Watching a Launch of the Space Shuttle

Lift-Off

I always knew watching a space-shuttle launch would be an unforgettable experience, but I treated the opportunity as many do their local attractions. I blew it off, never making it a priority. Sure I could drive a few hours south to Titusville, but.. I didn’t. Okay, now– after 29 years and 134 missions– there are but two remaining manned launches. So, if watching a shuttle lift-off has been on your to-do list, start planning.

The only place to get tickets is the Kennedy Space Center website. I tried to buy a couple for the May 14th launch, but lady luck was not on my side. It’s easy; simply connect to the website and enter a virtual waiting room. However, chances of being called are about equal to winning the lottery– but it’s worth a try.

Since my ticket efforts failed, I drove an hour and a half to Daytona, Florida to meet a friend and observe the lift-off from the beach. Daytona is truly too far for an optimal view, but was certainly better than hometown Jacksonville. The best free public viewing areas require one to arrive up to 12 hours early and stake out their claim.

Rain, heavy cloud cover and wind are unfavorable weather conditions for a launch, but May 14th, the last lift-off, blossomed sunny and warm. Crowds began to gather on the world famous beach as the countdown proceeded. Folks with cell phones related the official mission status and a few seconds after T minus zero, the launch pad burst with brilliant billowing flames. Of course, I couldn’t see that view in Daytona, but I was close enough to hear a thunderous roar that shook the air. Very soon, the rocket appeared low on the horizon, trailing a fiery tail.

Shuttle rising as seen from Daytona Beach

Spectators gaped and cheered. I almost forgot to take pictures being torn between watching with my eyes or through the lens. As the shuttle climbed higher, I heard whispers “Wow, look at that?” Other comments were more tentative like, “Let’s pray they make it.” Still others uttered typical profanities.

The rocket path produced a billowy trail of white residue that hung in the sky. Just before disappearing from sight, a blast of white light exploded. Then whoosh- it was gone. Quiet, over so quickly. I felt a bit teary and tight in my throat. I’d just observed courageous astronauts riding atop a bomb of sorts and witnessed the rocket jettison out of the earth’s atmosphere. “Awesome,” was the word that came to mind and seemed correct. Yes, that was an awe inspiring sight.

Being present at a shuttle lift-off is an intense experience and in retrospect, I wish I’d made the effort earlier. Unfortunately, launches are scrubbed 60 percent of the time because of weather or a technical issues — sometimes with just minutes left in the countdown. You have to be flexible, which makes it difficult for those out of the area.

Now, the final countdown is on; mark your calendars for the two remaining missions from the Kennedy Space Center. Discovery is scheduled for September 16th and the Endeavor will launch sometime in November. Both plan to rendezvous with the international space station. Join me- I plan to experience these historic events.

Climbing Higher

To Buy Tickets:

Tickets to view a launching from the Kennedy Space Center NASA Causeway ($56; $46 for ages 3 to 11), the Visitor Complex ($38 and $28) and the Astronaut Hall of Fame ($17 and $13) are available at www.kennedyspacecenter.com three to six weeks before a launch.  They sell out quickly and will be in extremely high demand for the last two dates. You can sign up for an e-mail alert to know when they will go on sale.

If You Go:

Launch-viewing spots
The Kennedy Space Center Causeway, seven miles from the launching pad on the other side of the Banana River, is the closest public viewing area and offers an excellent, unobstructed views. The effect is magnified by the river’s reflection of the fiery rocket boosters. Tickets sell out within minutes of going on sale.

Another viewing option is from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, about the same distance from the launching pad as the causeway. Trees and power lines partially obstruct the view, so you have to wait for the shuttle to climb some distance before getting a clear sight. However, the center offers a simulcast on jumbo video screens, a countdown clock and astronaut appearances.

A similar experience can be found at the Astronaut Hall of Fame, in Titusville, about 12 miles from the Kennedy Space Center. However, the view from the Astronaut Hall of Fame is no better than a spot along the side of the road, where there is no admittance fee.
Road views:

Portions of the Beach Line Expressway, otherwise known as State Road 528, that cross the Indian and Banana rivers offer a good view. There are decent sightlines off U.S. 1 along the Indian River and on State Road A1A along the Atlantic. Some landowners on those roadways may charge parking fees of $20 for a car and $30 for a van.

Space View Park in Titusville, less than 15 miles from the shuttle-launching pad, directly across the Indian River, probably offers the best view beyond the actual Space Center. Shuttle spotters start arriving about 12 hours early to stake out a spot in the city park. The park turns into a picnic, so I hear.

All that's left

Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the First Moon Landing

40th Anniversary of the Apollo Moon Landing

July 20, 2009 will mark the 40^th anniversary of Neil Armstrong’s first step on the moon. My home state of Florida has several air and space attractions which educate as well as entertain visitors.

During NASA’s early years astronauts trained at Cape Canaveral, Florida perhaps remembered as Mission Control Center. Later, training facilities moved to Houston, Texas, but the Cape still boasts the official launch site and the Kennedy Space Center.

The Kennedy Center deserves a full-day visit featuring the Shuttle Launch Experience. If you dare, board the ride that simulates the sights, sounds and the sensation of launching into space. While at the complex visit NASA’s spaceport facilities, see towering rockets and IMAX space films. Several times a day you have the opportunity to meet and talk, often a question-and-answer session, with an astronaut.

