The Unofficial Space Shuttle Launch Guide

by

Steven Pietrobon

Rev 26 January 1998 by Steve Pietrobon

The following is the Unofficial Space Shuttle Launch Guide. This file contains information on how to get a launch or landing pass, and if you can't get one, where to view the shuttle for launch or landing. This file also contains the distances to the pads from the various viewing sites, Shuttle frequencies, HAM frequencies for listening to and watching NASA select, hints on photographing launches, where to watch SSME test firings, how to get accredited as a Press Personage, internet sites to get additional NASA information, how to get the latest two line element sets, and information for teachers on how to access NASA information.

NEW: "Static Test Road" pass update

Please send changes, updates, or information you think should be in this to:

Steven S. Pietrobon, Satellite Communications Research Centre, University of South Australia, The Levels SA 5095, Australia. fax +61 8 8302 3873, e-mail: steven@sworld.com.au , WWW page: http://www.sworld.com.au/

Shuttle Manifests, Launch Guides, Launch Records and Other Info (back to the index)

Shuttle Manifest

http://www.sworld.com.au/steven/space/shuttle/manifest.txt (Unofficial Manifest)
http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/schedule/schedule.htm (NASA KSC manifest)
http://www.osf.hq.nasa.gov/shuttle/futsts.html (NASA HQ manifest)
http://www.uttm.com/space/missions/future.html (CBS manifest)


Shuttle Launch Guides

http://www.sworld.com.au/steven/space/shuttle/guide.txt (Unofficial Launch Guide)
http://home.tampabay.rr.com/k4lk/shuttxt.htm (Dana Rodakis' Launch Guide)
http://www.osf.hq.nasa.gov/miscinfo.html (NASA HQ Launch Guide)
http://www.sworld.com.au/steven/space/shuttle/kit/ (Unofficial Press Kits)
http://www.reston.com/sts/guides.html (Utterly Unofficial Mission Guides)
ftp://ftp.hq.nasa.gov/pub/pao/presskit/ (NASA HQ Press Kits)


Shuttle Launch Records

http://www.sworld.com.au/steven/space/shuttle/record.txt (Unofficial Record)
http://www.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/missions/missions.html (NASA KSC Record)
http://www.osf.hq.nasa.gov/shuttle/ (NASA HQ Record)


Other Shuttle Information

http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/status/stsstat/current.htm (launch status)
http://ddi.digital.net/~waterman/shuttleInfo.html (unofficial launch status)
http://shuttle.nasa.gov/ (NASA JSC Shuttle Web)
http://www.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/countdown/ (NASA KSC Shuttle Countdown)
http://liftoff.msfc.nasa.gov/RealTime/missions.html (MSFC Mission Operations)
http://quest.arc.nasa.gov/shuttle/ (NASA ARC Shuttle Team Online)

For the latest and greatest information call the following:

1 800 572 4636 - Visitor Information Center information and next launch.
1 800 KSC INFO   Florida 1 800 number. Florida only information thanks to 
                 Richard F. Jones (rfj@alpha.sunquest.com)
(407) 867 4636 - Space shuttle mission information.
(407) 867 2314 - Recorded launch status during countdown.
(407) 867 2525 - Space shuttle launch preparations.
(407) 867 3900 - Space shuttle status line. Technical, lots of TLA's. Just 
                 remember, we warned you.

ELV Manifests (back to the index)

For Expendable Launch Vehicle Manifests check out

Unoffical US Commercial
Unoffical US Military
KSC mixed fleet
JPL Space Calender
NASA HQ mixed fleet
Lockheed Martin)
International Launch Services
http://www.mdc.com/version2/space/manifest.htm (McDonnell Douglas)
http://sscapws3.atsc.allied.com/code501SMEX/PEGASUS.HTM (Pegasus)
Florida Today
Vandenberg 30th Space Wing
Florida 45th Space Wing
VAFB
US Dept. of Transport
Japan
Arianespace

NASA Causeway Site Passes (back to the index)

Thanks to werners@novavax.UUCP, Mark and Julie Bixby (markb@spock.dis.cccd.edu) Peter Armstrong and Christopher A. Poterala (potsie@sils.umich.edu).

You can view shuttle launches right from the base at the NASA Causeway Site which is about 10 km from the launch pad. This is the BEST and closest view for the general public.

The KSC visitor center offers bus rides from the visitor's center to the Causeway Site. The cost is $7 for adults, $3 for children. For information and reservations you will need to call (407) 452 2121, Ext. 260 or (407) 449 4400. This number (Group Sales) does not start accepting reservations until 7 days before launch. The bus tickets must be picked up prior to launch day. You can also purchase a Causeway Site Pass for your vehicle from the KSC visitor center.

Other Viewing Recommendations (back to the index) (frederick.mckenzie-1@pp.ksc.nasa.gov and others)

If you can't get a launch pass I suggest you come to Titusville. Go east on State Road 50 from I-95, to US-1. Go north on US-1 to the "Miracle City Mall" at Harrison. Park somewhere north of this spot. Anywhere north along highway 1, or east (as far as you can) along highway 406 (402) is good (specifically Sand Point Park), just as long as you can see the VAB and don't have trees blocking the view. Also you can try Jetty Park at Port Canaveral (you will be south of the launch looking north).

Regardless of where you are going to see it, arrive early (at least 2 hours before launch). Be prepared to get into some real heavy traffic, it will also take some time to get out of the area. Bring along some food and drink, umbrellas, sun glasses, sun screen, portable TV/radio, binoculars, VCR, whatever.

When watching a launch, listen to FM Station 91.5 (it is a local religious station) or AM 580 out of Orlando (Thanks to Matthew DeLuca). NASA Select Television is carried on Spacenet 2, transponder 5, channel 9, 69 degrees West, transponder frequency is 3880 MHz, audio subcarrier is 6.8 MHz, polarization is horizontal.

