Watching the shuttle take off into space would be like watching those first ambitious fish come ashore, topped off with the explosive power of the world’s most expensive fireworks. If you ever need a little inspiration, a space shuttle launch will make you appreciate just how remarkable human beings really are.
Start by contacting Kenny Space Center (321-867-4636) Also find out if there is a launch during your visit (you can also order tickets to see the launch). If you can’t get tickets to the KSC facility, don’t worry, there are plenty of great places to watch the shuttles fly by. Try the Astronaut Hall of Fame, Jetty Park Campground, Cherie Down Park, Rotary Riverfront Park, Space View Park, Coca Beach Pier, Bennet Causeway (Hwy 528), and Brewer Parkway Bridge in Titusville.
Make hotel reservations in advance and plan to stay for a while. The launch I saw, STS-110, was delayed 3 times due to mechanical issues and windy weather, a week culminating in a nail-biting countdown as technicians reloaded software on the space shuttle Atlantis in the final minutes. .
Get to your viewing site early, and bring extra binoculars and beer—it’s an international party no matter where you end up. Vendors sell ice cream, soda, and even mission-specific t-shirts (starting at $10; they make great souvenirs). Tune in to 920AM for up-to-the-minute reports and, five minutes before the big event, the countdown.
At the launch I saw, the anticipation was thicker than solid fuel in a pressurized STS-110 tank. It was parked on the Brewer Parkway bridge, blocked by dozens of cars; nobody cared, nobody was going anywhere. People from all over the world took turns with my friend Linda’s telescope, examining Atlantis from across the bay, picturing her fighting the launcher, eager to fly. “The wind may be too strong today.” a man announced, his ear glued to the radio. We had 28 minutes until the launch window opened. Prayers to various deities followed. “The shuttle’s computers failed,” another woman yelled. The window would close in nine minutes.
But NASA arrived with seconds to spare, and the entire Space Coast began chanting “Three, two, one – LINK OFF!” And there were flames, then clouds of steam, and a silent ascent into the stratosphere. “Here comes the noise,” a father whispered to his son. Windshields shook in response to the roar; none of us covered our ears. And Atlantis was gone.
International Spare Station Center
This attraction is so cutting-edge, you’ll think the whistling doors have transported you directly to the bridge of the USS Enterprise. Not only do you get to witness the construction of the actual components of the International Space Shuttle, but a high-tech observation deck showcases the cramped living space of the astronauts – no claustrophobia need apply. You will only see the center through the NASA Up Close tour and Astronaut Training Experience.
– Astronaut training experience
The Astronaut Training Experience (321-449-4400; per person, including lunch and equipment, $225) is the closest you’ll get to being an astronaut without all that education and training. This experience puts you through the intense training bona fide astronauts endure, including the 1/6 gravity chair and a mission control countdown. You’ll also have a question and answer session with former astronauts, as well as exclusive tours of the shuttle launch pads, the International Space Station and the NASA press site. Attendees must be at least 14 years old; children under 19 must be accompanied by an adult. This program is very popular so call well in advance to make reservations.
– NASA tower close up
The NASA Up Close Tour (adult/child $52/36) includes regular admission plus a 2-hour tour of “restricted areas,” where the space shuttle is refitted after landing and prepared for launch. You almost feel like you’re actually going to see the alien autopsy room, as Mulder and Scully hang around a top-secret warehouse, as you meander between towering buildings and steel pathways. Plus, you don’t have to be a super space junkie to appreciate the awesomeness of this behind-the-scenes look at NASA facilities. Just before a release, this tour is discontinued (no refunds).
Author: Kenneth Ng, Lonely Planet