Hi Tim, I am from the UK and last year I took the family on holiday to Florida. I organised tickets to visit the Space Centre for myself and my youngest son. At the time I had no idea how to investigate launch dates and was just happy to be going to see the Saturn V in person. My son and I teased each other at how awesome it would be to one day to organise a special trip to see an actual launch! At the same time, I booked the tickets I also tried to book a tour of the control room, but they were all sold out, so I opted for a tour that took us across the causeway. Well… you won’t believe it because I couldn’t believe it myself. The bus stopped half way across the causeway, we disembarked and immediately there and then the DELTA 4 HEAVY took off with a secret government satellite. It was because of the covert nature of the launch that it wasn’t advertised or on offer, just pure random good luck with perfect timing by the bus driver 😊 I lifelong ambition achieved! Good luck Space X.
In 1997 I was skydiving at a place called Sebastian in florida. I was at 12,000ft when i was dropping at 120mph whilst Columbia was going up. It felt pretty close, probably about 50miles away but I will never forget that experience even for an ex British paratrooper. I don't think you can beat that, I would expect the dropzone still jumps whilst they launch rockets
I went to high school in Titusville across US 1 the Indian River was a perfectt view. of the pad and the VAB. We were always allowed to leave to watch but were supposed to come back to school. Sometimes we did. Lol 😆 Now I live on the other side of the state. When Artemis launched a few weeks ago I was still awake so watched the lift off on TV then went outside and could see it. Amazing launch so glad I caught it 😀
Very useful information! The only launch I have seen at KSC was STS-6 which was the first launch of Space Shuttle Challenger on april 4th, 1983. I was fortunate enough to have been able to see it from the inside of KSC, so I had a perfect view of the launch pad and the Shuttle. It was a marvelous experience. I live in Mexico City and I was 30 then. Now I look forward to see the second or third launch of Falcon Heavy, and with the information you provided, is going to be much easier the planning, thank you!
Hi Tim, thanks for the great advice. Wow - Deja vu all over again - 40+ years later I grew up in South Florida in the sixties and began watching live Saturn V launches as soon as I could con my Dad in onto driving up from Fort Lauderdale to watch one of the early Apollo launches (Apollo 9 or 10, I think). Later, when I got my driver’s license, I caught as many launches as I could. Titusville, just three hours away from home and eleven miles west of the launch site, turned out to be the perfect spot for watching launches. Even at eleven miles away, the sight and sound of a live Saturn launch was far beyond anything I had seen on TV. I was addicted. I drove up to watch several Apollo launches including the night launch of Apollo 17, the Skylab launch, and the Apollo-Soyuz launch. I was lucky enough to be at the turning basin press site for the last ever Saturn V launch (Skylab) - where you will be. If this is your first time watching a launch of this magnitude from three miles away, you will be in for a treat. NOTHING and I mean nothing can prepare you for the feeling - not just the sound - but the visceral gut rumbling feeling of those engines. Yes forget the camera. All of my pictures were pretty crappy, but sensory experience is still fondly burned into my memory. Sadly I have never been to a live watch since, but I still get goose bumps watching launches on RUclips, but now I get watch F9 landings as well. The double sonic booms that arrive at touch down should be awesome in person. Maybe getting there hours ahead of time is OK, but back in the day getting there days ahead of time was often required :-) . Thank you for the great job you do covering SpaceX and other topics. I applaud your ability to do it full time. I envy you. Then again you have mad presentation skills! I have included three of my blog posts below that might be of interest to anyone else reading this. My firsthand accounts of being there. I make no money from this site and I pay to keep it advertisement free so I have no ulterior motives in posting the links other than additional info. Enjoy the launch!!!! contrafactual.com/2013/07/20/apollo-11-main-engines-found/ contrafactual.com/2017/02/19/a-blast-off-from-my-past/
I can't wait I can't wait I can't wait I can't wait I can't wait I can't wait I can't wait I can't wait I can't wait I can't wait I can't wait I can't wait I can't wait I can't wait I can't wait I can't wait I can't wait I can't wait .... too excited
I've seen two launches. My first launch was Space Shuttle Atlantis/STS-132 from the KSC press site. It was spectacular. The sound was unbelievable... There was no clouds at all and we saw the SRB separation! My second one was STS-135 from a few miles away. There were so many people in there but that's one of the best part of it. You get to nerd out with anyone you meet and talk about space all day.
At Baikonur you have better view (less then 2km), few people, and astronauts (and it is all cheaper, but the flights). I recommend it for true everyday cosmonauts. i recommend also a night launch, where full power and light is really appreciated.
This is good info Tim, thanks so much. Hey by the way I got buy-in to do an interview or collab or something with you via The Mars Generation! Let's do thisss
Watched Falcon Heavy with my parents and 5YO son from Jetty Park. Security let us park at the boat launch saying "they'll be so many people to ticket, were not even going to try, enjoy the launch" It was awesome. Getting from there to the freeway, about 1.5 miles took 4 hours..... 0.0
Tim...this is just about a one-stop-shop video. Not only did it answer every question I had, it answered every question I would have thought of when it's too late. Keep up the good work, man. Found my little girls were inspired by your other videos...subscribe button clicked!
Personally I think closer launch viewing is the best overall you see the Rocket shortly after it lifts off and your in the visitors center so you get to do a ton of fun stuff while your waiting. Plus the landing view is pretty good. I was there for the Heavy launch and it was so much fun.
My first (and only so far) launch was back in 2006, STS-121. I stood next to the NASA causeway and had a very good view of the launch. The worst thing about it is indeed camera related. My parents wanted a picture of me with the launch in the background, so I turned my back to the launch for a big portion of it.
