Falcon Heavy Launch

[CurtEgerer]

SpaceX Receives Launch License for First Falcon Heavy Launch

Thinking about driving over toward the Cape to see them light the wick on this thing since it is the largest rocket since Apollo Saturn 5. I saw a shuttle launch from the visitors center years ago. Question for locals: what's the furthest away I can be and still see & hear a decent show? And any specific spots to view from? Thanks.

And i guess since this is just a test launch anyway, Musk is going to put a Tesla Roadster into orbit just for grins, seriously

[carreradpt]

My advice; just get as close as you can. The sound is of course carried by the wind. Inside of Rt 1 is good, following 528 all the way towards the cruise ship port is better. We used to park on the last causeway on 528 to watch the Shuttles.

We are 22 miles as the crows fly(approx.) and we just step outside the front door for a good view. Sometimes we hear them, sometimes, naught.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

The beach by Ron Jons in Cocoa Beach is a good spot - or used to be. When I was in school down that way me and friends would drive up there with some beers and have a party on the beach as we watched the launches occasionally.

Night launches best of course...

[CurtEgerer]

Thanks for the tips. I remember driving in to watch the shuttle and was amazed how far away cars were lining the sides of the road.

[CurtEgerer]

Obviously, i know where Ron Jons is and that might be a good spot because there's lots of options for parking. The other spot by the cruise ships, is this the basic area you're talking about?

[Baz]

It all depends on how much you want to experience. I'm north of the cape about 50 miles which is close enough to watch it fly through the sky from my front yard. Or where ever I might be in town when she goes up.

Already did the drive to the cape thing (and have the pics to prove it!) - no need to repeat at this juncture....

[CurtEgerer]

This only interests me because it's supposedly close to the power of a Saturn 5 and I never got to see one of those live. The sound of the shuttle was pretty impressive from the visitors center.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Yep - anywhere along that part of the coast is great. It all comes down to weather and visibility.

[CurtEgerer]

Weather is looking really good for Tuesday (IF they go on schedule) 70s/Sunny. I'm wondering if this thing is going to draw the crowds like the shuttle or not, seeing it is not manned.

[Jims5543]

I give Motion some tips in this thread. I used to live in Cape Canveral, go to the beach and get away from the crowds on the causeways.

Any Pelicans going to be in FL for the Falcon Heavy launch?

[fanaudical]

Keep in mind that this is the first launch/test of a new rocket platform. There might be "fireworks". Choose a vantage point carefully...

[CurtEgerer]

Jim thanks.

Yeah, i think just about anything could happen with this launch. Most likely a series of delays.

Not much of a fan of Musk/Tesla/etc., but this payload is hilarious. Supposedly, there is some scientific value to putting it in orbit, but primarily just a cool stunt.

[CurtEgerer]

Jim, that Cherie Down Park reminded me that there is a nice dog park on the A1A south of there and just north of Cocoa Beach that I've been to a few times. I think I'll take the mutts with me and hang out there.

[carreradpt]

Originally Posted by CurtEgerer

Obviously, i know where Ron Jons is and that might be a good spot because there's lots of options for parking. The other spot by the cruise ships, is this the basic area you're talking about?

Yes Curt Anywhere along 528 leading up to that area. Depends on how many folks show up to see the launch. But you can get a drink and hang out along the canal and have a nice view if you head to that area.

[red-beard]

Originally Posted by CurtEgerer

Not much of a fan of Musk/Tesla/etc., but this payload is hilarious. Supposedly, there is some scientific value to putting it in orbit, but primarily just a cool stunt.

Just, why? Seems both stupid and dangerous. We have enough floating orbital debris without adding a car

[porsche930dude]

Maybe he wants to drive it on the moon? Now that would be cool

[Baz]

[stealthn]

My bet is the self driving tech goes wrong and the Tesla crashed into the Space Station

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by red-beard

Just, why? Seems both stupid and dangerous. We have enough floating orbital debris without adding a car

The news said it was to orbit Mars. That seems unlikely but we shall see.

[red-beard]

Originally Posted by red-beard

Just, why? Seems both stupid and dangerous. We have enough floating orbital debris without adding a car

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

The news said it was to orbit Mars. That seems unlikely but we shall see.

Great, let's put orbital debris around another Planet!