Shuttle Landings

[Pat McCarthy]

I'm planning on being in Titusville, FL at the time of the scheduled upcoming Shuttle landing (Dec. 17).
I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for good locations to view a landing. Or at least let me know which of the suggested viewing sites on this page (http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/about/view/view_shuttle.html) are really good ones.

Thanks in advance!

[Barry Bonzack]

Viewing a launch and viewing a landing are two different animals. A launch you can see just about anywhere, even 4 hours away. As for a landing, I have yet to physically see the orbiter when it is landing, and I work at the Astronaut Hall of Fame (http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/visitKSC/attractions/fame.asp). Your best bet would be Along the Indian River on U.S. Highway 1, especially in Titusville. There is a McDonalds near the end of Colonial (US 50) and US 1. As I remember there are some other parking lot areas up against the Indian River. You are going to look across the river and see a white building (http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Site=A9&Date=99999999&Category=NEWS09&ArtNo=517001&Ref=PH&Profile=1105&Params=Itemnr=11)(hanger) just to the left of the Vehicle Assembly Building (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_Assembly_Building). This is near the beginning (or end depending on which direction the orbiter will be landing that day) of the runway. Even if you do not get to see it, I encourage going over there anyway. The two sonic booms sound like cannons.

I am not entirely sure if I will have left town by that point or not, but let me know if you need a free place to stay.

[Pat McCarthy]

Thanks for the info Barry. My grandparents live in Titusville, so a place to stay isn't a problem.

[Barry Bonzack]

Just so you know, Atlantis launch is scrubbed until January (http://floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071210/NEWS02/712100325/1007)

[Pat McCarthy]

Yep, I know. I wonder how close the 'NASA Up Close' tour gets to the pad.
*Hoping to see the shuttle on the pad*

[SuperJake]

Yep, I know. I wonder how close the 'NASA Up Close' tour gets to the pad.
*Hoping to see the shuttle on the pad*

I took that tour once before. The closest you get is the old Shuttle Main Engine test stand. It is a little bit closer than the viewing stands - but not by much. The closest pad is the one with the cover-thing on it... where most of the launches take place now (not sure the name of that pad). If you have a camera with a good zoom, you can get some pretty good shots.