Watch SpaceX Launch

[E-Sea Going]

I plan to head from Hobe Sound up to the Kennedy Space Center to watch the SpaceX launch on May 27th. Anyone know where you can and are allowed to view the launch by boat?

 

[Steve91T]

Yes! Right here. More info tonight.

 

[Steve91T]

Here

 

[menzies]

What time is the launch?

 

[E-Sea Going]

Thanks Steve

 

[E-Sea Going]

The launch is scheduled for 1632. First manned launch since the shuttle program from the U.S.

 

[Mako]

I think you would have great viewing on the Indian River, adjacent to NASA causeway (north side), or better is to travel about 5 or 6 miles north, opposite the VAB.

On the 27th they are launching from 39A. We're expecting huge crowds. Too bad the visitor center is closed, because this is an historic event.

 

[E-Sea Going]

I appreciate the advise, based on the expected crowds should I plan to be anchored the night before? I would like to view it from a spot I can spend the night on the hook.

 

[menzies]

Pity its a day launch.

The night launches are very spectacular even from up here.

 

[Mako]

You're okay out in the water. The river has plenty of parking spots

I would arrive the night before just because it will be more relaxing for you. During the day you can take your launch north west across the river over to old Titusville. Nice quaint shops (yes some are open) or motor up to 402 Titusville bridge and take your folding bikes to shore and see alligators and wildlife up in Merritt Island Refuge.

We expect security to be tight for many reasons, but I doubt you'd get hassled much by USCG out on the river as long as you don't get close to the eastern shore.

 

[E-Sea Going]

Thank you for the info, I’ll plan to be there the night before and we can sleep in.

 

[Steve91T]

The area we were at, the anchorage that I posted, is absolutely huge. It’s totally flat at 8’ of water (about). We eased towards the east shore until the depth started to drop and then we dropped the hook. This was last august so we were late getting there because of thunder storms (go figure). But we still made it by about 45 minutes.

It was an anchorage we definitely won’t forget. We spent the night there and it was perfect, even when more storms brewed.

https://youtu.be/xwGV-2gQJgI

 

[Mako]

That’s beautiful Steve. Love that hull color also!

BTW, OP, be careful about flying a drone over there during a launch

 

[E-Sea Going]

Great pics Steve, I love the seclusion and flat water.

 

[Steve91T]

That’s beautiful Steve. Love that hull color also!

BTW, OP, be careful about flying a drone over there during a launch

Thanks. Meant to add those pics were taken at a different time when there were no launches.

 

[E-Sea Going]

Either way it looks like a great view

 

[Mako]

So EZGoing, have you turned the boat around to return home, or are you going to wait it out for about a week up here? Lots of rain!

 

[E-Sea Going]

Thanks for checking in, the boat is packed and anticipated a high likely hood the launch would be delayed until Saturday. We have received at least 6” of rain here in Hobe Sound. Current plan is to head out Wednesday around noon to be up there for a Saturday launch. If I were the NASA Director I would be extremely conservative with a decision to launch so I hope Our choice proves to be right. I’ll post pictures assuming the launch is Sat or Sun.

 

[Mako]

Last update I received about half hour ago was about a 40% chance to launch, but sometimes it comes down to minutes. Yes I suppose they will be conservative, both to consider the safety of our two men and also that our country's leader (or his Vice) wants to attend.

 

[Mako]

The Visitor Center was supposed to reopen on Thursday. I haven't heard if they will delay that until after the launch or not. If you haven't done the tour then you should at least once. The Saturn V museum is fantastic - personally I like it more than the Atlantis display.

 

[E-Sea Going]

I did the tour with my wife and sons a few years ago and would do it again. Amazing facility and a tremendous amount of history. The last update I saw was a 60% chance of the launch. If the launch is postponed my plan will be to head up there.

 

[boathealer]

45min ETA from Merritt Island bridge. We'll anchor there and see what we can see.....

 

[boathealer]

Dang.

 

[DDW]

Anchor until Friday?

 

[boathealer]

Anchor until Friday?

Next target is Sat. 3:30.
Might keep moving North, very slowly, and see where we are by then. ?

 

[Steve91T]

North might be pretty awesome actually. We have seen 3 Space X launches. One from the anchorage next to the space center. The other was from st Augustine. The last, which was by far the best, was from an anchorage on south Cumberland island. It was like 9:30 pm, we just got the kids to bed and my wife and I were enjoying a beverage on the sun deck. My wife got a text from a friend asking if we were on the boat for the launch. We had no idea it was happening and it was happening in less than 10 minutes! We pulled the live feed up on YouTube and watched the whole thing. It was amazing. It went from south to north, we watched the separation, the plume of the 2nd stage. As it continued north we saw the light from the 1st stage landing right in front of us! (Well miles away, but close enough). Then we watched the 2nd stage disappear over the horizon. It was insanely awesome.

 

[boathealer]

 

[Mako]

The localweather, upper atmospheric and recovery area sea conditions are still iffy for Saturday, but we also have Sunday for backup, so it's worth coming. Also since the P is coming, there will be the usual big push to make it happen. Hope all of you enjoy - it's wonderful seeing the excitement in the community.

 

[E-Sea Going]

We headed up today and are spending the night in Vero Beach in an anchorage just south of the Merril Bridge. Should be in the area late Friday. Looking forward to it. We have no time restraints so both Sat or Sun work for us.

 

[Mako]

Actually it's better that you're skipping the Visitor Center. Just reopened and is pre-booked solid. Plus they are not running the tours, therefore no Saturn V exhibit either. Reduced exhibits at an expensive price.