I've never seen a launch, but it's near the top of my bucket list. I've been searching for a perfect guide on how to see one and this is the best guide I could have asked for! Thank you for this video. The way you described it made me even MORE excited to go see one. Reminded me of the experience of going out and see the solar eclipse last year.
From Australia. I got to see the Delta4 Heavy launch of the Parker Solar Probe from the 401 road at Canaveral. Had driven from Orlando the previous night and the 3am launch was scrubbed. Drove over the next night for the launch. Long drives and really messed with our planned activities but wouldn’t have missed it for the world. When that sound hits you and goes through you.... WOW!
I went to the US for a launch... in 1976... from the UK. The previous three launches blew up - mine didn't go up. I saw bits in a hanger though - and a bloke rushing in to the VAB saying 'The approach and landing test worked !' - I loved that :-) Utterly unforgettable !
I’m on the other space coast (California), but much of the advice is the same. Arrive early, prepare for a scrub, put down your phone, socialize even if you’re an introvert. I’d add listen to the live webcast if you can, but remember there’s a latency to RUclips live broadcasts. Be watching at T-1:00. Great vid. Enjoy the launch. Wish I could be there.
Agree, be early, be willing wait, and enjoy! I miss going to the launches, I have been to most of the sites you talked about and watched space shuttle, atlas and you name it in the late 80’s early 90’s. Great fun!
Just to note, 401 does have an un-obstructed view of the landings depending on where you park and view from. Near Charles M Rowland drive you can see the top of the rocket even after touchdown. Exploration Tower offers an even better view from the elevated position, but as you said it's not always available and I confirmed today the event will be private for Falcon Heavy. I'll be there, but will definitely not leave the camera or telescope at home ;).
You my friend, are epic. Love your dedication and passion to space exploration. You were the first channel that i consulted when i started falling in love with the cosmos. Keep it up, and we'll always stay tuned. Much love from France.
This is a GREAT video. As a former Florida resident and LONG TIME rocket/space nerd, I can vouch you have absolutely done your research. Listen to this man!
There's another whole aspect of launch watching that you can miss out watching from Titusville or Cocoa Beach, and that's visibility after the launch. I think the best place to watch launches, especially night launches where you can follow the rocket all the way to orbit with your binoculars, and even more especially for polar orbit launches is Daytona Beach, 40 miles from the launch point. Your absolute best view of ignition and early flight to 30 seconds is always on television or You Tube. After that, from 40 miles you are not looking unspectacularly up the tail of the rocket, but from the side where you can visualize the path *much better.* I was lucky to be able to watch every single launch of the Saturn V ever from the beach. With my six inch telescope I read the "United States" on the side of the lower stage. SpaceX launches are great, either from Daytona Beach, or even from my home in DeLand. The first 30 seconds is on video, but after that I have a prime seat whether at work or at home! I'll be very interested in the *sound* from the Falcon Heavy and how it compares to the sound of the Saturn Vs. I'll try to record it, but the frequencies are so low that normal microphones probably just won't get the job done. We'll see. No matter how this goes, it will be great!
Grew up in Polk county Florida. Remember watching as many shuttle launches as possible from our back yard. I'd watch the ignition and liftoff on TV, then sprint outside to try to catch the glow of the boosters in the north east sky, so long as no clouds obstructed the view. Always dreamed of going to see one even closer, but never got the chance. I live in South Carolina now, but am definitely planning on going back to catch a launch. Maybe a Falcon Heavy, or hopefully the first SLS test flight. The idea of that rocket makes me giddy inside. I hope it happens, and soon. Big thanks for this video, I'll be prepared when I get there!
Dude thank you SO MUCH for making this video! I'm flying in for the launch and I had no clue where to go to watch it. This video answered my questions and more! I cannot begin to express how helpful this video is.
I agree on the social aspect. I saw my only launch a couple of years ago while I was on vacation in Florida and struck a chat with the parents of a guy who worked on the mission payload. I was watching a Delta IV launching a GPS satellite @ SLC-37 back in 2014 from Port Canaveral Route 401. I'm told that's one of the best free spots for watching a Delta IV launch.
This one is definitely going in the playlist for quick access..., in fact I think I'll make a new playlist just for it. Going to be down in Florida at some point later this year, and potential launches were always going to be a factor in determining just when.
My First Launch was STS-135 and the only one I've seen so far. It was amazing and I've been too busy to go see another one especially since I moved out of Florida after that launch. It was an amazing experience and I did cry a little.
Another tip - don't fall asleep before liftoff! I flew over from Hungary specifically to watch the penultimate shuttle launch, Endeavour, and it was scrubbed twice. Changed return ticket twice and ended up staying a month bumming around Florida whiling away the time until I finally got to see it. The launch was early morning, but the coach left at night and had hours and hours to wander around KSC. I got to the causeway at 4am and had to wait another few hours, and as I had just driven up from Key West the day before and had hardly slept, I thought I'd just close my eyes for an hour... Next thing I knew was my rib cage being shaken by the sound of the launch, and I woke up to catch a 2 second glimpse of the shuttle disappearing above the clouds! Pity it was unusually cloudy for a launch. Still, I was there and got to see it which was the main thing. Blew about $5000 on hotels and car rental for a month instead of a planned week, but it was worth it!
Tim. I've seen ton of your videos and 4 launches myself. And one solar eclipse. I really - really like your videos nowadays. Not for the information as I'm bit of a space-geek self so i don't really learn much but I do love how you make information easilly accessible for folks. When it comes to videos of experience I would generally push people to film videos of launches. Film liftoff and then the atmosphere and reactions of people and friends watching. Don't pay attention to filming the rocket as that will distract you but capture the feeling and atmosphere. So you can relive the experience. I have a horrible video of the total solar eclipse back in august - but the audio is almost more important for me as it brings me back every time to the event. And if I wish, I can watch professional captures of the event as well.
