USA Trip (Inclusive of NASA-KSC-Shuttle) - Page 3

Spanrz (Brett) · #41 06-02-2010, 11:09 AM

Thanks guys.

Well today was amazing. I thought it couldn't get any better. But it just does...

We decided to hit some tribute areas around the waters edge in Titusville.
We found a "walk of fame", nice little tribute area and visited a perfect "free" but very popular area to view the shuttle launch's.
Then we headed for a small store/museum, and there we had a great chat to one of the shop's staff.
He took us for a tour round the museum with some history that you wouldn't normally see.

This fellow, who I've always wanted to meet, but never thought I would ever get the chance, just like meeting Al Worden the other day.
He is a retired NASA employee, from back in the Mercury-Gemini-Apollo-Shuttle days.
Not only was he an employee, he was an engineer, he was told by Gus Grissom to get into NASA (he flew /was a test pilot with Gus), his employee number was #4 at NASA, he was heavilly involved with all the above stated missions.
He has met JFK, during the Apollo missions.
His name is Sam Beddingfield, he retired from NASA in '85.

Awesome history from this guy. Website : http://spacewalkoffame.com/

Analog6 (Odille) · #42 06-02-2010, 12:21 PM

I too am a very dark shade of green.

It really sounds like the trip of a lifetime and I hope the launch is all you dreamed of.

Pics are great, keep 'em coming.

spacezebra (Petra) · #43 07-02-2010, 12:32 PM

Congrats Brett!

Cheers Petra d.

h0ughy (David) · #44 07-02-2010, 01:30 PM

great images Brett - i hope the launch is great and that you get a great long exposure shot of the shuttle liftoff and the moon and a nice vapour trail - no clouds

Spanrz (Brett) · #45 08-02-2010, 12:28 AM

Just got back from the Causeway site. Dam it...Got scrubbed just before the T-9 minute hold was up.
It was definately "Melbourne" weather this morning.
Clouds rolled in about 1-2 hours before launch, in true Melbourne fashion.
Now it's clearer than launch time, go figure.
Disappointed - yes very, but still happy enough to see it like that this morning.
It was bloody cold though... around 5 degrees and wind around 10-20k's an hour...

We are leaving tomorrow morning around 9am to catch a flight to Atlanta, then to New Orleans.
So a Causeway view isn't on the cards, due to the traffic this morning. It took us 2+ hours to get 10k's. Very hard to stay awake at that pace.
Had to use alternate routes to get away from the gridlock..
If any viewing is there, it will have to be very local (within 5k's). Might attempt near the spacewalk of fame, that area still gives a great view, just a few k's more away as compared to the causeway.

With the causeway tickets, as soon as you board the bus, the tickets are deemed to have been used. So any delays, you will have to somehow purchase another "Transportation Ticket", if you can get it. I think they cost around $20USD.

Got to the Causeway about 1:30am, found a spot very quickly and camped. Excellent views of the shuttle, outstanding actually.
With the lights on it, it was just sureal.
Thousands of people showed up. Was very easy getting there, parking and access was well organised, just the getting home was the real pain.

The photo's didn't come out as well as expected, I had a hunch the camera would have failed in low lighting.
The camera got the shots, but I had to zoom in right on the optical/digital crossover and it pixelated the shuttle. I took the laptop to check the photo's, so that I made sure if I nailed a shot.
The FujiFilm S1000FD is a great camera in solid lighting, but in poor lighting, the colour is washed away and everything has a grey/blue shade to the dark areas. Many attempts at shutter speeds/ISO's and Ap, no good, it really struggled to nail it.

But on the plus side, the HD Camcorder looks like it did pretty well.
Had the zoom lens on it (heheh a whole 1.7x) but it did the trick.
Though this camera doesn't like dark area's just llike the Fuji, it coped better than I expected.

I'll post a vid soon to youtube, if I can send it through the hotel's wireless (its slow sometimes).

Still stoked I got here, just hoped they would go.

bartman (Bart) · #46 08-02-2010, 12:57 AM

Bummer on the 'NO GO' but great pics anyway.
Gives me shivers just to think I would be able to be there none the less.
Cheers and have lotsa funs!!!!!!