TV: Local stations such as channels 56, 2, 6 & 9 sometimes have live coverage. They usually just interrupt the program that is in progress for the final 2 minutes of prelaunch, and then a couple of minutes after launch. Same for landing.

Radio: Some local radio stations to listen to are 91.5 FM, 99.3 FM, 101.1 FM, 1350 AM and 580 AM.

Hints for First-Time Launch Attendees (back to the index) (Peter Armstrong).

This section offers hints and advice for those attending a shuttle launch for the first time. Included are tips on

- what launches to attend,
- obtaining launch passes,
- when to arrive for a launch, and
- where to stay.

For the first time shuttle launch viewer, I'd say that you should choose your launch wisely. For instance, if you are travelling half way around the country (or world), don't plan too heavily on seeing a launch that has just a 6 minute launch window. Instead, pick one that has a long 2.5 hour window if possible. That increases the odds that you'll actually see it go up. Secondly, if you are viewing the launch from the NASA Causeway, wait for a launch from Pad A. It is significantly closer than Pad B is. Thirdly, your odds at seeing a launch may be better for early morning (e.g., near sunrise) launches than for launches at other times of the day or night. There are several reasons for this: at sunrise at KSC, the TAL sites are still in daylight; the winds are usually lighter in the morning; and the sea breeze, which can bring clouds and rain showers over the space center, has not yet had time to begin.

Regardless of where you are viewing the launch from, secure your launch pass as early as possible. Most, if not all, of the various types of passes are definitely a finite resource, and are given out on (more or less) a first come, first served basis. You should begin acquiring your launch pass or passes two to three months before the launch date. Elsewhere in this guide you will find information on the different types of launch viewing passes. Many people choose to view a launch from the shore in Titusville, but there is really no reason not to get a closer view. The NASA Causeway viewing site is the most easily accessable site for the general public (although you still need a special vehicle pass) and it offers a great view of both launch pads.

When going to view the launch, arrive on-site as early as possible. The center opens for viewing site traffic about 4 hours prior to a launch, and with good reason. The traffic can be quite heavy in the hours leading up to a launch, and the last thing you want to do is to get to the viewing site late (or not at all). Additionally, the KSC gates will close about one hour prior to launch to clear the roads for emergency traffic, so if you're late, you may be out of luck. Also, do not arrive at a KSC gate before they are open for viewing site traffic. Although other traffic is allowed through, you will be turned away by the KSC police even if you're a minute early.

Another bit of advice for a first time launch viewer is to not focus too heavily on taking lots of photographs. The event happens so quickly that before you know it it's over and you may realize that you viewed the whole thing with one eye closed and the other stuck in your viewfinder. I've attended some launches where my primary goal was to take pictures or video, and others where I just stood there and watched it go up without worrying about pictures. I have to say that I enjoyed the latter much more, but the tradeoff is that I had fewer pictures to take home.

On the question of where to stay while you're in the KSC area, if your goal is to be as close to the space center as possible, then I'd recommend staying in Titusville. The Ramada Inn KSC is nice, as are the Holiday Inn and Best Western hotels. If your goal is to have as nice a room as possible, then definitely stay in Cape Canaveral. My personal favorite is the Radisson Resort at the Port on A1A. There are many other very nice hotels in Kennedy Space Center area:

Cocoa Beach

Best Western Cocoa Inn     407 632 1065
Cape Colony Resort         407 783 2252
Cocoa Beach Oceanside Inn  407 784 3126
Crossways Condominium      407 784 5331
Crossways Inn Resort       407 783 2221
Days Inn Oceanfront        407 783 7621
Discovery Beach            407 784 2550
Hilton                     407 799 0003 & 1 800 526 2609
Holiday Inn                407 783 2271 & 1 800 HOLIDAY
Howard Johnsons            407 783 9481 & 1 800 654 2000
Motel 6                    407 783 3103
Ocean Landing              407 783 9430
Ocean Suite Hotel          407 784 4343
Wakulla Motel              407 783 2230

Merritt Island

Holiday Inn Merritt Island  407 452 7711

Cape Canaveral

Radisson Resort at the Port 407 784 0000
Canaveral Towers            407 784 1130
Royal Mansions Resort       407 784 8484

Titusville

Best Western Space Shuttle  407 269 9100
Days Inn                    407 269 9310
Holiday Inn (riverfront)    407 269 2121
Howard Johnson (waterside)  407 267 7900
Quality Inn                 407 269 4480
Ramada Inn                  407 269 5510

Reserve your room well in advance--at least 5 or 6 weeks prior to the launch date. Hotel rooms have been known to fill up quite rapidly.

Distances to Pads (back to the index) (thanks to Peter Armstrong)

viewing site                Pad A (km)  Pad B (km)

Press Site                     4.9         5.5 
Barge Turn Basin               4.9         5.5
VIP/Family Site                6.2         5.3 
Static Test Road               8.1        10.1 
NASA Causeway (west end)       9.8        11.7
NASA Causeway (mid point)     10.6        12.6 
NASA Causeway (east end)      11.4        13.6 
Spaceport USA                 12.1        13.0 
closest point in Titusville   19.2        18.1

Internet Access for Visitors to KSC (back to the index) (Jerry Russell, jdr@digital.net)

Any visitors to KSC that would like to have Internet access to get their mail, stay in touch, are welcome to stop by our Network Control Center in Cocoa, Fl. and get online free! If you have a computer with you we will give you a FREE guest account for 24 hours, menu based (text) account with full Internet access. We are a commercial provider here in Cocoa, but offer this service to our visitors as a FREE service and encourage you to use it!

FLORIDA ONLINE, 3815 N US 1, #59, Cocoa FL 32926, (407) 635 8888 voice,

635 8833 DOS BBS, 633 4710 FLORIDA ONLINE, 635 9050 fax.

