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 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. 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 (hanger) just to the left of the 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

[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]

Originally Posted by 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*

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.