Jen · #47 08-02-2010, 01:47 AM

wow Brett you lucky bugger you

Love the pictures i would be so excited to be at a place like that

Spanrz (Brett) · #48 08-02-2010, 09:50 AM

The Mrs and me were doing a "reccy" on where to go next.

The drive back from KSC was bad particularly from sleep deprivation, so as much as I like it KSC I think is out. But being at KSC, near on guarantee's us a car park, but the Visitor Centre would be our viewing site. You miss the few seconds launch off the pad, but you should get a great view about 5-10 sec after launch.
Because we boarded the bus, we used up our transportation ticket. Even though you don't get a re-use of the ticket, you an still use the KSC Visitor Centre pass to get access only for the Visitor Centre (2nd day only)

Though we are looking around the beach part of Titusville, I think it's along RT1 there a lot of pockets of viewing areas, but parking is the issue. Across the road is probably the best option. There isn't a great deal of open land on the beach around the "walk of fame", its little pockets. It's 6PM now and people are already parking cars now for their view sites.
So it will be a real challenge.....Going to have to wing it I think, but I don't mind as we have major time contraints tomorrow morn (as in, we view the launch, pack up and head to Orlando within the hour).

Just about to upload some pics....Sorry for the quality, I really wanted better, but it's the best I can do. If it launches, the ambient light should be well enough for the camcorder to have better quality. It's the first time I have tried to get pics/video in the enviroment, so learning as I go along.

But nontheless, ecstatic that I have done what I wanted to do for 25 years.

Have to check weather, have dinner, the go around midnight.

Spanrz (Brett) · #49 08-02-2010, 10:45 AM

Some pics from the camera and or camcorder. Sorry for the quality. It's the best I can do within the lighting.
Camera wouldn't focus at long range, due to the dark to bright light.
I tried every setting I could, manually and auto. ISO high and low. Only takes 8 sec pics.

If I had a camera like some of you had, it would be way better. But I'd be a poor fella, hahaha.

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos..._3698788_n.jpg

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos..._5998042_n.jpg

Spanrz (Brett) · #50 08-02-2010, 09:47 PM

Well............................... ........ OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Had a perfect view from Space View park in Titusville (Walk of fame).
Got interviewed from local news, so might appear down there...
It was worth the wait and the cold. Just so awesome.

Got Video, haven't reviewed it yet as we don't have time to, but it looks great. Got SRB separation and the beautiful blue engine glow for about 1-2 minutes, then it disappeared.

Was cloudy, and looked so much like yesterday, then it started to clear about 1 hr before launch. Everyone in the park wanted it to go. The aura was just so there.

I'll post it on Youtube, but it might be a few days before I do that.

So if you ever want to experience any of the Shuttle Launches, DO IT NOW, don't wait. Plan it now. It's a must.

We are leaving for New Orleans today, so from one all night party to another...Awesome...

GrahamL · #51 08-02-2010, 09:53 PM

Fantastic stuff

Octane (Humayun) · #52 08-02-2010, 10:04 PM

Brett,

I'm so happy for you. And, mighty envious!

Congratulations, mate. Look forward to the video.

H

Jen · #53 08-02-2010, 11:28 PM

good on ya Brett sounds like you had an awsome time i soooo wish i was there

Spanrz (Brett) · #54 10-02-2010, 05:00 PM

Some photo's. Wife took most of the photo's as I was with the Camcorder.
Had the camera on "auto" taking shots on a "continuous shooting".
It was way too dynamic for me to adjust, let alone the wife.

Photo's :
http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos...6_729026_n.jpg

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos..._3166578_n.jpg

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs148....9_537972_n.jpg

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos..._4974417_n.jpg

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs148...._1376985_n.jpg

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs148...._1376985_n.jpg

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos..._7431824_n.jpg

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos..._3130324_n.jpg

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos..._3130324_n.jpg

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs148...._6457353_n.jpg

iceman (Mike) · #55 10-02-2010, 05:09 PM

Awesome stuff Brett!
Can't wait to see the video!

Spanrz (Brett) · #56 13-02-2010, 12:31 AM

Sorry no vid post up, I don't think I'll get a chance until I get home.