Hey Tim. So only watching this now, a year later but just want to say thank you for the video. I found it very helpful. My brother, Dad and I are hoping to see the upcoming CRS 17 mission in April. We are traveling all the way from Cape Town South Africa so helpful to be prepared! Keep up the great work with the channel and the enthusiasm in general.
I watched ULA's ATLAS V GOES-R launch from the causeway! 12 year Florida resident and I never saw a launch that close in my life. It was the most surreal experience of my life. I also watched SpaceX's F9 launch for KOREASAT 5A! Playalinda gets EXTREMELY packed (Had to park at Lot #7!) for launches so if you plan on going there for a launch, get there early.
very good video. Lots of good informations. I ´ve seen STS-126 launching and STS-132 landing as well as the Zuma launch a few weeks ago. Awesome. The shuttle launch was most impressive. And yes the social aspect was always at least 50% of it. After STS-126 I was stuck in the most fun (yeas really) traffic jam ever. Never forget that evening.
Hey! Let me tell you this that you already know for sure: Awesome Channel!! I have been a fan of big machines for all my life, from commercial plane to nuclear submarines, and after all this years I don't know how it took me so long to realize about this beautiful monsters that take humans out of their limits. Thank you and congratulations.
I have only seen 1 launch.. sts135. Atlantis. the last shuttle launch..Flew with a group from Australia and we were lucky enough to have causeway tickets...The experience? The most amazing thing I have witnessed in my 64 years on this Earth..It is an experience that has to be witnessed as it is so difficult to explain...Go Falcon Heavy..Go Elon.. I am so excited..even though I am here in Australia watching it on my computer. Thank you for the great vids..you do an excellent job Tim..
Tim ( AKA ROCKET MAN ) You do an Awesome job with your Site ! Information , Enthusiasm , Music ......... As for Photo/Video/Audio recording I do recommend Capturing the moment .... Have Tripods , some type of Stick/Pole , Camera Attachments ( like clips , Duck Tape , Hat/Chest like GoPro etc ) Lawn Chair etc. But set these up so you can View the Launch unobstructed and not hassled with equipment ..... As I get older I cherish all the moments I Captured bad or good .... Also Tim have you considered adding a 'EVERYDAY ASTRONAUT' Patch to your Store ? T - Minus y'all !
I witnessed 2 moon launches when I was a young boy. Apollo 12 and 14. We were at the "jetty" view area, which was FREE back then. When it launched, we could not hear anything! It took a few seconds for the sound to reach us. Then an ORANGE cloud appeared far away, and the rocket slowly rose up out of that orange cloud. Then we could hear the POP-POP sound of the engines. It sounded like a 4th of july fireworks display ... like the grand finale'. The sound was so strong it thumped against our chest. Not only could we HEAR it... we could FEEL it. And, I think we were about 10 miles away! I also witnessed a shuttle launch, which was not very impressive compared to the atlas 5 rockets of a moon launch. Now, I live in Florida, and only 50 miles from the launch site. I will be sure to see the Mars launch, if I live that long. I'm 65 years old.
I'll be at state road 401 for DM-1 launch. Getting there early friday to secure a spot and spend the day fishing and grilling. Hyped!!! 😁 Fly SpaceX Fly!!!
Great info. Saw one shuttle from roof of one of the cape side buildings right at the 3 mile berm as we were there for a meeting. Also saw sts-132 with my son and Dad from banana creek. I agree leave the camera at home or at least put it away at T-5 minutes and just enjoy the sights, sounds and meeting people we sat next to actress Lisa Edelstein (cuddy from House) as she was there with her sister who worked at JSC.
This is a very cool and helpful video; thank you sir! I was in Titusville for the Atlas and Crew 5 launches; it was a great time! My dad, stepmom, and I went to Playalinda beach to scope it out, great location, but unfortunately due to Ian, it was pretty flooded... We met a guy who works for SpaceX while checking into our hotel; he informed us that Playalinda is closed for manned launches. That night we ate at a local restaurant (Shilohs) and watched Atlas take off. The next morning we got up early and headed to Veteran's Memorial Park to see Crew5...glad we showed up 2 hours early! You're so right about the energy during a launch...it's an incomparable experience, we had such a great time at our first live launch, though I suppose I broke a cardinal rule by videoing...but worth it! Anyway, thanks for sharing this; will have to check out your other videos...would you happen to know about Wallops Island, VA? I know they do launches, and I'm hoping to check it out soon. 👍😁🚀
I had the pleasure of watching STS 107 launch back in 2003. It was the most amazing experience and very patriotic. Rockets are so very powerful, you won’t know until you watch it launch live. I regret bringing a camera, which at the time was a very high-quality camera, but pales in comparison to anything professionals and news media provide. Do not bring your camera, don’t even tempt yourself! I was heartbroken at the reentry. There are no words to describe how I felt. Spending hours before the launch reading the NASA provided materials allowed me to feel like I knew the astronauts on a deeper level than just knowing their names. Launches are a very personal thing, do not underestimate the experience that you will have if you have the fortunate opportunity to see one.
I’ve lived in Florida for 20 years and I’ve seen only one launch, from Jetty Park: the launch of the Kepler spacecraft. Had to show up very early to get a parking space relatively close. I booked a motel room cheapish (lazy about driving even a few hours there and back without a rest) and fortunately the launch wasn’t scrubbed.
Whew! Great video. As usual. For FH, I'll be sitting here in Tampa, looking out my east-facing man-room window, and watching you on RUclips and Discord.
