Launch Pad Vacation: Visiting Florida for a Shuttle Launch

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Jun 29, 2001

Straight east of Disney World is Florida's Space Coast encompassing 72-mile coastline of the Atlantic Ocean. Among the protected wetlands and preserves is the Kennedy Space Center where the space shuttles are regularly launched. Even though NASA just celebrated the 100th space shuttle launch, travelers still swarm to the visitors center to watch the earth-moving and impressive launches.

If you are like many astronomy fans, you have always wanted to personally witness one of the shuttle launches from Florida. To get the most out of your trip, you need to plan ahead by following these simple tips.

1. First of all, you need to check with the space shuttle launch schedule to determine the date of our vacation. Be sure to double check the launch schedule as your vacation nears as the launch may be delayed for some reason. 2. Purchase tickets through Kennedy's Web site for admission to the onsite viewing site which is just 6 miles from the launch pad. You will receive your tickets approximately two weeks prior to the launch date. These tickets sell out quickly, so make sure you place your order. Launch tickets are priced at $39.13 for adults and $28.53 for children. If you are not able to obtain tickets, the second best unobstructed place to watch the launch is at the Astronaut Hall of Fame, which will also require a ticket. If you can afford it, check out the Dine with an Astronaut program, which is a luncheon with a NASA astronaut for $59.75 for adult and $38.55 for children (the price also includes admission badge to the Kennedy center). If you prefer watch the launch from someplace else, the best places are along U.S. Highway 1 in Titusville and along Highway A1A in Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach on the ocean.

3. Prepare for launch day. If you have tickets to the viewing center, the gates to the center open four hours before launch time. Buses are available but they leave about 2 hours before the launch. Visitors are not allowed to bring coolers, pets, fireworks, alcohol/drugs or camp fire equipment. Food and drinks are available at the site. Also, remember that if the launch is delayed or rescheduled, NASA will not refund your ticket.

4. Make reservations well in advance at one of the local hotels because the fill up quickly.

5. While you are in the area, be sure to check out some other space-oriented attractions including Air Force Space Museum, Astronaut Memorial Planetarium and Observatory and the Astronaut Hall of Fame.