We've been snowed in at Dallas Fort Worth airport, had to sleep in airport for the last 16 hours. Hoping in about 6 hours we'll be outa here, we fly to Wichita Kansas today, but only for 20 hours, then off to Denver for the start of our International flight home.
Hit with record snowfall (atleast 1 foot / 12 inches / 300mm). Who would have thought that flying south to keep out of the major snow storms and here we get one (one in a hundred storm).
The issue now is crews for the planes, that was the major reason for not flying out. They were even double de-icing the planes, but no good after that.

If we don't get that flight, "we have to" get to Denver by Saturday morning. Otherwise we in deep poo.
If we miss that flight out, we miss the AC/DC concert on Monday in Melb.

We were supposed to be in Wichita yesterday, with the Mrs. sister, but we may only get a handful of hours to catch up. sheesh.

The only major glitch so far, didn't mind the snow, but we were booked in (so we thought) in to a hotel last night at a discounted rate, and the courtesy bus didn't want to pick us up, they kept telling us "yeah we'll be there" .. 3 hours later, sorry were full... Yeah thanks for that. sheesh. Mind you, they didn't have to deal with the Mrs

Spanrz (Brett) · #57 13-02-2010, 03:44 AM

Ok, have uploaded a Youtube vid of the launch.
I just want to see it in HD, before I toy with it. (should have a 1080i/p component to it).
I haven't yet seen the HD version, it was still processing.
This was from Space View Park in Titusville.

It is an unedited version, so about 4:30min in, is the actual launch.

Most vids only got to about 2-3 min in, mine goes till you can't see it anymore.

Enjoy - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unCgWohhIY8

wavelandscott (Scott) · #58 13-02-2010, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spanrz

Sorry no vid post up, I don't think I'll get a chance until I get home.

We've been snowed in at Dallas Fort Worth airport, had to sleep in airport for the last 16 hours. Hoping in about 6 hours we'll be outa here, we fly to Wichita Kansas today, but only for 20 hours, then off to Denver for the start of our International flight home.
Hit with record snowfall (atleast 1 foot / 12 inches / 300mm). Who would have thought that flying south to keep out of the major snow storms and here we get one (one in a hundred storm).
The issue now is crews for the planes, that was the major reason for not flying out. They were even double de-icing the planes, but no good after that.

If we don't get that flight, "we have to" get to Denver by Saturday morning. Otherwise we in deep poo.
If we miss that flight out, we miss the AC/DC concert on Monday in Melb.

We were supposed to be in Wichita yesterday, with the Mrs. sister, but we may only get a handful of hours to catch up. sheesh.

The only major glitch so far, didn't mind the snow, but we were booked in (so we thought) in to a hotel last night at a discounted rate, and the courtesy bus didn't want to pick us up, they kept telling us "yeah we'll be there" .. 3 hours later, sorry were full... Yeah thanks for that. sheesh. Mind you, they didn't have to deal with the Mrs

I wish you good luck with the traveling part...the weather has been horrificly bad across large protions of the USA the past couple of weeks.

I guess this further caps a "memorable" trip!

Spanrz (Brett) · #59 16-02-2010, 02:02 AM

Wow...Ummm "memorable", I just don't think we can't forget this trip.

Got caught in the Dallas Snowstorm a few days ago, now we missed our flight back home 2 days ago, by 30 sec. Our bags went but we didn't.
The gate guy nicked off from the gate as we arrived at the gate. Mind you, we were close to taking off. He came back 5 minutes later said we missed the flight. The door was still open and all.
He was real smug about it. We watched them put our bags on the flight. He didn't care. He said "I did call final boarding" we said "no you didn't" as we didn't hear it, even the wifes family didn't hear it. The board (tv screen) didn't show it either. We found out later the board wasn't updated regularly. Come to find out it was the last flight out.

Long story, but 2 days after, we finally found a flight back, only cost 300usd to transfer it.
We fly out later this afternoon from Kansas. Man, it's the "wizard of oz" here, and I got some red shoes that are clicking madly.....
We did miss our AC/DC concert. My father and a friend went in our places. Told em "enjoy yourselves".

Please take me home........

