Conference 7.286::space

    The launch information number used to be 305-867-2314.  I just tried
    it and it was busy on several tries so it may be out of service
    while the shuttle is.  It used to have the shuttle information mostly
    but also other launches.
    
    I don't know about any upcoming launches but can tell you that the
    tour of KSC is BY FAR the best tourist value in Florida.  The museum
    entrance is free and a space buff can spend most of the day there.
    The film has been discussed at length here and is GREAT.  The two
    tours of the facility are extremely interesting.
    
    So, even without a launch, KSC is a great place to visit.
    
    Enjoy,
    
    Don

    Kennedy Space Center numbers you might try:
    
    Visitor's Information Center:	(305) 452-2121
    
    Public Information Office:		(305) 867-2363 or
    					(305) 867-2468
    
    The -2468 number is the press office, but they're been very helpful
    when I've called with launch questions.
    
    JAD
    

    Note that what is called KSC by most actually consists of a bunch
    of things including an Air Force test range, which I think is still
    called the Canaveral <something>.  The Air Force area is where some
    of the early staffed launches took place...Mercury and Gemini, at
    least.  Last time I was there, they let you drive through on one
    particular day of the week.  (Saturday?)  Otherwise it was closed
    to the public.  It is worth checking out.
    
    Burns
    

       	As once noted long ago in this notesfile, did they ever save the
    launch tower which held the Jupiter rocket which launched Explorer
    1?  The Air Force said it was going to turn it into scrap metal.
    
    	I think it should be preserved as a historic monument - I mean,
    it was where the FIRST United State's satellite was launched, and
    I doubt restoration could cost that much, particularly when you
    think of all the truly unworthy stuff the military spends billions
    on!
                                                           
    	It is sad to think how many historical sites are lost because
    of those who do not care enough (or at all) about our past.
    
    	Larry
    

  One would hope they'd save a girder or two in the very least.  Perhaps
something recognizeable from photographs.

John

    The deal for touring Canaveral AFB used to be a bus tour on all
    days but Sunday and you were allowed to drive yourself around on
    Sunday (this was quite a few years ago). I spent a whole day driving
    around the AF area, photographing everything in the outdoor museum
    and ignoring 'do not enter' signs on a few occasions. If you are
    into rocket history, it is well worth it. If you want to be well
    prepared it may be worth digging out a few maps of the pads on 'ICBM
    row' since that map they had did not show every launch area.
    
    Allow at least another day to do the bus tour of KSC and look around
    the museum. If you are into space collectibles (patches etc) check
    out the store as well.
    
    Other things to look for are the tracking ships (USS Redstone and
    at least one other) which will probably be in port somewhere near
    by, an AF base a short drive away (Patrick AFB?) that has a few
    ICBM/IRBM boilerplates on display and a junkyard full of old Saturn
    parts and other space junk (privately owned - look out for the dog,
    it is MEAN, like the song says).
    
    gary

    	That is exactly what I'm arguing about!
    
    	They put Saturn rocket parts and other such NASA material in
    a junkyard?!  That is an insult!  It probably belongs to some
    ignoramous who could care less if they rust to nothing!
    
    	Let's get some people who CARE to put them in a museum or
    something!  This is an outrage!

        Larry
    

    re .0:  From Aviation Week, Oct 13:
    
    Replacement of a photo-imaging system in the GOES-H weather satellite
    will delay launch of Delta 179 from Nov 20 until early December.
    
    Decision on the launch date is expected to me bade this week.  The
    imaging device is being  replaced because a similar component failed
    during testing.
    
    The scheduled Nov. 6 launch of a Navy FleetSatCom on board an
    Atlas-Centaur also may be delayed because of questionable electronic
    components in the payload.  Concern that necessary software changes
    would delay this mission was unfounded  As of last week, launch
    was still on schedule, and an Oct 23 payload test will be made to
    confirm the launch date.
    
    Burns

    What are the known viewing areas for Shuttle launches?  I know of
    five:
    
    1. Somewhere along the eastern coast of Florida near the Cape.
    
    2. Across the water from the Cape, outside the military base.
    
    3. Across the water from the Cape, inside the military base.  I did
       this for the first post-Challenger mission.  Nice, but 8 miles away
       with a slightly obstructed view wasn't quite perfect.
    
    4. The VIP area.  I don't know where this is, but I know there is one. 
       I assume it's the one with the countdown clock.  How far from the
       launch point is it?
    
    5. Mission Control.  I'm not holding my breath.
    
    I've got connections going to get closer than (3) for the Hubble
    Telescope launch.  Are there specific names for these and other areas? 
    What areas are in any way possible for the public to reach?
    
John

    Re: .9
    	The VIP viewing area is right next to the Vehicle Assembly Building
    (which also houses the launch control center). It is located about 3
    miles from the pad and is the closest the public can get to the launch
    of a Space Shuttle.
    	(There are two guys in an APC-like vehicle only a few hundred feet
    from the launch site. They are there in case of an on pad evacuation of
    the Shuttle crew. These guys are the closest one can get to the launch
    without actually going up in the Shuttle. Imagine their view!)
    
    				Drew