It is a fantastic sight to see a launch. Not sure how close you can get on your own, but we booked an organised tour which took us to a place called Titusville, which was about 7 miles away. It sounds a long way a way but you still see (and hear) plenty. You would need binoculars (cheap in America). The best part is that it is an official site and it has one of the counters you sometimes see on the tv that counts down to the launch. There were loads of Americans there who had come from all over the country and while we waited for the launch we talked to lots of people. As the countdown progressed to 10,9,8 etc. everyone joined in and when the shuttle took off everyone just cheered and clapped. Interestingly enough, the soundwave doesn't reach you for several seconds after the shuttle has taken off.
The second launch we saw was by accident. We were in EPCOT when one of the Cast Members announced a launch was imminent and told us the best place to stand to watch. On this occasion we saw (clearly and without binoculars) the shuttle as it appeared to curve between the sun and moon - quite amazing.
Babs

Hi Lou

Have a look HERE and HERE for further info

Pippy

There is a certain point you can get to and no further.

Try driving along the 528 and follow the flow.

You will never exprience anything like it in your life!

The sound is AMAZING and so loud.

I have been lucky to witness 3 launches when I've been across in Fla. One of the best places to be is Coco Beach....but you have to set off early as they close the roads cos of the shear volume of traffic

Some of the best view points are on I95...find a rest area and park up!

Let us know how you get on

Thanks for all your replies.
We had thought of spending the day at cocoa beach so we would miss the main traffic.
Having never been was not sure how close it was to see the launch.

Lou
x

louloulynt,

we went to a launch several years ago. Actually from the Space Centre itself. Bought the tickets at a small booth by the tour coach point. Cost us the price of a tour. Mind you I don't know what it costs now.

We had to be at the Centre by 0100 as the launch was due at 0730. Road into the Space Centre was closed to all other traffic and you had to show your pass to the Police before entering the area.

Tour bus took us out to the beach area, where there were coffee stalls etc and tannoys so you could hear Mission Control and the Astronauts communicating. There were probably a thousand people on the beach but when the countdown got to T minus 10 you could have heard a pin drop. made the hairs stand up on the back of my neck.

great memories and videos

would give my eyeteeth to go to another one

go go and have a fantastic time

Bill

We saw a rocket go up from Jetty Park Port Canaveral, Get there early and it was $5 to park (iirc ) there was a cafe and shop and then you can walk out on to the pier for a superb close up view you cant get any closer without being in the space centre !!

Well we went to cocoa beach and were by the pier so really good view and atmsophere too, everyone cheering etc.
It was an amazing thing and made me cry!!!

Lou

Yes we went to Cocoa Beach and parked by the side of the road and walked down to a little beach area. There were hundreds of people and there was a definite atmosphere of anticipation. There was silence when it was launched then lots of cheering and applause . Then there was a mad stampede to get back in the cars and drive off... We saw a man that was playing his guitar whilst it was connected to a car battery (under the bonnet). I am glad we went and it didnt take us too long to get back to Kissimmee. We got some great photographs too.

We saw it go off on Aug 7 at 636pm as we were parking up in MK we saw it from the car park!An amazing sight -not very close , obviously but never the less it was still an awesome sight!

Hi All,
Am off to Florida on sunday and there is a shuttle launch on Tuesday just wondering where would we get a good view without going into Kennedy space centre??
Any suggestions are very welcome and would be a great help.
Thanks Mel.