Astronaut and the American Flag on the Moon

On Thursday, July 16. Astronauts Buzz Aldrin, Apollo 11; Charlie Duke, Apollo 16; Al Worden, Apollo 15; Edgar Mitchell, Apollo 14; and Walt Cunningham, Apollo 7, will celebrate the anniversary of the Apollo 11 launch at Kennedy Space Visitor Complex, and mark the opening of a new exhibit at the Apollo/Saturn V Center, the Apollo Treasures Gallery. The new gallery showcases treasures from the Apollo moon missions. For more information go to Apollo-40^th Anniversary.

Shuttle Blasts- Off from Kennedy Space Center, Florida

With some pre-planning and good weather, you might be lucky enough to watch a shuttle launch; information and dates are available at www.nasa.gov.

In Titusville, six miles west of the space center, you’ll find Kennedy Space Camp (for kids and adults) and the US Astronaut Hall of Fame. This locale houses memorabilia and tells the stories of the American space pioneers.

Visit Central Florida to taste Moon Soup at Chalet Suzanne Inn and Restaurant. Lunar Module pilot Jim Irwin grew particularly fond of the Inn’s romaine soup and chose it for his space menu. NASA freeze-dried the creamy green broth and carried it aboard Apollo missions. They make and sell Moon Soup at their own cannery on the property.

In nearby Polk City discover Fantasy of Flight, 30 minutes from Orlando. This interactive museum offers a chance to soar into the wild blue yonder by donning a helmet, goggles, and white scarf and slipping into an open cockpit bi-plane. A pilot takes you for a ride reminiscent of The Red Barron. Be sure to inquire about hot-air balloon rides, too.

Family Fun at Fantasy of Flight, Central Florida

Fantasy of Flight houses over 40 rare vintage aircraft which are often flown in weekend aerial demonstrations. Visitors can immerse themselves into a multi-sensory sight and sound journey through WWI trenches and a WWII pre-bomb mission brief. Veterans love this place.

Florida’s Space Coast, as the Cape Canaveral area is called, sits just 45 minutes east from Orlando. There are miles of pristine beaches and the largest sea turtle nesting area in the country.

Other events commemorating the lunar landing anniversary are being held at: The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC., the NASA Space Center Houston; the Neil Armstrong Air & Space Museum in Wapakoneta, Ohio; the LBJ Library in Austin, Texas.

One small step for man...

The JFK library offers a fabulous re-creation in real time on the Web at www.wechoosethemoon.org. The site goes live at 8:02 a.m.on July 16^th, 90 minutes before the anniversary launch of Apollo 11. Visitors can see animated re-creations of key events and browse video clips and hear radio transmissions between the astronauts and NASA flight controllers.

And if you want to plan a lunar dinner party please visit Mimi’s food blog for ideas.

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Zip Therapy

The Benefits of Ziplining

Click to see video:
St Lucia Zipline

"If you never have, you should. These things are fun and fun is good.”
Dr. Seuss, Oh the Places You'll Go

When presented with the chance to ride a zip line on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia, I applied the above philosophy. How cool. Gliding through an emerald rainforest renewed my spirit and released giggles galore.

My friend and I arrived at Tree Top Adventure Park, near the village of Dennery, eager to try the challenge. Certainly wasn't expecting someone to flop a white bakery-style hairnet onto our heads; nor top that off with yellow helmets.

Next, we found ourselves draped in more harnesses and clinking chains than the ghost of Jacob Marley. Then, we donned extra heavy-duty leather gloves.

"Ready?" asked Daniel, a guide with an impish smile.

"Sure," replied Johanna, "but a little nervous."

"No problem," said Daniel, a hint of his Creole accent breaking through. "This is Simeon; he'll be helping out."

We climbed to a wooden platform built around a tree, making me feel akin to the Swiss Family Robinson. Daniel hitched three pulleys from his harness to a stainless steel wire strung across a ravine, then scooted off. Safety procedures require one guide to be on each end of the line.

"I'll go next," I shouted and lowered myself into a semi-sit, the harness cradling my body. Off I flew like Tarzan's Jane, suspended from a vine. The process was easy and the ride just scary enough to cause a rush.

Swoosh; I landed on my feet, laughing and raving about the wild ride. The rest of the group crossed over with equally happy faces and cheers. We were clipped into safety lines, and then our guides snapped us onto the next cable.

I found it hard to resist the urge to pound my chest like an ape and let out a deep yodeling cry. Trouble was I needed to grip the tether with my left hand and stabilize any rotation with my right.

During ten more rides, we frolicked as monkeys in the mist. We soared as colorful yellow-headed parrots; took flight over small gushing rivers, flew higher than treetops and danced in dense tropical foliage.

Helen, age 50, conquered her fear of heights and couldn't wait to tell her college-age daughters she won their challenge. Her husband David seemed to come alive, beaming with joy, as a child deep in an imaginary world.

I know it sounds dramatic to say a zipline escapade is therapeutic. But, for boomers fraught with creeping age, it just might be. The outing encouraged a return to carefree play, ignited laughter and an "I don't wanna grow up" attitude. Dr. Seuss is right: "These things are fun and fun is good."

Video: Riding the zipline St Lucia

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If you find yourself on St. Lucia, don't miss the chance to go ziplining:
www.adventuretourstlucia.com

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