Wowsers! Info packed video, big thumbs up. Sadly I’m unlikely to ever get to a launch but if I do I’m fully briefed now, thank you. I will be tuned in though from sunny England 👍👍
I've seen two launches back in 2016, but they were both expendable: An Atlas V 421 (NROL-61) & a Delta IV 4,2 (AFSPC-6) at the Space View Park in Titusville
How about Jetty Park? One of my all-time favorite places to camp. I've lived in Florida for 24 years, and all I've ever done is go to Payne's Prairie to see the Space Shuttle's trail that one time.
I'll have to watch from Nebraska. I did see live launches. My dad was working at Patrick AFB and we were in a trailer park just off base. I watched Juno IRBMs take off. I thought that was pretty awesome, but it's all we had in 1958.
My first viewing of a launch was the first Space Shuttle launch after the Challenger disaster. Sorry I can't not remember the ship and crew details at this moment. I drove down from Plymouth, MI to my freind's place just north of Daytona Beach, Florida. We then headed down to Titusville, FL the night and blindly found a place to camp out. Well sleeping in the car. It was near food and facilities, and a mall with a Sears store. Found out it was 12 miles away from the launch pad with the most visible thing being the Vehicle Assembly Building. Yes, it was part of a social thing as we joined others and saw others join us with their own stake out. Free parking. It was scheduled for an early morning launch. However as launch time got close, their was a scrub for a number of hours. Monitored the progress as a local FM station was simulcasting the NASA audio. But the delay gave us a break to get good food and see a movie. Finally the launch came. The flame is more than any camera due justice to. I did bring a VHS video camera and only looked over the top of it to aim...no looking thru the viewfinder. At that distance the ship rises in silence until about 60 seconds later as you feel and hear first the low rumble, then the roar of the launch. What an experience!! On another launch viewing I was patient enough and the sky was clear enough that we followed the flame until Main Engine Cut Off as it was called on NASA radio.
Hey Tim, nice vid, I'm actually glad you named the other companies and companies' rockets. I'd like to see more of non-spacex stuff to be honest x.x that's just me, though, I don't know what other people think Edit: I love SpaceX as much as the next guy does, I'm not a hater or anything, I'm too hyped for the FH launch lol
I live in Titusville, right across the river from the launch complex! Great view! Hey TIM, let me know where you are staying in the area, maybe we can do dinner tonight post launch, unless, of course, you are hanging with the dignitaries!
I was going to Florida this week for a trip and when they said the launch was February 6th I almost died of happiness, I'm going to do everything I can to see this launch
We have seen a night launch of the Space Shuttle from the KSC Banana Creek Launch area, the final launch ever of the shuttle program from Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center, and have seen two SpaceX launches from SR 528/A1A, at a spot right at the midpoint in the Banana River as the road passes over it. There is a pull-off area where you can park, setup your tripod and watch an unobstructed view of the launches. Sometimes there are one or two food trucks if it is a popular launch, and as a bonus, you will usually get to watch a lot of dolphins swimming within several feet of the rivers edge!!! Highly recommend this spot. :-)
Thanks for the update and so much good info ! Loooking forward to falcon heavy :) If you want to get rid of the reflections on your glasses a polarizer on your camera should fix that.
I watch from my backyard. Great view of launches but not of the returning stages. Oh well. My tip for watching from the river edge in Titusville: US1 is a busy road. Be cautious. Don't walk across and be one of the many people that get hit by a car everytime there is a launch - the car always wins.
My parents took me to see STS-7 when I was a kid and we lived in the Caribbean, I'm still very happy they did. I'm not sure from where we watched the launch, it was near a large body of water. I tried to see STS-135, but between when I booked the ticket from the Netherlands and actual launch, things got shifted by more than a week and I missed it.
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
Hi Tim, I am from the UK and last year I took the family on holiday to Florida. I organised tickets to visit the Space Centre for myself and my youngest son. At the time I had no idea how to investigate launch dates and was just happy to be going to see the Saturn V in person. My son and I teased each other at how awesome it would be to one day to organise a special trip to see an actual launch! At the same time, I booked the tickets I also tried to book a tour of the control room, but they were all sold out, so I opted for a tour that took us across the causeway. Well… you won’t believe it because I couldn’t believe it myself. The bus stopped half way across the causeway, we disembarked and immediately there and then the DELTA 4 HEAVY took off with a secret government satellite. It was because of the covert nature of the launch that it wasn’t advertised or on offer, just pure random good luck with perfect timing by the bus driver 😊 I lifelong ambition achieved! Good luck Space X.
In 1997 I was skydiving at a place called Sebastian in florida. I was at 12,000ft when i was dropping at 120mph whilst Columbia was going up. It felt pretty close, probably about 50miles away but I will never forget that experience even for an ex British paratrooper. I don't think you can beat that, I would expect the dropzone still jumps whilst they launch rockets
I went to college at Florida Tech in Melbourne back in the late 80's. My first view of an actual launch was the Space Shuttle.
I went to high school in Titusville across US 1 the Indian River was a perfectt view. of the pad and the VAB. We were always allowed to leave to watch but were supposed to come back to school. Sometimes we did. Lol 😆
Now I live on the other side of the state. When Artemis launched a few weeks ago I was still awake so watched the lift off on TV then went outside and could see it. Amazing launch so glad I caught it 😀
I live on the other side of the world :(
feels..... thug life
Harry Evett
Me too
Ooo sadness
Germany ;D
Sarius 200 ich auch, aber vieleicht stürzt mal was in meinen garten.
I live in Florida. Once lift off has occurred , I can see it from my house. Beer is free for me at my house. I like rocket launches and free beer.
Rick Denton, when does the party start? I live in Merritt Island!
I'm in Rockledge!
Yeah, but on the downside, you live in Florida, so there's that.
slaction what's wrong with Florida?