Spanrz (Brett) · #60 26-02-2010, 08:55 PM

As a final update for those are looking to attend the last 4 shuttle missions, or some of you who want just want to visit the Cape :

Make sure you schedule a rental car too, very advisable (with a GPS too)
And be very accomdating to the weather, you need to be vigilant of what it's doing, particularly if there are storms that might affect driving or for the launch. Be mindful and accept if the shuttle doesn't launch. Allow a few days after scheduled launch for "delays".

Most of all, "you won't be disappointed" either way if it launches or get's scrubbed.

KSC:
NASA tours exceeded expectation, it will take you 2 days to get through. (KSC-Bus Tours x 2-Astronaut Hall of Fame etc etc)

Mind you, we did it in the Winter. Which was less busy than Summer.
So plan your trip for a few days, if you want to see all in Summer.

Access (driving) to the facility is very good, parking lot is big enough for us aussies.
Place opens at 9am, closes in the evening. Best to attack at 9am.
If you take the bus tours, we did the "normal bus tour", which takes to you most places, just not up close and personal with the pads.
You need to take the pad tour (hopefully schedule around the shuttle), you can get great photo op's when on this bus tour, however it takes about 2 hours and costs an extra $30 usd per person.
But the extra bus tour does run over some of the places that you might have been with the previous tour.
The normal bus tour, takes around 1-2 hours, more if you want to take photo's and poke around.
The great thing is there is plenty of buses that get you from point a to b. So don't worry about schedules.

The launch:
Causeway site ticket "IS A MUST". If you can get it. It is the best seat in the house for us Civi's. It's bought on line and can be bought from some bus companies (as previous posts have said).
It's a lottery, but stick with it, it sells out in minutes, so don't dawdle.
I can not emphasis this enough, you "must" be very fast to secure tickets via the online lottery.
You have such an awesome sight (unimpeeded) of the whole topside of the shuttle.
If you get a Causeway ticket, make sure you get off the bus and find a site early on, as you have more than enough time to wander around later. Otherwise you will be fighting for a hole inbetween peoples bodies for "that shot" on liftoff. Try to be nice about "rushing" but it's first come first serve for the front line.
Take a cheap chair. We picked up a $10 chair to sit of for about 6 hours.
We couldn't take t back with us, so we left it in the rental car.

Now, the tricky "read between the lines part".
If you do secure causeway tickets, and it get's scrubbed before you board the NASA bus, your causeway ticket is still valid for the next launch vewing.
If it get's scrubbed after boarding the bus, the ticket is deemed to have been "used". You will have to purchase another causeway ticket.
Now, you can purchase the causeway tickets a the "ENTRY" gate area. You have to be very quick, as they sell out again very fast.
Also, the "admission" ticket to KSC is valid for 2 days, so you don't have to buy another ticket for that 2nd trip.

If you miss out on the causeway viewing, you can head to "Spacewalk Park" (end of Broad street) in Titusville.
It gives great atmosphere to a launch, and is a very popular place, so get there around 6-8 hours before, for a good spot.
There are a few other spots, but it's not a great amount on the foreshore, along the South Washington Ave, but you have to get in early.

Museum:
Be sure, if you go, to visit the "US Space Walk of Fame Museum", yes it's small, and doesn't anything like a museum, but it has a lot of early stuff that NASA doesn't have. I was amazed. It's located on Main Street right at the end right near the foreshore. If your lucky, you can meet a man in there with a "wealth" of NASA knowledge (I'd say he'd be in his 80's). If your right into the early stuff and want to meet a real NASA guy who dates back to Mercury days, that's the place you want to visit. Ask for "SAM".

Hotel:
We stayed in the Super 8 Motel just on the north western edge of Titusville, on route 406.
It is a newish built Hotel. Much much better than any other Super 8 that I have stayed at.
It took a whole 5-7 minutes to get to "SpaceWalk Park"... (grins).
The hotel was excellent. A little on the small side for room side, but for 2 people it was ok.
Prices varied a lot, from around $60USD low, to a high of $125USD a night, for the shuttle launch.
The food restaurant next door was a Mexican flavour, but it was a dump as it looks like they were either selling up, or just moving in. Was not in a state for customers.
The food around the area is pretty good, bout a 5 minute drive you can get most of the eateries.

Anyway, hope this helps with a few thoughts, if you are thinking of going.

Hopefully someone out there will go to one of the 4 launches. Get into it, not much time left.