Rocket launch, Has anyone watched one recently?

Morgan3820

Morgan3820

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thinking of taking my Daughter down to watch a launch of a Falcon rocket. Seeking advise on best viewing locations, parking, etc.
 
My brother watches Falcon shots from his front yard, about 25 miles away in Melbourne. You don't have to get too close.

I'll text him in a few minutes to see what he says.

52743994_2927110533969397_1862792801641562112_o.jpg
 
You will get replies, I would think, pointing you to geek forums that will get you the details. If you don't, Google is your friend. My advice is: put down the phone or the camera, and experience the moment. You can never take a picture as good as the professionals.

We were lucky enough to get on the close-as-public-can-get causeway (thanks to a friend who worked for NASA) for one of the last STS missions, with the kids in tow. I espoused the above mentioned philosophy to the family. I took one quick photo at about T-plus 0:05, just because, and that was it.

I will never forget my social media focused daughter (such as it was back then), not even hinting at anything STEM related as being interesting, turning to me, as we walked back to the car, and saying, "Can we do this again sometime?"

She now has a BS and wants to learn how to fly. :D
 
I saw 3 shuttle launches. One from the air really close to the restricted airspace, one at night from the ground about 20 miles away. That was very impressive as the ground around us lit up like daytime. And the third launch was watched from somewhere along the Indian River. Still impressive and noisy.
 
My experience is over 20 yrs old, so some of it may not be current.

I was stationed at Cape Canaveral for 4 years in the mid-90s and participated in a number of launches and watched many more. Never got old, especially the ones where we could be close enough to feel the thump in our chest.

Matthew said:
OK,

here's what he says:

https://www.skyscanner.com/tips-and...st-places-to-watch-a-rocket-launch-in-florida

And Jetty Park. It's a popular place and has a countdown clock. It's at the inlet for Port Canaveral.
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Falcon uses launch complex 40. For LC 40, the best locations would be 1) the NASA causeway (if open), 2) SH 401 just west of the main gate to Cape Canaveral (N of Port Canaveral), and then 3) Jetty Park.

catmandu said:
My advice is: put down the phone or the camera, and experience the moment. You can never take a picture as good as the professionals.
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:yeahthat:

Be prepared to sit and wait and wait and wait, and then be told to come back tomorrow. Weather, technical problems with the rocket or payload, and range safety and instrumentation issues can all conspire to delay and postpone launches. Sunscreen, mosquito repellant, snacks and drinks all recommended.
 
I flew my Tiger over to Lompoc last year to see the first Falcon 9 launch/return to launch pad on the west coast. It was a blast! (sorry..couldn't resist.) The airport is 15 miles from Vandenberg launch pad. The closest we could have been was something like 9 miles, but it was just fine from our location.

spacex.jpg
 
mr_happyland said:
I flew my Tiger over to Lompoc last year to see the first Falcon 9 launch/return to launch pad on the west coast. It was a blast! (sorry..couldn't resist.) The airport is 15 miles from Vandenberg launch pad. The closest we could have been was something like 9 miles, but it was just fine from our location.

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Is this your picture? It's really amazing! However, I thought that SpaceX launches Falcon 9 mostly from Cape Canaveral.
 
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My wife watched the Canaveral launch of the payload that eventually crashed on the back-side of the moon last month. She was about 50 miles away at cruise, severe clear, in the Citation. Said it was gorgeous with the almost-full-moon behind it. You're asking the same thing I did....pics? Nope!

Jim
 
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Jim Rosenow said:
My wife watched the Canaveral launch of the payload that eventually crashed on the back-side of the moon last month. She was about 50 miles away at cruise, severe clear, in the Citation. Said it was gorgeous with the almost-full-moon behind it. You're asking the same thing I did....pics? Nope!

Jim
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My brother's picture (post #2), was that same launch.
 
Call your congresscritter's office and ask for VIP tickets.
 
Clayton Carder said:
Is this your picture? It's really amazing! However, I thought that SpaceX launches Falcon 9 mostly from Cape Canaveral.
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Yes it is. Majority of falcon 9 launches are at the cape, but they also launch they launch falcon 9s here a few times a year.
 
I thought you meant like this (scroll forward to offset 15:50):
 
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