Shuttle Launch - The Hull Truth

FASTFJR · 08-19-2009, 12:44 PM

This might sound stupid...

But can you see the shuttle launch from Marathon Key?

jimwhited · 08-19-2009, 01:24 PM

Nope, it's 300 miles away from Cape Canaveral.

FASTFJR · 08-19-2009, 01:26 PM

Oh well, thanks

osprey34229 · 08-19-2009, 03:18 PM

I can see from sarasota 175 miles away.
By see I mean con trail and sun flashes
from shuttle,

FASTFJR · 08-19-2009, 05:28 PM

Considering its suppose to launch at 1:30 am, I would think I could see something

billinstuart · 08-19-2009, 06:33 PM

Early shots went "down range" along the coast, and were visible, but the space shuttle goes due east, which helps it attain altitude quicker. You may see a little of it that far south.

set the hook · 08-27-2009, 07:57 AM

I have watched a night launch from Savannah GA! I was amazed at how well I could see it from that distance! It was a clear night.

buddy29766 · 08-27-2009, 09:49 AM

I think you can see night launches.

Sprockets · 08-27-2009, 01:24 PM

I'll probably drive over to Titusville Friday night if conditions look favorable.

Menzies · 08-28-2009, 05:51 PM

Actually the launch is at 11:59 tonight. the skies are clearing nicely up this way so I may stay up and try and get some video.

It actually goes north east so you can see it pretty clearly at night from NE Florida and South East Georgia. Including the fuel tank separation.

Sprockets · 08-28-2009, 08:02 PM

Heading over in about 20 minutes. Pics in the morning if it goes.

Menzies · 08-28-2009, 10:13 PM

Good launch, saw it nice and clear from here. Got a bit of video too!

Gulf Coast Girl · 08-28-2009, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FASTFJR

Oh well, thanks

I'm in FL and at the last launch I thought I'd go out and look into the sky to try and see at least the trail of it going up. As I stood in my backyard with my binoculars not seeing a damn thing ..... it occurred to me that DUH... I'm on the West Coast of FL and curvature of the Earth would prevent me from seeing anything even resembling the launch. I slinked back into my house.... hoping none of my neighbors witnessed me out there like an idiot with my binoculars.

HDRyder999 · 08-28-2009, 10:47 PM

I am on the west coast of Florida, about 20 yards from the Gulf of Mexico. I see shuttle launches clearly if there are no clouds.

Sprockets · 08-28-2009, 11:42 PM

Just got back from the launch. There was a lot of lightning offshore but it was far enough not to be a problem.

Menzies · 08-29-2009, 07:26 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfB1Lu3l7qA

Freeebird · 08-29-2009, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sprockets

Just got back from the launch. There was a lot of lightning offshore but it was far enough not to be a problem.

Man, that's a cool shot. I figured it would be like staring at the sun if you were up close during a night launch.

ftl900 · 09-02-2009, 07:09 PM

We're on the west coast of Florida, and we've watched the last 2 night launches... watch liftoff on TV and then run outside to see it gain altitude.

The due east part was right on tho, I could tell it was going that way because from our vantage point, it dwindled away faster than appearing to gain altitude.

Gulf Coast Girl · 09-02-2009, 07:30 PM

Seems some people on the West Coast of FL can see the shuttle going up. I'm up in the Panhandle... (near Pensacola) and I've yet to be able to see it.

Menzies · 09-02-2009, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ftl900

The due east part was right on tho, I could tell it was going that way because from our vantage point, it dwindled away faster than appearing to gain altitude.

Nope, it goes North East.