As you know the Shuttle program ends in 2010. If you haven't had the opportunity to view this spectacular event, there are a few more launches scheduled before the program terminates. I'll list them for you so you can plan ahead of time. Hotel rooms on the Space Coast become very coveted during lauches; it's wise to plan months in advance if possible
NOTE: Have a backup plan as launches are notorius for being cancelled. Perhaps consider the Theme Parks, our wonderful beaches or plan on touring some of our amazing Nature Preserves.
I'll list the Shuttle flight schedule followed by the Rocket launch schedule.
If you're coming to town please let me know, perhaps we can get together.
All dates and time are subject to change.
SHUTTLE LAUNCH SCHEDULE
Space Shuttle Endeavour has been rescheduled for Saturday, July 11, 2009 at 7:30 pm. STS-127 will be the 29th U.S. mission to the International Space Station. This flight will deliver the external experiment platform for the Japanese science laboratory facilities.
August 7, 2009 at 8:49 am - Space Shuttle Discovery, STS-128, will be the 30th U.S. mission to the International Space Station. This flight will deliver equipment and supplies with a reusable Multi-Purpose Logistics Module.
November 12, 2009 at 4:22 pm. - Space shuttle Atlantis will deliver components including two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm to the International Space Station.
February 4, 2010 at 6:20 am - Space shuttle Endeavour will deliver the final connecting node, Node 3, and the Cupola, a robotic control station with six windows around its sides and another in the center that provides a 360-degree view around the International Space Station.
March 18, 2010 at 1:08 pm - Space shuttle Discovery will bring a Multi-Purpose Logistics Module to the International Space Station. The module will be filled with science racks that will be transferred to laboratories on the Station.
May 14, 2010 at 3:05 pm - Atlantis will carry an integrated cargo carrier to deliver maintenance and assembly hardware, including spare parts for space station systems. In addition, a Mini Research Module will be permanently attached to the bottom port of the Zarya module.
July 29, 2010 at 8:45 am - Space shuttle Endeavour will deliver the Express Logistics Carrier 4, a Multi-Purpose Logistics Module and critical spare components to the International Space Station.
September 16, 2010 at 1:00 pm - Space shuttle Discovery will deliver an EXPRESS Logistics Carrier-3 and an Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer to the International Space Station.
ROCKET LAUNCH SCHEDULE
June 26, 2009 at 6:14-7:15 pm - The United Launch Alliance Delta 4 rocket will launch the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite O, or GOES O, for NASA and NOAA. The weather satellite will orbit 22,300 miles above the planet to monitor conditions across the U.S. The rocket will fly in the Medium+ (4,2) configuration with two solid rocket boosters.
July 17, 2009 at 4:02 - 7:02 pm - The Atlas V rocket will launch a classified satellite for the U.S. Government known only as PAN.
August 17, 2009 at 8:49 am - STSS Demonstrators Program is a midcourse tracking technology demonstrator and is part of an evolving ballistic missile defense system. STSS is capable of tracking objects after boost phase and provides trajectory information to other sensors and interceptors. Will be launched by NASA for the Missile Defense Agency.
August 20 - 31, 2009 Time TBD - NASA will launch the Ares 1-X rocket on a sub-orbital test flight to collect valuable engineering data from the vehicle. The Ares program is being developed to replace the space shuttle for launching astronauts.
August 21, 2009 Time TBD - The Delta 2 rocket will launch the eighth modernized NAVSTAR Global Positioning System Block 2R military navigation satellite.
October 14, 2009 Time TBD - The United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket will launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory. SDO will be the first mission for the space agency's Living With a Star Program. The rocket will fly in the 401 vehicle configuration with a four-meter fairing, no solid rocket boosters and a single-engine Centaur upper stage.
Home Sweet Home Florida Realty, Inc.
At Home With Diversity (AHWD)
Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
e-PRO Internet Certified (e-PRO)
Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI)
Relocation Specialist
Titusville, Florida
Cell: 321.544.6808
www.HomeSweetHomeFlorida.com
www.Titusville-FL-Real-Estate.com
Gail - So sad the space program is coming to an end. Thanks for posting the schedule for I will print for future reference. Have a great weekend!
Gail, thank you for that information. I have never watched a live shuttle launch and I would love to before the program ends. Where is the best place to see it from?
Gail,
I've never seen one in person and I'm sure it's awesome. I didn't realize the last shuttle launch was a little over a year away.
Rich
Hi Gail
I would like to make it back to watch history and one of the finial launches.
Good luck and success.
Lou Ludwig
Thanks. My husband has seen one in person when he lived in Florida. Don't know if I'll get there for one, but would love to. Thanks for the info.
This is always a gret experience when you get to see one of these launches. I am in hopes that I will be able to make one before they are over.
Hi Sharon....We're hopeful the job loss won't have a huge effect on our local economy. Kennedy Space Center and the peripheral businesses will be unable keep all the current employees, but we're hoping the new CONSTELLATION program will keep as many as possible. Let me know if you're coming over from Tampa.
Kevin....the launch site is directly opposite the Indian River which runs along Titusville's east banks. People park wherever they can and walk down to the river. There are great spots along the causeways as well, they seem to turn into big parties.
Hi Rich....Yes, not much time left for this program. There will, of necessity, be a gap before the Constellation program is operational. I've read they have plans to do further space exploration which includes the Moon and Mars. I should post details from time to time.
Lou...the only evening launch left is the the one coming up on July 11th. I must say they are the most spectacular. I'm hoping it goes up later than 7:30pm so I can get some last pictures. Let me know if you plan on coming.
What a terrific photo Gail! WhooHoo! Wish I was there to witness these historical events.... :( I'm glad you are so I will at least get to see these awesome photos!
Debi
Thanks for the list, Gail. I've lived in Orlando for almost 18 years now, and have never gotten myself to face the traffic and make it over there for a launch. I've seen shuttles on the pad when I've visited the beach and Kennedy Space Center, and it's just so cool to know they are there. It's strange to think that they won't be there much longer.
Hi Tammy....problem with the launches for people coming from out of town is the uncertainly of it going off as planned. The one last week was delayed until July 11....need a long vacation ;-)
Mr. Don....If I can help you plan it, just let me know...my pleasure :-)
Hi there Debi....I need more pictures at night so I'm hoping the flight on 7/11 at 7:30pm is a little delayed....you know just a couple of hours.
Hi Laurie....tick-tock goes the shuttle clock. You can drive over and park at my house and we'll take you down to river. Think about it!
That would be great! I'll definitely try to work that out. Thanks for the offer!
Hi Laurie....my pleasure :-) Let's see what they are saying when the day comes regarding times and such. At least you're just a short drive away so flexibility is not an issue. It would be nice to see you again. It is so hot out there, I commented to John today that there's no way I would walk Orlando Wetlands Park in this heat. Are you still getting out there?
I'd better not be too flexible, or I really will miss ever seeing a launch! We'll stay in touch as the next scheduled day draws nearer. I haven't been back out to the Wetlands Park, and can't imagine going out again for a few months. I'm with you on the heat issue!
Hi Gail-There is something amazing about watching the launch live. I did so many years ago. <SMILE>
Hi Laurie....LOL, I meant flexible in terms of when the next launch goes up. A postponement for you is not as critical as you don't live too far away. I think we have a plan :-)
Hi Sharon....We went out to see the last rocket launch a few days ago but it was so cloudy - never saw a thing. It sounded good though :-)