Preparing to go fix a space telecsope.

[mekender]

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2008/0 ... ubble.html

As someone who grew up within 40 minutes of the Cape, I have a huge soft spot for NASA and the shuttle program. I have personally seen at least 90% of the launches in person and have been in the media area several times. I have toured a shuttle, flown the simulators, experienced the microgravity training pool and much more.

Every launch I see still gets me all giddy inside. If any of you get the chance to go see one before the program is retired, it is an unforgettable experience.

[308Mike]

I've heard it's one of the thing you should do before you die. I'd LOVE to watch one from as close as they'd let me.

[mekender]

I've heard it's one of the thing you should do before you die. I'd LOVE to watch one from as close as they'd let me.

Generally speaking, the public can get up to about 4 miles away, there is an exclusion zone on both land and water, but if you know how, you can get closer... You risk jail time by doing it, so I wont go into details.

The other place you can get is the media area. This is a section for cameras and reporters and is about 2 to 3 miles from the launch pad. It is close enough that the noise is deafening. I have been able to hear launches from as far as 50 miles away.

I have an aunt that lives 3 blocks from the beach in Cocoa Beach and is about 10 miles from the launch pads. With a proper 300mm zoom lens, you can take poster sized pictures of the launch from her dock.

Keep in mind that the Shuttle program retires in less than 3 years, so if you want to go see a launch, the time is now. If you need any advice on travel info, just ask, I know all the good stuff

[Darrell]

I ran across this bostondotcom link over at Little Green Footballs, it shows a bunch of great pics of the shuttle Atlantis being readied for its mission to Hubble, as well as some pics of the crew.http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2008/0 ... ubble.html

[Steamforger]

I saw my launch standing in line to get into the mess hall at RTC Orlando, in 1992. I barely missed a night launch off Cape Canaveral a few years later. It still grates.

[mekender]

I saw my launch standing in line to get into the mess hall at RTC Orlando, in 1992. I barely missed a night launch off Cape Canaveral a few years later. It still grates.

you wouldnt believe what was sitting on the grounds of the former NTC now...

[SoupOrMan]

I've noticed that NASA tends to schedule these launches during the report filing periods at my agency. I think it's a conspiracy.

[Aaron]

I'd heard that one or two volunteers (with structural fire-fighting experience) per launch are allowed to be on the emergency response team, hanging out in the APC.

Seems a bit unlikely, but I'd love to do it.

[Steamforger]

I saw my launch standing in line to get into the mess hall at RTC Orlando, in 1992. I barely missed a night launch off Cape Canaveral a few years later. It still grates.

you wouldnt believe what was sitting on the grounds of the former NTC now...

Wow. From the images on maps.live, it looks like Bldg 310 is still standing. At least for the moment. Divs. 1-10 look to be long gone.

[mekender]

I saw my launch standing in line to get into the mess hall at RTC Orlando, in 1992. I barely missed a night launch off Cape Canaveral a few years later. It still grates.

you wouldnt believe what was sitting on the grounds of the former NTC now...

Wow. From the images on maps.live, it looks like Bldg 310 is still standing. At least for the moment. Divs. 1-10 look to be long gone.

http://www.baldwinparkfl.com/web/

The cheapest house there is about $400K for a 2 bedroom

The old USS Bluejacket is gone, replaced by Bluejacket park which buts right up next to the new Glenridge Middle School. They tore the old school down a few years back.

Bout the only things left are some of the buildings that were waaay back in the back. Even those are slated for demo.