Shuttle Frequencies (back to the index)

The Space Shuttle transmits on three frequency bands: UHF, S-Band, and Ku-Band. The UHF frequencies are simple AM voice and are very easy to copy. These frequencies are used for launch and landing operations, EVA operations, and as an additional voice downlink when other channels are in use for the current ground station has no S-Band capability.

The frequencies in use are:

296.800 MHz : Air-to-ground, or Orbiter to suit
259.700 MHz : Air-to-ground, or suit to Orbiter
279.000 MHz : Suit-to-Orbiter, or suit-to-suit
243.000 MHz : Standard military aircraft emergency frequency

The S-Band system is one of the primary Orbiter downlink bands. The voice channels are digital slope delta modulated and are multiplexed in with the rest of the Orbiter telemetry and is very difficult to copy. Much of the downlink TV is on S-Band also, but is wideband FM and should be easy to copy. The frequencies are:

2287.500 MHz - Primary digital downlink
2250.000 MHz - Wideband FM with either main engine analog telemetry during
launch, or TV during orbit operations.

The Ku-Band system is used in conjunction with the tracking and data relay satellites and is used much more heavily in Spacelab flights than in others. The data rate is very high (50 Mbit/s). These transmissions are directed to TDRS satellites in geostationary orbit on a frequency of 15.003 GHz.

(Information via WA3NAN, and WA4SIR)

Ed Sileo (edsileo@qnet.com) says that Shuttle audio can be heard on 169.4 MHz at Edwards Air Force Base (EAFB). The transmitter site is on Lehman Ridge on the east side of Edwards near the Astronautics Lab. This can be heard during all flights since you never know when the shuttle may land at EAFB.

Shuttle Audio Retransmissions (back to the index)

Excerpt from the Goddard Amateur Radio Club (GARC) Shuttle Retransmission Fact Sheet (from Jim Blackwell, N3KWU, HRSBLACKWELL@deblur.gsfc.nasa.gov)

Retransmission of Shuttle air-to-ground audio from the GARC (WA3NAN) may be heard on the following frequencies:

Frequency Mode        Antennas 
  (MHz) 
  3.860   SSB LSB     N-S/E-W Dipoles 
  7.185   SSB LSB     N-S/E-W Dipoles 
 14.295   SSB USB     3-element Yagi 
 21.395   SSB USB     5-element Yagi 
 28.650   SSB USB     4-element Yagi 
147.45    FM Simplex  Phased vertical

Where SSB is Single-Side-Band and LSB, USB indicate either Lower and Upper Side Band. A short-wave receiver possessing a Beat Frequency Oscillator (BFO) is needed to receive these transmissions.

GARC maintains a Bulletin Board System (BBS) which is accessible by way of the Internet, modem and packet radio. The BBS contains areas with information on the club, mail distributed by the Amateur Satellite Corporation BB (AMSAT-BB) listserver, SAREX bulletins and Space Shuttle mission information. During Shuttle missions, users can also access Keplerian Orbital Elements (Keps) which are generated by the club based on information generated by NASCOM at GSFC (these orbital elements are read over-the-air by our volunteer operators). The BBS is accessible by the following means:

1. Internet: telnet to wa3nan.gsfc.nasa.gov (128.183.105.17)
2. Telephone: (301) 286-4137 (up to 14.4 kbaud supported)
3. Packet Radio: WA3NAN on 145.090 MHz in DC area.

Just follow the login instructions. Note: Full access to the BBS is limited to members of the club.

GARC also maintains a WWW Server containing a wide variety of information about the club, its activities, as well as links to other Amateur Radio resources.

The URL address is: http://garc.gsfc.nasa.gov/www/garc-home-page.html

Excerpt from rec.radio.amateur.misc FAQ Part 3 (modified):

Shuttle audio is re-tranmitted by the following Amature Radio stations.

Station  Centre  VHF      10m     15m             20m     40m    80m    
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
K6MF     ARC     145.585                                  7.165  3.840
W1AW     ARRL    147.555  28.0675 21.0675 18.0975 14.0475 7.0475 3.5815 1.818
WA3NAN   GSFC    147.450  28.650  21.395          14.295  7.185  3.860
W6VIO    JPL     224.080          21.280          14.282  7.165
W5RRR    JSC     146.640  28.495  21.350          14.280  7.227  3.850
AK8Y     LERC    145.670 or 147.195 (alternate)
WB4FUR   SSC     146.700
KA9SZX           146.880  (Video at 426.250)
K4GCC            146.940
WA4VME           145.170
 
You might also try 20192 LSB which is NASA.
 
All frequencies are in MHz.  Use FM on VHF, USB on 10-20m, LSB on 40-80m.
W1AW   - ARRL, Newington, CT (news bulletins, 9:45 PM and 12:45 AM EST)
K6MF   - NASA Ames Research Center (ARC), Moffett Field, CA
WA3NAN - NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), Greenbelt, MD
W6VIO  - NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Pasadena, CA
W5RRR  - NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC), Houston, TX
AK8Y   - NASA Lewis Research Center (LERC), Cleveland, OH
WB4FUR - NASA Stennis Space Center (SSC), Hancock County, MS
KA9SZX - Champaign-Urbana, IL
K4GCC  - John Anderson, Titusville, FL (near or at Kennedy Space Center)
WA4VME - Melbourne, FL (near or at Kennedy Space Center)
 
You can also telnet spacelink.msfc.nasa.gov and follow the menus to a listing 
of repeaters in the USA that offer this service.