I live in cocoa beach lol
Very useful information! The only launch I have seen at KSC was STS-6 which was the first launch of Space Shuttle Challenger on april 4th, 1983. I was fortunate enough to have been able to see it from the inside of KSC, so I had a perfect view of the launch pad and the Shuttle. It was a marvelous experience. I live in Mexico City and I was 30 then. Now I look forward to see the second or third launch of Falcon Heavy, and with the information you provided, is going to be much easier the planning, thank you!
Hi Tim, thanks for the great advice. Wow - Deja vu all over again - 40+ years later
I grew up in South Florida in the sixties and began watching live Saturn V launches as soon as I could con my Dad in onto driving up from Fort Lauderdale to watch one of the early Apollo launches (Apollo 9 or 10, I think). Later, when I got my driver’s license, I caught as many launches as I could. Titusville, just three hours away from home and eleven miles west of the launch site, turned out to be the perfect spot for watching launches. Even at eleven miles away, the sight and sound of a live Saturn launch was far beyond anything I had seen on TV. I was addicted. I drove up to watch several Apollo launches including the night launch of Apollo 17, the Skylab launch, and the Apollo-Soyuz launch. I was lucky enough to be at the turning basin press site for the last ever Saturn V launch (Skylab) - where you will be. If this is your first time watching a launch of this magnitude from three miles away, you will be in for a treat. NOTHING and I mean nothing can prepare you for the feeling - not just the sound - but the visceral gut rumbling feeling of those engines. Yes forget the camera. All of my pictures were pretty crappy, but sensory experience is still fondly burned into my memory.
Sadly I have never been to a live watch since, but I still get goose bumps watching launches on RUclips, but now I get watch F9 landings as well. The double sonic booms that arrive at touch down should be awesome in person. Maybe getting there hours ahead of time is OK, but back in the day getting there days ahead of time was often required :-) .
Thank you for the great job you do covering SpaceX and other topics. I applaud your ability to do it full time. I envy you. Then again you have mad presentation skills!
I have included three of my blog posts below that might be of interest to anyone else reading this. My firsthand accounts of being there. I make no money from this site and I pay to keep it advertisement free so I have no ulterior motives in posting the links other than additional info.
Enjoy the launch!!!!
contrafactual.com/2013/07/20/apollo-11-main-engines-found/
contrafactual.com/2017/02/19/a-blast-off-from-my-past/
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.... too excited
Don’t expect too much
wait.... do you mean you can't wait?
Dito ditto dito!
Thomas Reitsma me too! 🤗
Thomas Reitsma what time is the live stream starting
I've seen two launches. My first launch was Space Shuttle Atlantis/STS-132 from the KSC press site. It was spectacular. The sound was unbelievable... There was no clouds at all and we saw the SRB separation! My second one was STS-135 from a few miles away. There were so many people in there but that's one of the best part of it. You get to nerd out with anyone you meet and talk about space all day.
At Baikonur you have better view (less then 2km), few people, and astronauts (and it is all cheaper, but the flights). I recommend it for true everyday cosmonauts. i recommend also a night launch, where full power and light is really appreciated.
This is good info Tim, thanks so much. Hey by the way I got buy-in to do an interview or collab or something with you via The Mars Generation! Let's do thisss
Oh, I know where to be watching: on this channel.
DIS EQUAL TRUE
Depends if you want commentary or not.
Great one
Watched Falcon Heavy with my parents and 5YO son from Jetty Park. Security let us park at the boat launch saying "they'll be so many people to ticket, were not even going to try, enjoy the launch" It was awesome. Getting from there to the freeway, about 1.5 miles took 4 hours..... 0.0
Tim...this is just about a one-stop-shop video. Not only did it answer every question I had, it answered every question I would have thought of when it's too late. Keep up the good work, man. Found my little girls were inspired by your other videos...subscribe button clicked!
Wow thank you!!!! Welcome!
Personally I think closer launch viewing is the best overall you see the Rocket shortly after it lifts off and your in the visitors center so you get to do a ton of fun stuff while your waiting. Plus the landing view is pretty good. I was there for the Heavy launch and it was so much fun.
My first (and only so far) launch was back in 2006, STS-121. I stood next to the NASA causeway and had a very good view of the launch.
The worst thing about it is indeed camera related. My parents wanted a picture of me with the launch in the background, so I turned my back to the launch for a big portion of it.
I've never seen a launch, but it's near the top of my bucket list. I've been searching for a perfect guide on how to see one and this is the best guide I could have asked for! Thank you for this video. The way you described it made me even MORE excited to go see one. Reminded me of the experience of going out and see the solar eclipse last year.
From Australia. I got to see the Delta4 Heavy launch of the Parker Solar Probe from the 401 road at Canaveral. Had driven from Orlando the previous night and the 3am launch was scrubbed. Drove over the next night for the launch. Long drives and really messed with our planned activities but wouldn’t have missed it for the world. When that sound hits you and goes through you.... WOW!
I went to the US for a launch... in 1976... from the UK. The previous three launches blew up - mine didn't go up. I saw bits in a hanger though - and a bloke rushing in to the VAB saying 'The approach and landing test worked !' - I loved that :-) Utterly unforgettable !
Simon Anthony
Time for a redo!
I’m on the other space coast (California), but much of the advice is the same. Arrive early, prepare for a scrub, put down your phone, socialize even if you’re an introvert. I’d add listen to the live webcast if you can, but remember there’s a latency to RUclips live broadcasts. Be watching at T-1:00. Great vid. Enjoy the launch. Wish I could be there.
Agree, be early, be willing wait, and enjoy! I miss going to the launches, I have been to most of the sites you talked about and watched space shuttle, atlas and you name it in the late 80’s early 90’s. Great fun!
