3-2-1 – Liftoff
After the last scrubbed attempt of the Atlas rocket launch, I miss my chance to see a live rocket launch. I really want to see a live launch. I’m pretty bummed that the next scheduled launch at the KSC, Kennedy Space Center, is a daytime launch. I really want to photograph a nighttime launch. They say things work out for a reason. If I had seen my original launch, I wouldn’t have made the trip back for the inaugural launch of the SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. The Falcon Heavy is a concept from the visionary Elon Musk.
I am a bit of an admirer of Musk; I am envious of his ability to not only think outside of the box, but to also see those thoughts through to fruition.
The Falcon Heavy is the world’s most powerful rocket, capable of delivering large payloads to the International Space Station, and maybe even Mars. Todays payload is Elons’ Tesla Roadster. “Starman“, a mannequin dressed in a spacesuit, occupies the driver’s seat. They are to be released into space as part of today’s mission. Update: The Starman has traveled millions of miles to date and his progress can be tracked here.
Houston, not again!
Today’s launch is scheduled for 1:30pm. My assigned time is to arrive 5 hours pre-launch. After traversing the incredibly long lines for admission and again to board the bus, I finally nestle in at the LC-39 Gantry viewing area with about 2 hours until launch 
time. Almost immediately, a one hour delay is announced.
A small stage is setup and Bill Nye, the Science Guy, is giving his take on the days events. He commands a stage regurgitating relevant stories, trivia and launch updates. I find him entertaining and he does provide a needed diversion from the wait. I, however, find myself watching the many birds soar, swoop and dive about.
Due to higher than expected winds aloft, yet another indefinite delay is announced. The irony of that amuses me. We spend millions of dollars, exert tremendous brain power, and have the ability to shoot a car and “driver” into orbit, only to succumb to a little wind. The birds don’t seem to have any problem with it at all.
The Final Countdown
Finally, the count down clock starts ticking again with a launch scheduled for 3:45. For reasons beyond my comprehension 3:45 is a do or die for today’s launch. Another delay will force this launch to be scrubbed.
Inside of 1/2 hour to go, the announcer starts reading a disclaimer that we are viewing with the assumed risk of flying debris, toxins and other nasty stuff. I don’t see anyone who doesn’t like their odds of survival and leaving the Kennedy Space Center view areas.
The one part of the announcement that I do take to heart is: to not watch the launch through a viewfinder of a camera or phone. We are encouraged to experience the launch and worry about downloading pictures later. This is something I am often guilty of so I will try to refrain from capturing that perfect shot.
Once the steam starts rolling, I couldn’t help but snap a photo or two. It’s a bit surreal that the rocket starts lifting before I even hear a sound. Once the sound arrives at my vantage point 4 miles away, I notice I’m glued to my viewfinder and mesmerized at what’s unfolding before me.
The sound is not so much loud but something you feel. I sit the camera down to feel the pressure pounding on my chest and the trembling below my feet. The rocket seems to just hang in air and moves upward surprising slowly. I worry that the momentum will just stop and the rocket will fall back to the ground. I glance around to see if anyone looks worried or if this is normal rocket behavior.
To infinity… and beyond!
The SpaceX Falcon continues pulling against the forces of gravity and trying to break free. It inches through the sky and through the only cloud in the sky. Within a span of 2 minutes, it is gone. The announcer narrates the videos on the jumbotrons scattered about showing the 2 booster rockets separate successfully. The crowd erupts with the news. This is the Superbowl for science and rocket aficionados and the home team just scored.
The crowd settles, for a few minutes when 2 red orbs coming dropping out of the sky towards us. Unique to SpaceX is the reuse of its booster rockets. They return to Kennedy Space Center landing perfectly in unison on landing pads nearby. The crowd again erupts into a chorus of cheers as the home team just wins the championship. Shortly upon landing are two loud sonic booms! Startling, but a perfectly normal sonic boom that took its time to reach us.
Something about that moment just yanks a few tears from my eyes. I really don’t know why. It is an emotional experience I’m not expecting. I try to figure out where this emotion came from. There was immense anticipation, there was worry, there was awe, there was sensory arousal, there was elation then finally relieve. I surmise it’s just too many emotions at once, and something had to give. And hope no one notices. But I did notice I wasn’t the only one.
An Experience not to miss
I have seen televised rocket launches my entire life and never consider seeing a live launch a bucket list kind of thing. That’s unfortunate, as I would have been really missing out if I didn’t make the effort to see this one.
The announcer was right: My view finder doesn’t compare to the footage available on line. But the online footage doesn’t do the live viewing justice.
Kennedy Space Center Destination Tips
- Arrive early and plan to spend a full day (maybe two).
- Find a daily schedule at one of the venues. Many attractions are recurring at the same time every day. Others such as astronaut autograph signing are at very specific times.
- There are free wi-fi zones throughout the park, but I found battery to drain quickly. There are not many outlets around, so take a battery pack.
- The Atlantis Discovery Center has free locker storage if you need to lighten the load.
- The green screen photo kiosks use your wrist band to organize your photo. Have them take a bunch of photos. Then drop by The Docking Station to pick out any you may want to keep.
- If going for a launch:
- There are a couple of viewing sites. If possible, pay the extra for the LC-39 Gantry Site. It’s closer than the Banana Creek. Watch website, Gantry sells out quickly.
- Heed the posted bus boarding times. They won’t wait for you.
- The busing process is long and tedious. You’ll be exposed to the elements. Plan accordingly.
- You may get a re-entry stamp so you may go to car to rest, grab folding chairs, food etc.
When not on the road, he helps others fulfill their yearning to travel as a Membership Specialist for Thousand Trails.
My felt my pulse racing in anticipation & then a sigh of letdown with the delays. And quite honestly, got a little misty eyed with you at the end. Thanks for taking us with you Craig!