Orion/Delta IV Heavy launch 2014 - Will you visit KSC to watch it?

[Woopert]

Just curious, since this is a pretty big deal. Exploration Flight Test 1 (EFT-1) will launch in December 4 later this year, 2014, aboard a Delta IV Heavy, with the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage/Delta Cryogenic Second Stage. It's carrying the Orion MPCV spacecraft, which is really exciting since it's what will be powering NASA's future in deep space. I really hope I can find the time to visit the Cape to watch this launch, as it will be my first launch gone to in real life.

I mean, think about it. We're getting a "sneak peak" at our future in space, it's the spacecraft (albeit an unfinished version, no solar panels and other differences) that could be taking us to asteroids and Mars... Pretty cool, huh? It's also going to test a high energy re-entry from a high orbit! NASA also posted a picture recently of the Delta IV Heavy boosters being delivered!

I think this would be the perfect time to see a real life rocket launch, anyone else planning on seeing it?

[The Destroyer]

I would, if I wasn't like... 2000 miles away.

[Motokid600]

Floridas a 2 hour plane ride for me so yea I'm going. No dout.

[_jack]

I live 151 miles away so I might. It all depends.

[rpayne88]

I would, if I wasn't like... 2000 miles away.

Same here, and I can't afford a plane ticket down there, and I don't think my flight instructor (my parents are paying for my flying lessons, not me) will sign off on an X/C solo down there.

[Rocketscience101]

I would love to, but my budget my keep from going. Fingers crossed though.

[Vane]

I'd love to go, Didn't nasa say they're gonna be sending the Orion MPCV To mars? But if my budget (and the economy) Woulden't shove me off like yesterdays garbage i'd go and see it, Even bring my whole family. I myself am very interested in space and rockets, I'm gonna learn about astronomy and stuff. I always wanted to be an astronaut or even a NASA Scientist but that astronaut idea is broken now because our age of moon landings are over, Maybe once the orion/delta IV get's done i'll be going to mars? Haha. Yeah OP if you go hope you enjoy it! I'm probably going to either watch it on TV or on youtube after it happens.

[Woopert]

Thanks for the replies!

I'd love to go, Didn't nasa say they're gonna be sending the Orion MPCV To mars? But if my budget (and the economy) Woulden't shove me off like yesterdays garbage i'd go and see it, Even bring my whole family. I myself am very interested in space and rockets, I'm gonna learn about astronomy and stuff. I always wanted to be an astronaut or even a NASA Scientist but that astronaut idea is broken now because our age of moon landings are over, Maybe once the orion/delta IV get's done i'll be going to mars? Haha. Yeah OP if you go hope you enjoy it! I'm probably going to either watch it on TV or on youtube after it happens.

Congress I think proposed a Mars fly-by via a free-return trajectory window in 2021, for the first manned flight of the SLS Block I, IIRC. Not sure if it's a smart idea or not, and the likelihood of it happening is questionable... I think they'll go with the asteroid mission instead.

[R0cketC0der]

I'd love to watch it, but I live in Germany and I have school at that time

Edited March 31, 2014 by R0cketC0der

[NovaSilisko]

Thanks for the replies!

Congress I think proposed a Mars fly-by via a free-return trajectory window in 2021, for the first manned flight of the SLS Block I, IIRC. Not sure if it's a smart idea or not, and the likelihood of it happening is questionable... I think they'll go with the asteroid mission instead.

Nah, Dennis Tito proposed the mars flyby, and then some in NASA sort of adopted it, and tried to present it for congress, who produced a resounding "iunno"

[bigdad84]

I might! If I could talk the girlfriend into being space nerd with me for the day.

[Dartguy]

Launches are very exciting, you can actually feel them in your gut from miles away. But they are over in a few minutes. I was lucky enough to see several shuttle launches from Orlando and one from Cocoa Beach. They are awesome at night. If you are spending a lot of money/time just for a launch, you may be disappointed. Make sure you plan at least a small vacation around that time so all that time will not be for only a few minutes of thrills.

And hello.

[Rjhere]

I live across the atlantic, in what certain people compare to Skyrim. I live in Norway, if it where up to me and I had no restraints, I'd go in a minute... but things aren't that easy :c

[NASAFanboy]

Why not?

I'm going. The launch will be like a early Christmas present

[Redrobin]

I would go, but I don't have the funds to fly.

I have also seen a shuttle launch when I was flying to Florida and it was way cool to see it fly through the clouds.