Just to note, 401 does have an un-obstructed view of the landings depending on where you park and view from. Near Charles M Rowland drive you can see the top of the rocket even after touchdown. Exploration Tower offers an even better view from the elevated position, but as you said it's not always available and I confirmed today the event will be private for Falcon Heavy. I'll be there, but will definitely not leave the camera or telescope at home ;).
You my friend, are epic. Love your dedication and passion to space exploration. You were the first channel that i consulted when i started falling in love with the cosmos. Keep it up, and we'll always stay tuned.
Much love from France.
This is a GREAT video. As a former Florida resident and LONG TIME rocket/space nerd, I can vouch you have absolutely done your research. Listen to this man!
There's another whole aspect of launch watching that you can miss out watching from Titusville or Cocoa Beach, and that's visibility after the launch. I think the best place to watch launches, especially night launches where you can follow the rocket all the way to orbit with your binoculars, and even more especially for polar orbit launches is Daytona Beach, 40 miles from the launch point.
Your absolute best view of ignition and early flight to 30 seconds is always on television or You Tube. After that, from 40 miles you are not looking unspectacularly up the tail of the rocket, but from the side where you can visualize the path *much better.* I was lucky to be able to watch every single launch of the Saturn V ever from the beach. With my six inch telescope I read the "United States" on the side of the lower stage.
SpaceX launches are great, either from Daytona Beach, or even from my home in DeLand. The first 30 seconds is on video, but after that I have a prime seat whether at work or at home! I'll be very interested in the *sound* from the Falcon Heavy and how it compares to the sound of the Saturn Vs. I'll try to record it, but the frequencies are so low that normal microphones probably just won't get the job done. We'll see. No matter how this goes, it will be great!
Grew up in Polk county Florida. Remember watching as many shuttle launches as possible from our back yard. I'd watch the ignition and liftoff on TV, then sprint outside to try to catch the glow of the boosters in the north east sky, so long as no clouds obstructed the view. Always dreamed of going to see one even closer, but never got the chance.
I live in South Carolina now, but am definitely planning on going back to catch a launch. Maybe a Falcon Heavy, or hopefully the first SLS test flight. The idea of that rocket makes me giddy inside. I hope it happens, and soon. Big thanks for this video, I'll be prepared when I get there!
Dude thank you SO MUCH for making this video! I'm flying in for the launch and I had no clue where to go to watch it. This video answered my questions and more! I cannot begin to express how helpful this video is.
I agree on the social aspect. I saw my only launch a couple of years ago while I was on vacation in Florida and struck a chat with the parents of a guy who worked on the mission payload.
I was watching a Delta IV launching a GPS satellite @ SLC-37 back in 2014 from Port Canaveral Route 401. I'm told that's one of the best free spots for watching a Delta IV launch.
This one is definitely going in the playlist for quick access..., in fact I think I'll make a new playlist just for it. Going to be down in Florida at some point later this year, and potential launches were always going to be a factor in determining just when.
My First Launch was STS-135 and the only one I've seen so far. It was amazing and I've been too busy to go see another one especially since I moved out of Florida after that launch. It was an amazing experience and I did cry a little.
This is the first video I watched on your chanel... instant subscribtion!
Hype is real! Would love to see a launch one day, even tho I live in Europe
Another tip - don't fall asleep before liftoff!
I flew over from Hungary specifically to watch the penultimate shuttle launch, Endeavour, and it was scrubbed twice.
Changed return ticket twice and ended up staying a month bumming around Florida whiling away the time until I finally got to see it. The launch was early morning, but the coach left at night and had hours and hours to wander around KSC.
I got to the causeway at 4am and had to wait another few hours, and as I had just driven up from Key West the day before and had hardly slept, I thought I'd just close my eyes for an hour...
Next thing I knew was my rib cage being shaken by the sound of the launch, and I woke up to catch a 2 second glimpse of the shuttle disappearing above the clouds! Pity it was unusually cloudy for a launch.
Still, I was there and got to see it which was the main thing.
Blew about $5000 on hotels and car rental for a month instead of a planned week, but it was worth it!
For my first launch, I was able to watch EchoStar 23 lift-off at 2am on March 16 2017. Great experience and one I'll remember forever.
Your passion for this makes me feel like a giddy kid again learning about space for the first time.
We live in an exciting time.
Tim. I've seen ton of your videos and 4 launches myself. And one solar eclipse. I really - really like your videos nowadays. Not for the information as I'm bit of a space-geek self so i don't really learn much but I do love how you make information easilly accessible for folks. When it comes to videos of experience I would generally push people to film videos of launches. Film liftoff and then the atmosphere and reactions of people and friends watching. Don't pay attention to filming the rocket as that will distract you but capture the feeling and atmosphere. So you can relive the experience. I have a horrible video of the total solar eclipse back in august - but the audio is almost more important for me as it brings me back every time to the event. And if I wish, I can watch professional captures of the event as well.
Well, the current launch time is during school, so... ...I guess I'll be sick... ...cough cough, so sick. cough cough...
I have a name , It will be worth it!
Your editing is amazing! I just wish more people took an interest in Space and Rockets in general :/
This is exactly that I was looking for!! thanks man
I love your work, mate. Keep it up!
Hey Tim. So only watching this now, a year later but just want to say thank you for the video. I found it very helpful. My brother, Dad and I are hoping to see the upcoming CRS 17 mission in April. We are traveling all the way from Cape Town South Africa so helpful to be prepared! Keep up the great work with the channel and the enthusiasm in general.
Okay Tim that's it! You're my favorite RUclipsr of all-time! I love you man! :) Thank you for posting these tips. I'll be there Tuesday.
Falcon heavy will be my first launch, and I am watching from the visitors complex. So excited
STS-129 was an absolute perfect launch opportunity. It stayed on schedule for months earlier than launch. Was really happy to see that launch.
