watch the launches from the shore of the Indian River. Though it is a good site, it is extremly crowded and in my humble opinion too commercial. The shuttle is also moving away from you in a direct line from your position.
I have found that the stretch of US 528 east of the Indian River and before you get to Port Canaveral is a excellent area. Plenty of space to pull over off the side of the road to view, but it can be crowded also to a bit. The nice thing about that location is that you can see the launch pad clearly, though at a distance. The shuttle is also moving more of a lateral motion when launched and your able to view it longer. I know at night when I'm driving on 528, I can see the shuttle lit up by spotlights quite well. And once it launches, believe me, you will be blown away by the site and sound.
Cape Canaveral Air Station is located just south of NASA. This is where the old Gemini and Mercury Missions were launched from. Today, satellites are sent into orbit from there on Delta and Atlas rockets. We average about 2-3 rocket launches a month, and they can be quite spectacular especially at night. Most folks go to Jetty Park at the port and stand on the jetty packed like sardines. They are about a half mile or so from the launch pad, but are so close to it, the low hill across the port from them can obscure the view till the rocket has gained some altitude. Just behind them is the beach and there is plenty of room to view the launch there. I think the view is much better on the beach about a half mile south of the jetty. You can actually see the rocket on the launch pad quite clearly and have plenty of room to stretch out, sit down, or even swim in the ocean while watching the launch.
Well I hope if any of you come to Florida, that you will arrange to be here at a time when there is a launch. The local paper and their web site, www.flatoday.com , has a up to date launch schedule that is very useful. I encourage everyone to come see our rockets and shuttles. This is for many, a once in a lifetime magical experience to see. Who knows, if your kids view it with you, they may be inspired to become astronauts or rocket engineers when they grow up.
Be well and be safe,
Random
Best Places to View a launch.
I've lived in Cape Canaveral for over 4 years now and have viewed many launches of shuttles and rockets. Over time I have found some very good viewing areas for watching launches from NASA and the Cape Canaveral Air Station.
NASA of course, is where the space shuttle is launched from. There are two pads, 39A and 39B, both within a half mile of each other on the coast. This is where the Apollo missions were launched from. Most folks go to Titusville and watch the launches from the shore of the Indian River. Though it is a good site, it is extremly crowded and in my humble opinion too commercial. The shuttle is also moving away from you in a direct line from your position.
I have found that the stretch of US 528 east of the Indian River and before you get to Port Canaveral is a excellent area. Plenty of space to pull over off the side of the road to view, but it can be crowded also to a bit. The nice thing about that location is that you can see the launch pad clearly, though at a distance. The shuttle is also moving more of a lateral motion when launched and your able to view it longer. I know at night when I'm driving on 528, I can see the shuttle lit up by spotlights quite well. And once it launches, believe me, you will be blown away by the site and sound.
Cape Canaveral Air Station is located just south of NASA. This is where the old Gemini and Mercury Missions were launched from. Today, satellites are sent into orbit from there on Delta and Atlas rockets. We average about 2-3 rocket launches a month, and they can be quite spectacular especially at night. Most folks go to Jetty Park at the port and stand on the jetty packed like sardines. They are about a half mile or so from the launch pad, but are so close to it, the low hill across the port from them can obscure the view till the rocket has gained some altitude. Just behind them is the beach and there is plenty of room to view the launch there. I think the view is much better on the beach about a half mile south of the jetty. You can actually see the rocket on the launch pad quite clearly and have plenty of room to stretch out, sit down, or even swim in the ocean while watching the launch.
Well I hope if any of you come to Florida, that you will arrange to be here at a time when there is a launch. The local paper and their web site, www.flatoday.com , has a up to date launch schedule that is very useful. I encourage everyone to come see our rockets and shuttles. This is for many, a once in a lifetime magical experience to see. Who knows, if your kids view it with you, they may be inspired to become astronauts or rocket engineers when they grow up.
Be well and be safe,
Random
