Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

MicWayWal · **Roadtrip to watch the Space Shuttle Launch -** 01-21-2010, 03:01 AM

I guess like most photographers, I have always wanted to go see a shuttle launch. But in 25 odd years of the program I have never made it down for a launch.

There are only 5 shuttle launches left. I decided to get my butt in gear and find one that I could actually go watch. The next launch works out perfect for an over the weekend, down and dirty, on the cheap, "college style," road trip.

The next launch is Sunday Feb 7 at 4:39 AM. Here is the plan:
We will pack like Aston Kutcher; all your camera gear, one change of socks and underwear in one bag.
Leave late in the day on Friday Feb 5 around 5:00pm. It is a long 1,150 mile 20 hour trip. Lots of Rock & Roll Cd's.
We should arrive mid-day on Saturday, with enough time to go find a spot for viewing.
Camp out and wait till the launch.
After the launch, we head home.
We should be back late Sunday night, just in time to get 4 hours of sleep before work Monday morning.

Four people would be ideal with my suburban. Two people awake, while two sleep in the back. Cost for gas would be about $100.

Any takers?

J Eddington · 01-21-2010, 08:06 AM

Dang that almost sounds like fun! But paying gigs come first, gosh it sucks being an adult sometimes!

houtex01 · 01-21-2010, 08:35 AM

Sounds exciting Michael...I've been working at NASA here in Houston since 1967. Starting working on ground floor of shuttle doing software development for shuttle onboard computers and currently doing software requirements for Space Station (Node 3). This next shuttle flight will be carrying Node 3 up to the station. In all these years working here at NASA, I've never seen a liftoff either...hope that everything goes smooth for this flight and that the shuttle lifts off on schedule so that you don't have to contend with any delays.

Ron

kamari · 01-21-2010, 09:01 AM

Do you allow non-Rock CDs?

Any other weekend & I'd be right with you. I close on my house Feb 1st though and that following weekend is the hell weekend with movers.

CaptainTom · 10:24 AM

I'm thinking hard about this....

Edit: Can't go. Parole officer says she has plans.

groovyone · 01-21-2010, 09:28 AM

Worth the trip:

toverman · 01-21-2010, 09:32 AM

I'll have to check my calendar ... I know I don't have any photography bookings that weekend, just have to see about family commitments. Would be an incredible trip!

TBoat · 01-21-2010, 09:45 AM

Where will you be leaving from and how late?

MicWayWal · 01-21-2010, 10:52 AM

My plan takes me from Dallas, Plano precisely, but I can adapt to the needs of others. When we find 4 who want to go we will adjust the plan accordingly. I also thought we could go through Houston to pick up someone.

photosteve · **How Close -** 01-21-2010, 03:34 PM

How close can we get ?

danchez · 04:47 PM

I'm down in the Austin area and very interested in this..... Would or could your trip swing down here to pick me up?

Second question, I don't have a telephoto lens? Any generous photogs out there let me borrow one?, I'm a Nikon shooter and I could leave my 24-70 2.8 with you as collateral(I know it wouldn't cover the cost.) I'm sure I could rent a lens, but funds are pretty low right now...

popawalker · 01-21-2010, 04:59 PM

I agree it will be worth it. I hope to go one more time. Titasville or Cocoa Beach are popular watching areas. If you are lucky and buy a ticket for the causeway is great. The Causeway is about 5.5 miles. Thats where we were.

MicWayWal · 01-21-2010, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by photosteve

How close can we get ?

Steve,
From what I understand the best public viewing areas are in Titusville and just north of town which is about 10 miles away. The shuttle launches NE so you get a good view before it leaves the area. The viewing areas in the Space Center are about 5 miles away from the launch site.