I watched ULA's ATLAS V GOES-R launch from the causeway! 12 year Florida resident and I never saw a launch that close in my life. It was the most surreal experience of my life. I also watched SpaceX's F9 launch for KOREASAT 5A! Playalinda gets EXTREMELY packed (Had to park at Lot #7!) for launches so if you plan on going there for a launch, get there early.
My first launch was CRS-7. Huge roller coaster of emotion.
very good video. Lots of good informations. I ´ve seen STS-126 launching and STS-132 landing as well as the Zuma launch a few weeks ago. Awesome. The shuttle launch was most impressive. And yes the social aspect was always at least 50% of it. After STS-126 I was stuck in the most fun (yeas really) traffic jam ever. Never forget that evening.
The only launch I've seen in person was a night shuttle launch when I was 13 or so, standing next to my dad. One of my best memories.
This video auto-played just after the webcast, such an awesome launch!
Hey! Let me tell you this that you already know for sure: Awesome Channel!! I have been a fan of big machines for all my life, from commercial plane to nuclear submarines, and after all this years I don't know how it took me so long to realize about this beautiful monsters that take humans out of their limits. Thank you and congratulations.
Great video Tim!
Another tip:
If you are able, try to get 2 days off work. The launch date and the day after in case there is a 1-day scrub.
I have only seen 1 launch.. sts135. Atlantis. the last shuttle launch..Flew with a group from Australia and we were lucky enough to have causeway tickets...The experience? The most amazing thing I have witnessed in my 64 years on this Earth..It is an experience that has to be witnessed as it is so difficult to explain...Go Falcon Heavy..Go Elon.. I am so excited..even though I am here in Australia watching it on my computer. Thank you for the great vids..you do an excellent job Tim..
Tim ( AKA ROCKET MAN ) You do an Awesome job with your Site !
Information , Enthusiasm , Music .........
As for Photo/Video/Audio recording I do recommend Capturing the moment ....
Have Tripods , some type of Stick/Pole , Camera Attachments ( like clips , Duck Tape , Hat/Chest like GoPro etc ) Lawn Chair etc.
But set these up so you can View the Launch unobstructed and not hassled with equipment .....
As I get older I cherish all the moments I Captured bad or good ....
Also Tim have you considered adding a 'EVERYDAY ASTRONAUT' Patch to your Store ?
T - Minus y'all !
I watched one of the earliest space shuttle launches from apartment deck in Daytona Beach. Couldn’t see the vehicle, but the contrail was awesome!
Such high quality content, thank you Tim!
I witnessed 2 moon launches when I was a young boy. Apollo 12 and 14. We were at the "jetty" view area, which was FREE back then. When it launched, we could not hear anything! It took a few seconds for the sound to reach us. Then an ORANGE cloud appeared far away, and the rocket slowly rose up out of that orange cloud. Then we could hear the POP-POP sound of the engines. It sounded like a 4th of july fireworks display ... like the grand finale'. The sound was so strong it thumped against our chest. Not only could we HEAR it... we could FEEL it. And, I think we were about 10 miles away! I also witnessed a shuttle launch, which was not very impressive compared to the atlas 5 rockets of a moon launch. Now, I live in Florida, and only 50 miles from the launch site. I will be sure to see the Mars launch, if I live that long. I'm 65 years old.
I like u for ur natural flow of language and behavior otherwise some u tubers seems very pretentious
I'll be at state road 401 for DM-1 launch. Getting there early friday to secure a spot and spend the day fishing and grilling. Hyped!!! 😁 Fly SpaceX Fly!!!
Great info. Saw one shuttle from roof of one of the cape side buildings right at the 3 mile berm as we were there for a meeting. Also saw sts-132 with my son and Dad from banana creek. I agree leave the camera at home or at least put it away at T-5 minutes and just enjoy the sights, sounds and meeting people we sat next to actress Lisa Edelstein (cuddy from House) as she was there with her sister who worked at JSC.
I live in Titusville 5 minutes from Max A Brewer bridge. Always get an excellent view of all launches!
This is a very cool and helpful video; thank you sir! I was in Titusville for the Atlas and Crew 5 launches; it was a great time! My dad, stepmom, and I went to Playalinda beach to scope it out, great location, but unfortunately due to Ian, it was pretty flooded...
We met a guy who works for SpaceX while checking into our hotel; he informed us that Playalinda is closed for manned launches. That night we ate at a local restaurant (Shilohs) and watched Atlas take off.
The next morning we got up early and headed to Veteran's Memorial Park to see Crew5...glad we showed up 2 hours early! You're so right about the energy during a launch...it's an incomparable experience, we had such a great time at our first live launch, though I suppose I broke a cardinal rule by videoing...but worth it!
Anyway, thanks for sharing this; will have to check out your other videos...would you happen to know about Wallops Island, VA? I know they do launches, and I'm hoping to check it out soon. 👍😁🚀
I had the pleasure of watching STS 107 launch back in 2003. It was the most amazing experience and very patriotic. Rockets are so very powerful, you won’t know until you watch it launch live. I regret bringing a camera, which at the time was a very high-quality camera, but pales in comparison to anything professionals and news media provide. Do not bring your camera, don’t even tempt yourself! I was heartbroken at the reentry. There are no words to describe how I felt. Spending hours before the launch reading the NASA provided materials allowed me to feel like I knew the astronauts on a deeper level than just knowing their names. Launches are a very personal thing, do not underestimate the experience that you will have if you have the fortunate opportunity to see one.
Eclipse viewing logistics. :-) Great quantities of great wisdom in either context. :-)
Watched from Cheri Down park in Cape Canaveral! Great view of the boosters landing!
