The Ground Shakes. The bright light blinds. The mind-numbing roar travels for miles.
Then, a tear rolls, Whether You Want It To or Not. Words Do not Come Easily, you're too choked up to talk. You feel patriotic, wanting somehow The National Anthem to Start playing around you.
You've just witnessed the magic of a shuttle launch.
As space editor at Florida Today newspaper in Melbourne for two years, starting with the return-to-flight launch of shuttle Discovery in September 1988 - two years after the Challenger exploded 72 seconds after liftoff - I Watched Nearly every flight at the Kennedy Space Center - Until I left the area for Lakeland in 1995. Each launch Provided sights and sounds I will never forget, Whether the beauty of the shuttle against a clear blue sky or the fire-spewing engines Rumbling, pushing the Orbiter into space in the wee hours of the morning.
Next month you'll have one of the last chances to watch a shuttle lift off from one of two seaside launch pads at KSC, near Cape Canaveral. NASA has decided Thurs retire That the vehicles have ferried astronauts into space for the Past Two Decades, leaving the United States without a way for astronauts to Launch at Least Several years.
Shuttle Discovery is Scheduled to Launch at 4:40 pm Nov. 1 - the 133rd and 35th launch to the space station - Followed by the shuttle Endeavour in January. If Approved, Would fly the shuttle Atlantis next June.
Although it's too late to get tickets to watch next month's launch at the What Many Consider To Be The prime location, Opportunities Remain for the January launch. To Try to get one of the NASA sells tickets, go to www.kennedyspacecenter.com / event-sign-up.aspx and click on the tab on the left Labeled "Space Shuttle Launch Viewing Tickets."
SPACE LOVERS
Space lovers and history buffs alike Might Want to check out the attractions Following:
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Titusville. The grand daddy of attractions, the Visitor Complex Offers Many Opportunities To Learn about and take part in the space program, from viewing the launch pads and the massive Vehicle Assembly Building Thurs Participating in the newest activity, the Shuttle Launch Experience. Phone: 321-449-4444. Web: www.kennedyspacecenter.com. Admission: $ 41 adult, $ 31 child (ages 3-11) plus tax.
Astronaut Hall of Fame in Titusville. Walk through history as you learn about our nation's astronauts, Exhibits exploring and viewing the country's largest collection of Their personal memorabilia. Phone: 321-269-6101. Web: www.kennedyspacecenter.com / astronaut-hall-of-fame.aspx. Admission: $ 20 adult, $ 16 child (ages 3-11) plus tax.
U.S. Space Walk of Fame. The Mercury and Gemini Programs come alive in this exhibit along the river - Also a popular place to watch shuttle launches. It features public art, plaques, Sculptures, Statues and educational stations. The Walk of Fame, also Life's Foundation operates a museum in downtown Titusville. Phone: 321-264-0434. Web: www.Spacewalkoffame.com. Admission: free.
Viewing Spots
If you can not watch the shuttle launch at Kennedy Space Center, You Can Experience all the magic of a launch at Several Other prime viewing spots:
Jetty Park at Port Canaveral, the location attracts That Generally More Viewers Than Any Other. Located just south of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Restrooms available. Visit www.jettypark.org or call 321-783-7111
Marina Park, 501 Marina Road, Titusville. Restrooms available.
Sand Point Park, 101 N. Washington Ave., Titusville. Restrooms available.
Lori Wilson Park, 1500 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. Restrooms available.
If you do not want to be packed in with Hundreds of Other Viewers, you can find your own prime viewing spot by stopping along Any road at the time of launch. Locals are used to IT and Will not bother you.
OUTSIDE OF SPACE
You May Also Want to visit "some non-space-related places, Especially Those That are outdoors while Temperatures are cooler Than Normal:
Harry T. & Harriette V. Moore Memorial Park and Cultural Center in Mims. Harry T. Moore was a pioneer in the Civil Rights Movement, and his work cost him his life: He and his wife Died "when a bomb exploded in Their House. This museum is Dedicated to Them, But offers a timeline of events in African-American history dating Thurs slavery. Phone: 321-264-6595. Web: www. Brevardparks.com - click on Park Areas, then the North Area, then H. & H. Moore Park. Admission: free.
Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science in Cocoa. Want to check out the Brevard County in the days before the surfers and shuttles Took over? Stop in to explore history, visit a butterfly garden and let your children play in a hands-on activity room. Phone: 321-632-1830. Web: www.brevardmuseum.org. Admission: $ 6 adult, $ 5.50 Seniors, $ 4.50 child (ages 5-16), children under 4 free.
The Brevard Zoo in Viera. Nearing the ITS 17th anniversary, the Brevard Zoo houses 550 animals, Including Rhinos, giraffes, monkeys and Otters. You CAN feed "some of the animals or visit Them Up Close If You Choose To Take One of the zoo's two kayaking trips through 22 acres of restored Wetlands. Phone: 321-254-9453. Web: www.Brevardzoo.org. Admission: $ 13.50 adult, $ 12.50 Seniors, $ 10 child (2-12), children under 2 free.
And Do not Forget the beaches and All That Goes With Them. Thanks to Cocoa Beach, home of Ron Jon Surf Shop, and Sebastian Inlet, surfing has made a name for Itself here. You Can Even visit the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum Thurs chill for a while looking at the vintage surfboards and memorabilia.
If you do not want to get wet, But Still Want to explore the outdoors, stroll along the boardwalk in Indialantic, go birding at the Canaveral National Seashore or Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, or just watch military planes fly overhead at Patrick Air Force Base.
No matter what you do, do not forget Thurs spend a little time Trying "some of the county's restaurants, from fine dining at the Strawberry Mansion in Melbourne Thurs down-home country cooking at Dixie Crossroads in Titusville. You will not be disappointed....
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