Retransmissions of Shuttle audio on amature radio frequencies

State       City        Date Reported         Frequencies (MHz)
----- ----------------  -------------  -------------------------
AL    Birmingham        10/10/89       145.150 145.380
AL    Huntsville        12/31/92       147.100 173.025
AR    Russellville      3/24/92        439.250
AZ    Phoenix           12/9/91        421.250 449.000
CA    Los Angeles       1/7/90         52.640 224.940
CA    Los Angeles       12/21/89       1241.250
CA    Los Angeles       12/4/91        145.320 145.460 445.400
CA    Los Angeles       12/4/91        445.425 446.575 447.000
CA    Los Angeles       12/4/91        447.025 447.400 447.475
CA    Los Angeles       12/4/91        448.375 448.500
CA    Monterey Bay      7/1/91         145.585 443.300
CA    Mount Wilson      10/18/95       224.940
CA    Northern          3/19/90        145.530
CA    Redondo Beach     9/23/93        145.32 W6TRW
CA    Sacramento        4/10/91        147.195
CA    San Diego         3/23/92        449.450 1277.25
CA    San Francisco     4/29/91        427.250 444.775
CA    San Joaquin Vly   5/6/89         52.22
CA    Santa Barbara     4/21/90        1277.000
CO    Boulder           1/5/96         145.460 (NASA select audio)
CO    Colorado Springs  1/5/96         145.160 (NASA select audio)
CO    Denver            1/5/96         147.225 224.980 (NASA select audio)
DC    Washington        11/28/83       147.450  (Greenbelt, MD)
FL    Cape Canaveral    10/11/89       146.940
FL    Clearwater        4/10/95        442.075
FL    Daytona Beach     1/25/92        147.150
FL    Fort Lauderdale   12/03/93       442.650
FL    Gainesville       3/30/92        146.900
FL    Jacksonville      4/25/90        147.12
FL    Largo             4/24/95        51.84
FL    Dunedin           11/4/94        145.23
FL    Holiday           4/10/95        421.25 (video & audio)
FL    Orlando           5/8/92         147.150
FL    Port Richey       1/2/96         443.950
FL    St. Petersburg    1/2/96         147.285 444.700
FL    Sarasota          2/15/97        442.550
FL    Vero Beach        4/19/90        145.130
FL    North Lauderdale  12/03/93       145.750
GA    Ashburn           5/5/89         147.285
GA    Atlanta           12/4/91        146.655 147.345 427.250
GA    Forsyth           6/7/90         147.915
IA    Cedar Rapids      10/18/89       146.400 444.300
IL    Champaign-Urbana  11/30/93       146.880 
IL    Chicago           4/19/90        145.350
IL    Downers Grove     9/23/93        145.350
IL    Morton Grove      12/7/93        145.350
IL    Rolling Meadows   2/12/92        145.350
IN    Indianapolis      3/15/92        426.250
ME    Portland          12/16/89       146.925
ME    York              12/16/89       224.840
MN    Central           2/19/90        149.200
MN    Twin Cities       3/11/89        145.150 147.120
MN    Waseca            1/2/90         147.450 427.250
MO    Gladstone         12/7/93        224.660
MO    Kansas City       3/25/92        145.430 426.250
MO    St. Louis         1/25/92        442.000
NJ    Central           7/5/92         443.400 (PL 141.3)
NJ    Northern          12/12/93       146.610
NY    Albany            9/6/91         146.820
NY    Long Island       3/30/92        448.425
OH    Dayton            5/4/89         145.110
OH    Greenville        3/11/90        146.790
OK    Tulsa             2/6/92         144.340 146.940 421.250
PA    Pittsburgh        6/25/92        145.470
PA    Pittsburgh        9/23/93        145.650
SC    Orangeburg        12/3/93        146.805
SD    Watertown         1/14/92        145.550
TX    Dallas            7/18/90        145.310 448.750
TX    Dallas            9/13/91        146.600
TX    Houston           6/27/92        146.640
WI    Wausau            9/5/91         146.820 147.060 421.250
VA    Norfolk           Feb 1993       144.340 431.750 FM audio, 427.250 video

Thanks to Dana Rodakis (k4lk@tampabay.rr.com) and Gary Grahn (WA1TSS, GGrahn@aol.com)

Amateur TV Repeater of NASA Select (back to the index)

Chris Best (clbest@ddi.digital.net) writes:

I belong to a local ham radio club called the Launch Information Service and Amateur Television System (LISATS for short). We operate, in the Cocoa Florida area, an Amateur TV Repeater where we, during shuttle missions, re-broadcast NASA Select (from a satellite receiver located at the repeater site). We also have a computerized bulletin board (VIDEO) at the repeater site which cycles through screens of interest to hams, one being a projected launch schedule (shuttle and expendable). The LISATS repeater can be viewed by anyone with an outside antenna and a cable ready TV in the launch area. Please checkout: LISATS The two primary points of contact for LISATS are myself (ham radio callsign N4KCI) or Ernie Baldini (ebaldini@ddi.digital.net, K4RBD) who is the prefered Amateur TV expert.

Photographing Shuttle (back to the index)

andreas@il.us.swissbank.com has some hints for photographers:

Get the longest lens available (e.g. rent one at Helix). I used a 300mm shooting from Titusville and was still too far away to clearly see the shuttle. However I could take beautiful shots of the engine's firetrail and the smoke.

Put your camera into continuous shooting mode (unless you have a VERY high speed camera like a Nikon), as the whole spectacle will be over within no time. I shot about 1 roll of film (36 pictures) until the shuttle was gone for good while almost constantly pressing the button.

Use a LOW speed film (ASA 50) as the light is so bright (Remember: NASA launches only under good weather conditions), that even with a long tele lens you still have enough light left for short exposure times (I had 1/1000 with F5.6 and a Kodachrome 64). That way making detail enlargements is also easier, meaning less grainy.

Try to AVOID a tripod, as the shuttle moves "upwards to the right" (at least from Titusville with the standard 28 degree inclination). You are more flexible if you use a onepod or even better one of those professional harnesses, that you wear like a jacket and that support your long lens (like a tripod attached to your upper body).

During the night before the launch you can see (at least sometimes) a search light illuminating the launch pad. With a tripod and a very long exposure time (> 20 sec's on Kodachrome 64) you'll get nice pictures as well. Make several shots with different times according to general night time photography rules.

