Jetrader - May/June 2008 - 19

big-screen to watch, the trees block a direct view to the launch pad, so the shuttle can only been seen (immediately) after lift off. The distance to the launch pad is about 7.4 miles. Depending on the cloud ceiling, this may result in an hours-long “foreplay,” which results in seeing the actual shuttle for only 10 to 20 seconds (still worthwhile though). Another option is not to go to KSC but look for a spot along the shoreline in Titusville or along 528/1A. The distance is much greater—about 12 miles—but if you stay on public land, it’s free. In my experience the third option is by far the best, but takes some preparation. The closest anyone not invited by NASA can get is the NASA Causeway, at about 6.5 miles from the launch pad. Tickets must be bought in advance, as well and usually sell out within minutes. Several Florida tour operators, such as Gator Tours or Gray Line, however, sell these tickets, as well (at a reasonable premium), and your chances of getting one from them are much better. Causeway tickets include bus transportation from the visitor complex to the causeway. While offering limited facilities, the causeway offers an unobstructed view on the launch pad where one can see the shuttle pre-launch (bring binoculars or a telephoto lens), which is a big difference from the visitor complex. Countdown OK, countdown time! At the one-minute signal, the tension builds to unbelievable levels. The atmosphere is electric and impossible to describe and many spectators become emotional. T-10 seconds 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 the shuttle’s engines light up with orange ﬂames, and within a split-second a huge vapor cloud hides the spacecraft from the eye. Another split-second later, the solid fuel booster rockets ignite, and the vapor clouds get a ﬁery, bright-orange lining. Next, the top of the external fuel tank emerges from the clouds, and slowly the rest of the boosters and the orbiter emerge. Suddenly, as the main engines emerge from the clouds, the Florida night turns into day. The black sky turns a bright orange, and on a blinding column of ﬁre and smoke the shuttle rises into the sky, on its way to the ISS. Only after a few seconds, spectators on the causeway are hit by the sound of the rockets. A distant, deep, dark rumble that leaves no doubt about the power of the beast that was just launched. Don’t expect anything like a jet ﬁghter on afterburner or even the start of a grand prix race. It’s more like a distant thunder or a volcano and leaves no doubt about the forces at work here. Is it worthwhile to go? Well, it only lasts from a few seconds (with cloud cover) to a few minutes (clear skies), and the closest one can get is 6.5 miles. Doesn’t sound too exciting, right? But, ask anybody who has witnessed a launch—especially a night launch—and there will be only very few that will say they regretted going. For many people, witnessing a space launch is a “once in a lifetime” event, and for anyone with even a bit of love for aviation or space ﬂight, it’s an experience that will never be forgotten. Next time you’re in Florida, check out the launch schedule! Jetrader 19

Jetrader - May/June 2008

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