I’ve lived in Florida for 20 years and I’ve seen only one launch, from Jetty Park: the launch of the Kepler spacecraft. Had to show up very early to get a parking space relatively close. I booked a motel room cheapish (lazy about driving even a few hours there and back without a rest) and fortunately the launch wasn’t scrubbed.
This video has my favorite Thumbnail. Tim you did real good job on that one!
Thanks, Tim. I dig the tune at the end.
Whew! Great video. As usual. For FH, I'll be sitting here in Tampa, looking out my east-facing man-room window, and watching you on RUclips and Discord.
Wowsers! Info packed video, big thumbs up. Sadly I’m unlikely to ever get to a launch but if I do I’m fully briefed now, thank you. I will be tuned in though from sunny England 👍👍
KSC is ~45 miles SE of my front door. Pretty neat to watch rockets go up fly. I saw live the first spacex landing from the A1A causeway. T'was epic.
You are awesome. Many thanks for your great efforts and your passion about to make us smarter!
I've seen two launches back in 2016, but they were both expendable: An Atlas V 421 (NROL-61) & a Delta IV 4,2 (AFSPC-6) at the Space View Park in Titusville
This is priceless Tim, thank you.
Good advice, nicely put together.
Thanks! This will be super helpful to me one day hopefully soon
Planning my Christmas holidays in Florida, this will help, thanks a lot Tim!!!
Thanks for sharing this GREAT information.
I’m going to falcon heavy Tomorrow. I saw 8 shuttle launches. My first was sts-119, and my last was sts-135
Excellent overview of launch viewing options. Thanks from London UK.
Hope to see a Falcon Heavy launch in the next year or so.
How about Jetty Park? One of my all-time favorite places to camp.
I've lived in Florida for 24 years, and all I've ever done is go to Payne's Prairie to see the Space Shuttle's trail that one time.
I'll have to watch from Nebraska. I did see live launches. My dad was working at Patrick AFB and we were in a trailer park just off base. I watched Juno IRBMs take off. I thought that was pretty awesome, but it's all we had in 1958.
Hit play on 'Life on Mars' exactly 48 seconds before launch for the chorus to drop on lift off :)
My first viewing of a launch was the first Space Shuttle launch after the Challenger disaster. Sorry I can't not remember the ship and crew details at this moment. I drove down from Plymouth, MI to my freind's place just north of Daytona Beach, Florida. We then headed down to Titusville, FL the night and blindly found a place to camp out. Well sleeping in the car. It was near food and facilities, and a mall with a Sears store. Found out it was 12 miles away from the launch pad with the most visible thing being the Vehicle Assembly Building. Yes, it was part of a social thing as we joined others and saw others join us with their own stake out. Free parking. It was scheduled for an early morning launch. However as launch time got close, their was a scrub for a number of hours. Monitored the progress as a local FM station was simulcasting the NASA audio. But the delay gave us a break to get good food and see a movie. Finally the launch came. The flame is more than any camera due justice to. I did bring a VHS video camera and only looked over the top of it to aim...no looking thru the viewfinder. At that distance the ship rises in silence until about 60 seconds later as you feel and hear first the low rumble, then the roar of the launch. What an experience!!
On another launch viewing I was patient enough and the sky was clear enough that we followed the flame until Main Engine Cut Off as it was called on NASA radio.
If SpaceX has vacation to Mars, this guy will be the first Space guide, very entertaining and well informed.
Hey Tim, nice vid, I'm actually glad you named the other companies and companies' rockets.
I'd like to see more of non-spacex stuff to be honest x.x that's just me, though, I don't know what other people think
Edit: I love SpaceX as much as the next guy does, I'm not a hater or anything, I'm too hyped for the FH launch lol
Where did you get your space x models
Ryan Clarke-Byrne It's in the bottom of the description
moesgymmom why thank you
Perfect timing! I’ll be around and was wondering where to go. :)
I live in Titusville, right across the river from the launch complex! Great view! Hey TIM, let me know where you are staying in the area, maybe we can do dinner tonight post launch, unless, of course, you are hanging with the dignitaries!
Awesome video idea Tim
I was going to Florida this week for a trip and when they said the launch was February 6th I almost died of happiness, I'm going to do everything I can to see this launch
Get a yatch and go for a day on the waves to watch from the water. That would be cool.
We have seen a night launch of the Space Shuttle from the KSC Banana Creek Launch area, the final launch ever of the shuttle program from Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center, and have seen two SpaceX launches from SR 528/A1A, at a spot right at the midpoint in the Banana River as the road passes over it. There is a pull-off area where you can park, setup your tripod and watch an unobstructed view of the launches. Sometimes there are one or two food trucks if it is a popular launch, and as a bonus, you will usually get to watch a lot of dolphins swimming within several feet of the rivers edge!!! Highly recommend this spot. :-)
Will be at Banana Creek April 22nd crew 2 launch. Hope your there !
Great music, thank you... my favorite 'Jovian Moon Run'
Also playlinda beach is a neud beach, found out yesterday at falcon nine launch
Thanks for the update and so much good info ! Loooking forward to falcon heavy :) If you want to get rid of the reflections on your glasses a polarizer on your camera should fix that.
I watch from my backyard. Great view of launches but not of the returning stages. Oh well.
My tip for watching from the river edge in Titusville: US1 is a busy road. Be cautious. Don't walk across and be one of the many people that get hit by a car everytime there is a launch - the car always wins.
My parents took me to see STS-7 when I was a kid and we lived in the Caribbean, I'm still very happy they did. I'm not sure from where we watched the launch, it was near a large body of water.
I tried to see STS-135, but between when I booked the ticket from the Netherlands and actual launch, things got shifted by more than a week and I missed it.
Thanks Tim, awesome vid.
Great info! Thanks... will be watching online!
This was really helpful. I hope, I'll be able to get there from Europe when BFR launches in a few years.