A final hint for the early-birds: I was lucky enough to see the big and red glowing sun rising exactly behind the VAB (from the US1 in Titusville). An incredible view, that didn't even require a tripod.

Jim Blackwell (hrsblackwell@stars.gsfc.nasa.gov) has these hints:

I can also say something about photographing night launches. Basically, for STS-61 and STS-67 I used 1000 ASA film and shot at 1/1000 th of a second at F/8. For STS-61 I was at the VIP site at 5.15 km and used a 70-210 mm zoom at the 210mm setting. For STS-67, I was at the NASA Causeway (about 10 km I think) using a 500 mm f/8 lens. Got great shots in both instances. I used Kodak Royal Gold (used to be Ektar) 1000 ASA film which is fine grained. I would also advise anyone to remove any filters they may have on their lenses as they can get nasty internal reflections and that a triapod is a must, especially with the 500 mm. I also used a cable release and a motor winder on the camera.

Todd L. Sherman (afn09444@afn.org) has these hints on doing time exposures of night launchers from afar:

I can tell you that you should give yourself say a half hour ahead of the launch to get yourself set up and ready, with camera pointing in the direction the shuttle is expected to come up above the horizon. Make sure the camera is on a good, sturdy (as sturdy as possible) tripod, and make sure you're as far away from other people as possible because even thier walking around can cause vibrations that the tripod can pick up and exaggerate.

Set the shutter speed dial on [B]ulb and connect a length of cable release to the button. When you see the first hint of glow rising, open the shutter and hold it open with a cable release until the SRBs burn out, then close the shutter. You now have a time exposure of the launch. What you should see upon developing is a long, bright trail starting at the horizon and curving upwards into the sky as the shuttle rises. You'll also get some minor trailing of the stars. Make sure your position is as dark as possible with no nearby city lights in the direction the camera will be looking or you will get some sky "fog" which may ruin the shot. If it's partly cloudy, try taking the shot anyway. You never know what might happen. There may be breaks in the clouds through which the SRB contrail may show through, providing an interesting shot, still.

Don't forget to put your photo up on the web! Then tell us where to find the photos in one or more of the space-related newsgroups, so that we can all `ooh and aww' at them! You'll also want to tell us how you made the shot... film speed, aperture setting, shutter speed, lens size, camera used, sky conditions, and direction of light.

Most-likely, from your own city's location, you won't be able to see any detail of the shuttle or it's outline (especially here in Gainesville, 145 km away from KSC). You'd need a telescope for that and, besides... you'll be too busy concentrating on your exposure to have a look.

If you have any filters on your camera, though...take them off for a nighttime shot. These things only happen once in a long while, and you're only going to get one try (unless you're gifted with a large budget and can afford an arsenal of other cameras). You don't want the chance of internal glare or reflections ruining your shot.

And chain little Jimmy to a stake permanently out of your camera's field of view. You don't want him jumping or standing in front of the camera and ruining the shot, either.

Expendable Vehicles (back to the index)

These are usually launched from the southern part of the base, best viewing is at Jetty Park or south along the beaches of Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach. Not as crowded as shuttle launches, but still give yourself some time to arrive early. Jetty park can fill up so plan an alternate. Again bring your stuff.

Landing Information (back to the index)

Unfortunately the KSC landing strip cannot accommodate a "viewing public" because it is situated on wetlands, however gt3597a@prism.gatech.edu suggests:

If you do happen to try and view the landing at KSC, do not despair when you realize actually how far away US 1 is from the runway. Even a moderately powered set of field glasses will provide good views of the Orbiter as is decelerates into the KSC area. That twin sonic boom is very unique and, for me, was well worth the drive by itself. You will actually be able to see the Orbiter as it comes into the KSC area and turns on the heading alignment circle better than during the final approach.

Don Diego (don.diego@nosurf.com) and Peter Armstrong) also suggest:

The best viewing site for the Shuttle landings is the Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF). There are bleachers available about 140-180 metres from the runway. What a great spot. Not only is it the best possible viewing site, you get to hob knob with astronauts and VIP's. VIP invitations now sent out by NASA headquarters are for launches and landings (see following section on VIP passes). Other passes from NASA may also invite you to the landing if you are a shuttle worker or involved with the payload. Unless you have very good connections, the general public cannot have access to the SLF.

As with the launch facilities NASA Select audio is provided on site as are restroom facilities and vending areas run by NASA.

For a realistic spot there's really only one choice. On US1 in Titusville across the Indian River from KSC. Hope it's not early in the morning, otherwise, you're going to be facing directly into the sunrise. I've tried on several occasions to try to catch a glimpse of the orbiter coming in as I was in Cocoa Beach or the city of Cape Canaveral but you're just too far away.

Whether you get lucky enough to get on KSC or have to settle for the US1 site you're in for a real treat. A landing is every bit as exciting as a launch. During a launch it's Boom, Zoom and in two minutes it's gone. But with a landing you have time to soak it all in. The key is picking it up visually as soon as possible. The thing to remember is at 15,000 metres (50,000 feet) the orbiter can be seen directly over the landing sight. Look straight up and watch for the puffs of smoke coming from the Reaction Control System (RCS) jets. Once you pick those up you should have no difficulty following it around the HAC and all the way down. Contrary to popular belief the thing doesn't land silently. When you've got an object that big and bulky cutting through the air at that velocity you get a wind rushing noise that has to be unique.

US1 in Titusville can be accessed from SR50 from Orlando or I-95 from the North or South. Local radio stations that have the best NASA coverage for any NASA related event are WMMB AM 1240 or 99.3 FM. Prior to any operation events can be followed locally on TV channels 2, 6 or 9. Or pick up a copy of the local newspaper The Florida Today. Some hotels in the area also carry NASA Select.

