As per the NASA Social Media Team announcement on their Twitter, registration is now open to attend the NASA Social Media event for SpaceX’s CRS-14 launch from SLC-40 no earlier than April 2, 2018. The deadline to submit your application is Sunday, 11th March 2018 at 11:59 pm EST.
For more details, and to submit your application, click here: nasa.gov/social/spacex-crs-14-nasa-social. Good luck to all those who apply!
OSIRIS-REx, launching on an Atlas V 411 from SLC-41 on 8th September 2016, as seen from the LC-39A gantry. Photo by Lupi.
It was the first week of September when my family descended upon Cocoa Beach for one last hurrah of summer. We’d gone twice prior that year: once for a beach week in July, and a short trip to watch NROL-61 and surf. I had been hoping beyond hope that the second launch I got to witness would be a Falcon 9, with the AMOS-6 launch scheduled for the night we arrived. The second launch scheduled for that week, OSIRIS-REx, was in my eyes a bonus, an afterthought. I didn’t know anything about it, and my first Atlas launch had been a let-down, leaving me less excited for it than I was for Falcon.
That focus changed September 1st, the day before we climbed into the car. Space Twitter erupted with reports of an explosion at Pad 40, followed by USLaunchReport’s notorious video capturing the fiery affair. This was a bit disappointing at the time, but accidents and delays happen in spaceflight on a regular basis, and I still had another launch to look forward to! I just happened to know a lot less about it, or what I was an amazing experience I was in for.
Not to be confused with the segment of NASA Causeway that connects Titusville with Merritt Island, and brings visitors to Kennedy Space Center. Admission to this site, when offered, is a premium surcharge on top of your KSC admission. Check KSCVC website for more info. Accessible via bus from KSCVC (parking available). Wheelchair & scooter accessible via KSCVC buses. Food & restrooms available.
SpaceX lands their Falcon Heavy first stage boosters here.
SpaceX lands their Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy first stage boosters here.
United Launch Alliance launches their Atlas V and Vulcan rockets from here.
Falcon Heavy on pad LC-39A the day before its historic debut, poised for flight. Photo by Lupi.