Launch info for feb 12th 08

[paterson00]

I would like to know if the Feb 12th launch for the shuttle is still on and if so where is the best place to view it?

I have missed 4 launches now, including one which was cancelled just 7 seconds before launch!!! I am from the uk and am determined to see one.

If i have come to the wrong place to ask this question could somebody PLEASE direct me to teh right place?

[Swift]

Hi Paterson00, welcome to BAUT. No, this is a good place to ask, we have some members from Florida, and a lot of knowledge about the space program. You might want to look at this thread (http://www.bautforum.com/space-exploration/67475-sts-122-shuttle-mission-2.html#post1148192), where there is an on-going discussion of the next shuttle launch.

[JustAFriend]

No everything is still on hold until they get the fuel sensor situation fixed.

I live about 100miles south of the Cape and can easily see any launch from my front door (have seen them as far south as Miami when I used to work down there...) I was disappointed the last one didn't go; it was scheduled for 2:30am and night shots are really SPECtacular!

Any spot on the beach from Melbourne to Daytona is good....

[NGCHunter]

If you want the absolute best view of the launch without having to pay anything for viewing it, go to one of the parks or piers located along the indian river on US 1 in Titusville, FL. Try to situate yourself somewhere north of the highway 50 and US 1 and south of Garden street (406) and US 1. My best recommendation is the publicly accessible pier that's just north of Knox McRae Dr. and US 1. You can also try Menzo park (it's a little bit further north than the pier), but there's a lot of trees there so it's no good unless you get there early enough to get a spot right at the water up front. These are the closest viewing places you can find though without having to pay the big bucks to get just a little closer from the NASA causeway. From there you can see the shuttle lift right off the pad and get some incredible pictures to take back home.

[BPCooper]

I assume you meant Feb. 14 which was the former date of STS-123 until today. STS-123 is now mid-March based on STS-122's delay. STS-122 is now slated to launch on the afternoon of Feb. 7.

As far as viewing info goes, my guide might be of help:

http://www.launchphotography.com/Shuttle_Launch_Viewing.html

[JustAFriend]

Just be aware that during Season (winter tourist and snowbird time - November to April) any Shuttle launch will have about a million people streaming over toward Titusville. Also be mindful that many of the businesses will have your car towed immediately if you're coming to gawk, so be careful where you park.

The Beeline Expressway over from Orlando and I-95 both north and south are a MESS. Expect very long waits, crazy drivers shoving their way through.... don't let yourself get caught with a low gas tank!!!

If you get 10 or more miles out of Titusville, the crowds drop dramatically. There are LOTS of public parks and places to pull off of US1 where you can get a fine view of the launches without the hassle....

[NGCHunter]

Just be aware that during Season (winter tourist and snowbird time - November to April) any Shuttle launch will have about a million people streaming over toward Titusville. Also be mindful that many of the businesses will have your car towed immediately if you're coming to gawk, so be careful where you park.

The Beeline Expressway over from Orlando and I-95 both north and south are a MESS. Expect very long waits, crazy drivers shoving their way through.... don't let yourself get caught with a low gas tank!!!

If you get 10 or more miles out of Titusville, the crowds drop dramatically. There are LOTS of public parks and places to pull off of US1 where you can get a fine view of the launches without the hassle....

All true points, but imho if it's a once in a lifetime opportunity for you because of the distance you're traveling from, viewing it from a place that lets you see it come off the pad is worth the hassle. Seeing the smoke at ignition is the most exciting part for me. If you're coming all that way and if you only have one shot to see it, you may as well go all out. The key is to get out there early enough. Just my thoughts on the matter though, obviously opinions differ.

[BPCooper]

And that's where (ignoring the NASA causeway for a minute) the choice of Titusville over the visitors complex is better: because while the VC is closer, Titusville is the next closest place after the causeway with a view of the pad; with a view of ignition, in otherwords. So if you want to be able to see the pad and the actual liftoff, chose Titusville if you cannot or do not get tickets for the causeway.