Shuttle Re-entry Flyovers

Todd L. Sherman (afn09444@afn.org) has these suggestions about viewing and photographing shuttle re-entry flyovers:

You'll first need to go to the "Sightings" section of the NASA Shuttle Web site a day or two before actual landing and look at the sightings list. The top part will be for viewing the shuttle over your own city while on orbit. Keep scrolling on down and you'll come to the REENTRY sightings list. This list will list many cities along the incoming flight path and offers appearance and disappearance azimuths, maximum heights, approximate times post-max-alt that the sonic boom should be heard, etc. (I'm trying to convince them to post, from now on, data for the ALTERNATE landing opportunites as well. Up till now, they've been posting only for op #1, which is nearly always waved off and, never updated once that happens.)

I've tried to catch the shuttle as it flies over Gainesville but have always been clouded out whenever it happens and I've got a camera in hand. Thus, I can't offer any working experience there, either...shutter speeds, apertures, film brands and speeds. Sorry. This part is a mystery I never see covered, and it would be nice if someone who HAS tried it before would offer his or her own experiences for others like me.

For a landing pass at Edwards, Mary Shafer (shafer@skipper.dfrf.nasa.gov) says: (Steve Handler (cityfarm@aol.com) advises us: The Public Affairs Office at Dryden Flight Research Center says that there are no landings scheduled in 1995 for Edwards and thus they are not giving out any landing passes at this time. They also indicated that the ability to see landings at Edwards is via the courtesy of the Air Force.)

There are three ways to see the Shuttle landing at Edwards AFB, listed in order of restrictiveness of access and availability.

1. The East Shore area on the lakebed. Take Hwy. 14 to Avenue F and follow the signs or take Hwy. 58 to 20 Mule Team Road and follow those signs. This area is opened about 2 days before the scheduled touchdown. The viewing area is an unimproved area so don't expect many amenities. I think that there are sanitary facilities and that food and drinks can be purchased. It's suggested that you bring food and water. Nothing is required for access to this area. If any viewing is allowed this site will be open. The only times they don't open it is for the DoD's classified missions.

Burns Fisher (fisher@skylab.enet.dec.com) says the view you get depends on exactly what course the shuttle comes in on. If the shuttle lands on the ascending node of its orbit you only see the shuttle coming straight in and landing in front of you...but not too close. For a descending node landing the view is much more spectacular as you see the shuttle turning and passing right above you (described by Burns as "a *gorgeous* sight!").

2. The hillside viewing area. This is on the hillside, just above Ames-Dryden, and requires a special pass. This pass is good for one vehicle, with any number of passengers. You can't enter the Ames-Dryden complex but you can walk down the hill to the cafeteria and the gift shop, etc. More amenities, including radio transmissions from the Shuttle and JSC. Some of us believe that this area has the BEST view of the landing. I believe that the Hillside, like the East Shore, is open for all unclassified missions. These passes can be obtained by writing, as detailed below. Ames-Dryden employees can also obtain them.

3. Official guest. Access to the Ames-Dryden complex. You get to watch the landing from the ramp, which is right on the lakebed. (The Shuttle lands some distance away, depending on which runway it uses.) The crew speaks to the crowd just before they return to JSC. There are special aircraft displays (including the SR-71, F-15, F-18, X-29, etc.) in the hangars. The radio transmissions are broadcast. This method is only predicted for a few missions this year. Opening the Facility is fairly labor-intensive and very disruptive, so we won't do it for every possible mission.

You can write, as detailed below, to obtain these badges and parking permits. To obtain a hillside pass or official guest badges, write to:

NASA Ames-Dryden Flight Research Facility
Public Affairs Office
P.O. Box 273
Edwards CA 92523-5000

Do this early, because there is a limited amount of space. If you get these and then discover that you can't attend, please try to pass them on to someone else who can use them. Incidentally, there is _no_ charge for any of these.

William Daul (billd@informix.com) suggests it is quicker to call your congress person and ask for a VIP pass. They usually have you pick the pass up somewhere near Edwards.

Come see the Shuttle land--it's great. Wear warm clothes!

If the Shuttle lands in the morning, it will be cool to downright cold. Forget the myth that the desert is always hot, it may be in the low 60s even in the summer at sunrise. It's frequently freezing in the winter. If it's much warmer, it's because the wind is blowing.

However, if you're an Official Guest and will be hanging around until the Astronaut Departure Ceremony, it may be warm by then. Wear layers.

Especially, wear warm footwear. Official Guests will be standing around on the cold, cold ramp and all your body heat will seep out of your feet into the concrete heat sink. Running shoes work well. Hillside Guests will be sitting up on metal bleachers. The portions of their anatomy in contact with the bleachers (feet and seat) may get _real_ cold.

Here is a list of Freqs for the White Sands Missile Range

Military Police:          36.100, 141.250
Laser Operations:         173.5625
Drone Operations:         164.500, 172.400
Cooling:                  168.000
Maint:                    34.490
Missile Tracking:         412.875
Range Control: Channel 1  36.510
               Channel 2  34.850
Telemetry:                38.450, 38.710, 38.950, 40.100, 41.450
Photography:              30.090, 41.430, 139.440
NASA operations:          34.310, 164.100, 169.075, 169.400

SSME Test Firings (back to the index) (thanks to David.M.Seidel@jpl.nasa.gov)

The Stennis Space Center in Mississippi does Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) test firings, which, if I understand correctly, can be viewed by the public. Try their public affairs office for details. The Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama also has an SSME test facility where you may be able to view the firings.

Press Site Passes (back to the index)

If you can convince a local newspaper to write you a letter of accreditation, you can be a official Press/Media representative. This allows you much closer viewing, and material from NASA on the mission. The Press Site is just east of the "Dome" at LC-39 near the VAB. The shuttle while on the pad is obscured from view by the launch towers.

