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04/29/2011 02:14:14 AM · #1 |
My wife and daughter are in Kissimmee for the National Academic Games competition, and with the shuttle launch coming up tomorrow, we're hoping they'll have a chance to see something of it.
The kink is that they have to be at the event in Kissimmee at 5:00 (the shuttle launch is something like 3:47, assuming it goes off on time). It would have been nice if they could have navigated over to Cocoa Beach or somewhere in that vicinity, but they just won't have time.
I'm just wondering whether or not daytime shuttle launches can be seen from as far away as Orlando? They'll be able to drive a *little* toward the eastern coast, but not by much since they have that time limitation. Just wondering whether they'll have any luck seeing it. I know it can be seen during night launches from those distances... but not so sure about during daylight...? |
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04/29/2011 07:07:21 AM · #2 |
| My sister is going to be 40 minuets due south of Orlando and she was told if the conditions are good she will be able to see the shuttle. I would imagine it is possible to see it from Orlando but likely all you will see is an exhaust trail. |
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04/29/2011 07:35:04 AM · #3 |
I saw the last launch from Tampa. As long as the sky is clear enough, you just have to look in the right direction and know when to look. I understand some folks have been able to see the SRB from as far away as Tampa, though I recommend binoculars (or better).
Message edited by author 2011-04-29 07:35:43. |
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04/29/2011 07:41:04 AM · #4 |
Day launches are visible from Orlando and Kissimmee, but mostly as a very bright light riding a smoke plume.
At night they light up the night sky, even in Orlando.
Expect Insane Traffic headed toward the launch, even hours before hand. And even worse after the launch.
If you are near the cape, get some food, or go for a walk, it will be 2-3 hours before the roads heading away from the coast clear up.
The launches generally look like the smoke plume, unless you are very, very close.
In Titusville you can get close enough to feel the sonic waves of energy coming from the shuttle. Amazing experience.
The one thing I miss about living in the USA and Florida is the space launches from the Cape.
If there is a low cloud layer, or a high cloud layer, you may see nothing at all from Orlando etc.
They will shoot it through a small hole in the clouds if they have the chance.
Good Luck and Enjoy! |
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04/29/2011 09:35:52 AM · #5 |
| I've witnessed it from Orlando and it was pretty cool but I'm sure it would be more dramatic if you got 20-30 miles closer. |
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04/29/2011 10:22:31 AM · #6 |
Originally posted by rodneyg:
I've witnessed it from Orlando and it was pretty cool but I'm sure it would be more dramatic if you got 20-30 miles closer. |
sounds perfect for this lens:
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04/29/2011 10:44:28 AM · #7 |
| I've seen a night launch from Miami, I was rather surprised that it was visible, but damn that's a big ass fireball. |
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04/29/2011 11:53:00 AM · #8 |
| I live in Apopka, FL. It is North and West of Orlando and from our front door you can easily see the shuttle go off...tell them to "try" to get to a high point so they are clear of the tree line, that way it will be more visible to them. The weather (clearness of the sky) does play a huge part. Technically Kissimme is closer than what I am as it's on the east side of town. I hope they get to see if go off...set an alarm on their phones to make sure to "pay attention" at that moment...cause it will be gone in a flash of and eye. |
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04/29/2011 12:56:50 PM · #9 |
Endeavour Launch Scrubbed
Fri, 29 Apr 2011 12:18:33 PM EDT
Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach has scrubbed today's STS-134 launch attempt because of an issue associated with Auxiliary Power Unit 1 heaters. There will be at least a 48-hour scrub turnaround while engineers assess the issue.
NASA Television will air a news conference later this afternoon. |
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04/29/2011 07:10:01 PM · #10 |
Thanks for all the responses! Of course it has been pushed off to Monday at the earliest now. Hopefully it will go off Monday, since my wife & daughter will fly home early Tuesday morning.
If my daughter does well in the competition, I may drive down there tomorrow night after shooting a wedding... so if I'm lucky I'll get to see it, too!
I saw STS-101 from the media area at the space center, and it was easily one of the most incredible things I've ever experienced. I haven't been able to watch subsequent launches on TV without getting really choked up over it, and now that the program is coming to an end, I feel pretty upset thinking that we may never get to witness such a thing again in our lifetimes. |
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