Requests for accreditation should be mailed/faxed to the accreditation secretary two to three weeks prior to launch. The request must be from a credible media source and it must be on company letterhead stating the requester(s) full names, social security number, affiliation and purpose (i.e. John B. Quick, 111-22-3333, Time Magazine, photographer). The letter must be signed by the requester's supervisor/editor/or person in charge. All calls concerning accreditation should be given to Leslie. These requests can be faxed to (407) 867 2692. After you are accredited, you can call the Media tour info number, (407) 867 7819 for Photo ops, remote camera setups, etc.

Public Affairs Office
Attention: Accreditation
M/S PA-MSB
Kennedy Space Center FL 32899

Call (407) 867 2468 a couple of weeks after submitting the letter to make sure that your name is on the list as an accredited press type person.

Static Test Road Passes (back to the index) (Peter Armstrong)

This site (just north of the causeway on the cape side) is accessable only via a "Static Test Road" pass, which is (usually) only obtainable by those involved with shuttle payloads. If you know someone involved with a mission they might be able to get a pass for you.

Barge Turn Basin Passes (back to the index) (KSC Spaceport News for 16 February 1996)

This a new site at the LC-39 Barge Turn Basin (physically adjacent to the Press Site) for NASA and contractor employees deserving special recognition for their support of KSC's human space flight program. Each pass is for a vehicle. As with other VIP viewing areas, launch commentary, bleachers, restroom facilities, and food and souvenir sales will be provided. The pass will be valid for entrance through KSC gates two hours before launch for vehicles no larger than a 15-passenger van. A badged employee must be in each vehicle.

VIP Passes (back to the index) (Peter Armstrong, Julie Clements (julie.clements-1@kmail.ksc.nasa.gov) and others)

Astronauts families and other VIP's are situated at the VIP site 1.5 km north-east of the VAB and away from the press. The site is only 5 to 6 km away from the pads. It offers great viewing of a launch and is near the site for the new Apollo exhibit site which encloses a Saturn V. You can see the backside of Pad B and therefore don't see the initial ignition very well.

The day before launch, VIP guests are taken for personalised bus tours of the Launch complex. During this bus tour, they will actually drive you to right outside of the fence of the Launch pad and let you out to take superb close-up pictures. But if it's raining, you're out of luck! - the Rotating Service Structure will be in the way. But, no matter what, you will get *much* closer than the Spaceport busses get! You also drive past the Vehicle Assembly Building, Launch Control Center, Shuttle Landing Facility, crawler transporter, and other neat stuff.

The day of the launch, you're transported to the VIP launch stands which are 5.3 km from Launch Pad B, and 6.2 km from Launch Pad A. The astronaut's relatives and friends are in separate bleachers from the rest of the VIP's. VIP passes may be obtained by writing to your Congress representative (though there is no guarantee that requesting a pass will result in obtaining one). Relatives and friends of the astronauts/experimenters for a given mission may be invited, as can those of other NASA officials.

VIP Passes are restricted such that children under 16 years of age are not permitted. This will in most cases rule out the VIP site for those hoping to bring their families to view a launch. However, VIPs with families can get a "Static Test Road" pass as described below. Also, the VIP passes are on a per- person basis, meaning that you'll need a pass for each person in your group. The easier-to-get NASA Causeway passes are for a vehicle, with the only restriction being the size of the vehicle, not the number of people in it nor their age.

People at the VIP site are taken there via bus from the parking lot of Spaceport USA. About ten minutes after the launch the buses return and take the VIPs back to Spaceport USA. From there, VIPs must contend with the traffic themselves, which is filled with all the people coming from the Causeway and Static Test Road sites.

International visitors wanting a VIP pass need first contact their embassy in the US.

Static Test Road Passes (back to the index) (parmstro@cynet.net)

This site (just north of the causeway on the cape side) is accessable only via a "Static Test Road" pass. The official NASA policy is that the STR site is an "overflow" location for the VIP site--nothing more, nothing less. It is intended to accommodate those VIPs who have children and as such cannot access the Banana Creek VIP site. To get to the STR site one must be nominated by an astronaut or member of Congress just as they would if desiring a VIP pass.

Gold Passes (back to the index)

These are reserved for guest's of the Kennedy Space Center director. You can basically go _anywhere_ your guide can take you. You generally have to be a guest of the KSC director to get one of these.

Forward Fireman Team (back to the index) (T.E.Thacker.Junior@lesueloc.com)

The absolutely positively best place is to get yourself a place in the Forward Fireman Team. This is an exceedingly rare thing to come by and takes considerable political pull but it has been done. This team is the group that parks 1650 metres from the pad in one or more Armored Personnel Carriers ready to go in and aid a crew abandoning ship in an extreme emergency. Needless to say they can tolerate only one or at most two extra persons in and among them. You stand a better chance if you have had any kind of fireman training - especially fighting shipboard fires (like Naval veterans) - because then you're more likely to be actually *useful*.

The noise at that distance is no longer noise. It's just one great big horrible screech. Also, the heat off of the yellow-white hot SRB flame columns is so terrific that you have to wear those silver colored fire-proof suits and head coverings. You don't dare leave a camera by itself on a tripod without heat foil covering because it will likely melt or at least burn up the film inside.

Anonymous FTP Sites (back to the index)

Image info provided by (in part) Daniel M. Israel (crdmi@vulcan.giss.nasa.gov) and Kevin C. Marsh (kmarsh@ja6.jsc.nasa.gov):

World Wide Web Pages (back to the index) (thanks to Jim Dumoulin).

Johnson Space Center BBS (back to the index)

The Public Affairs Office at the Johnson Space Center operates a BBS to provide information to the public. Check this board for updates to the Keplerian element sets during the flight. To access the BBS, call +1 713 483 2500 using 1200 baud (do NOT connect at 2400 baud), 8-N-1, at the ENTER NUMBER: prompt, enter "62511" and you will be connected to the BBS. Direct dial numbers are +1 713 483 2419 and +1 713 483 2278. Check file area 30 or 99 for latest element sets.

NASA JSC's Electronic Space Information BBS is intended to provide 24-hour access to biographies of NASA officials and astronauts, news releases, space flight mission press kits and television schedules, space shuttle systems information, flight manifests and schedules, and other information about thespace program.

Additional X-Windows information and can be obtained by anonymous ftp to krakatoa.jsc.nasa.gov or 139.169.31.12. Donations: Much of this library is comprised of donations by local contributions. We encourage all donations concerning X windows such as widgets, programming tools, and other applications.

Marshall Space Flight Center Spacelink (back to the index)

You can also access: THE NASA Spacelink, Huntsville, Alabama, 24 Hours. Has a great deal of information about NASA's space program, including press releases, shuttle status reports, shuttle press kits, and images.

Science, Technology and Classroom Demonstrations (back to the index)

Call Argonne National Laboratory 708-252-8241, or Internet newton.dep.anl.gov or 130.202.92.50.

Jet Propulsion Laboratory (back to the index)

Anonymous ftp to ftp.jpl.nasa.gov or by dialup modem to +1 (818) 354-1333, up to 9600 baud v32/v42bis/MNP5. The www address is http://www.jpl.nasa.gov.

CD-ROMs (back to the index)

For more information on CD-ROMs, telnet to nssdca.gsfc.nasa.gov, username: NODIS (no password). For a hardcopy catalog phone (301)268-6695 or send email to request@nssdca.gsfc.nasa.gov and ask for the "NASA Earth and Space Science Data on CD-ROM."

NASA Press Releases (back to the index)

NASA press releases and other information are available automatically by sending an Internet electronic mail message to domo@hq.nasa.gov. In the body of the message (not the subject line) users should type the words "subscribe press-release" (no quotes). The system will reply with a confirmation via E-mail of each subscription. A second automatic message will include additional information on the service. Questions should be directed to +1 202 358 4043. NASA releases also are available via CompuServe using the command GO NASA.

KSC Press Releases and Status Reports (back to the index)

To subscribe to KSC press releases send an email to domo@news.ksc.nasa.gov with the message "subscribe ksc-press-release" (no quotes). To subscribe to Space Shuttle status reports send an email to domo@news.ksc.nasa.gov with the message "subscribe shuttle-status" (no quotes).

JSC Press Releases and Status Reports (back to the index)

Johnson Space Center Mission Status Reports are available automatically by sending an Internet electronic mail message to jscnews-request@listserver.jsc.nasa.gov. In the body of the message (not the subject line) users should type "subscribe" (no quotes). This will add the e-mail address that sent the subscribe message to the news release distribution list. The system will reply with a confirmation via e-mail of each subscription. Once you have subscribed you will receive future news releases via e-mail.

NASA Headquarters (back to the index)

Anonymous ftp to ftp.hq.nasa.gov in directory pub/pao (has press releases,shuttle status reports, and shuttle press kits).

Orbital Elements (back to the index)

The most current orbital elements from the NORAD two-line element sets are carried on the Celestial WWW and are updated daily (when possible). Documentation and tracking software are also available on this system. Element sets (also updated daily) and some documentation and software are available via anonymous ftp from archive.afit.af.mil (129.92.1.66) in the directory pub/space. As a service to the satellite user community, the most current of these elements are uploaded weekly to sci.space.news and rec.radio.amateur.space.

(Thanks to Michael R. Grabois, orbit@ix.netcom.com).

Brian Rehm (Rehm@serv512.gsfc.nasa.gov) and Peter Armstrong tells us: ftp://spacelink.msfc.nasa.gov/Instructional.Materials/Software/Tracking.Elements also contains the latest orbital elements. There is also tracking software available here for both Macs and PCs.

There's a list of some 4100+ elements posted weekly at ftp://kilroy.jpl.nasa.gov/pub/space/elements/satelem

You can also access a very large catalogue from a site at the Goddard OIG bbs. It's number is +1 301 262 6784.

You won't find the elements for _ALL_ the objects out there, but you will find a much larger list at ftp://seds.lpl.arizona.edu/pub/sat/satelem. The files are UNIX Z-compressed and have over 3000 objects. To decompress them, just leave off the .Z when ftping them.

Eric Kaercher (astyanax@ddi.digital.net) & Gary Morris (garym@cts.com) writes:

The latest element sets for Shuttle flights and the MIR space station (and someday for Alpha) can be found at http://www.cts.com/browse/garym/elements

Elements can also be obtained from several NASA web sites (shuttle.nasa.gov, spacelink.msfc.nasa.gov, www.osf.hq.nasa.gov, oigsysop.atsc.allied.com), ftp sites (garc.gsfc.nasa.gov, archive.afit.af.mil, spacelink.msfc.nasa.gov) and other mailing lists (AMSAT's KEPS list, Spacelink, etc).

Teaching Material (back to the index)

If you are or know a teacher, and they would like some teaching material posters or pictures, have them write to the following address with the pertinent information:

NASA
PA - ESB
Kennedy Space Center FL 32899

To receive the "NASA Report To Educators" and other NASA publications, write to the address below:

Educational Publications Services
Mail Code XEP
NASA Headquarters
Washington DC 20546

Serving inquiries related to space exploration and other activities:

Teaching Resource Center
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Mail Stop CS-530
4800 Oak Grove Drive
Pasadena CA 91109
(818) 354 6916 Fax: (818) 354 8080

If you're interested a phone number and address you can contact for public information from JPL concerning unmanned planetary exploration:

(818) 354 5011
Public Information Office
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Mail Stop 186-120
4800 Oak Grove Drive
Pasadena CA 91109

Serving all states through workshops and materials:

National Air and Space Museum
Smithsonian Institution
Education Resource Center, MRC 305
Washington DC 20560
(202) 786 2109 Fax: (202) 786 2262

Keepers of the manifest, in remembrance: Ken Hollis - hollis@titan.ksc.nasa.gov - 1990 to 9 March 1994 - Banned from posting to sci.space.shuttle by NASA and Lockheed