The Jumbotron was bellowing “T -6, 5, 4…” when suddenly the sky ahead burst into flames. We were on the shore of Banana Creek, about 4 miles from Cape Canaveral’s Launchpad 39A. The inferno was the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launching a Crew Dragon spacecraft to the International Space Station.
“Watch, don’t listen,” came from our NASA host.
The live stream from SpaceX Mission Control in Hawthorne, California, was 3 seconds behind reality at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) viewing event in Florida. And, our host warned, the tremendous roar of the rocket’s liftoff would be another 4 seconds behind that blinding sight.
We were mesmerized, and that was a few years ago. Think how much progress has been made since 2019.
We have joined the whole world going crazy about Mars. Did you catch the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket propelling the Perseverance Rover to Mars on July 30, 2020? Did you hold your breath as Perseverance touched down in Mars’ Jezero Crater on Feb. 18, 2021? Do you follow the astonishing discoveries being made by the James Webb Space Telescope?
If your family is into outer space, follow these entire missions online. Ingenuity, the tiny drone-like helicopter transported aboard Perseverance, is making brief reconnaissance flights above the Martian surface. This NASA mission stars in its own streaming TV show on the NASA website.
It’s time to watch some rocket launches
While eyes were focused on Mars, however, NASA had taken on commercial partners like SpaceX (of Elon Musk fame) and Blue Origin (of Jeff Bezos fame.) Launch frequency has increased because private companies and government missions are both doing rocket launches from various sites.
Take advantage of more opportunities than ever to see rocket launches at Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
Spaceport America, New Mexico, is the country’s first airport for commercial passenger spacecraft. Head to Truth or Consequences or Las Cruces to watch as manned, sub-orbital Virgin Galactic flights aboard the spaceship Unity take off starting in early 2022.
With a new generation of rockets using powerful super fuels, space buffs don’t need to buy tickets to most viewing events. You can pull up a lawn chair and watch spectacular live launches from miles away.
It just takes planning, timing and luck as – no matter how far in advance you plan – a scheduled launch window may close without a rocket going up. The risk of a scrub is part of the thrill.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center, Florida
Seeing rocket launches are most likely to happen at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC), the launch site for more than 30 NASA and U.S. Air Force missions annually. Because a live launch is so thrilling, we found having expert guidance — as we did at KSC — made it even more engaging for all ages.
Fortunately, go or no go, the KSC Visitors Center is a fascinating introduction to outer space, where man has been and hopes to go. Put it on your bucket list and plan your visit around a launch.
Why a rocket launch and why now?
KSC provides context to understand the enormity of any space effort. It was July 20, 1969, when Apollo 11 astronaut Armstrong descended the steps of a lunar probe, set his boot upon the moon’s surface, and announced, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
During the seven years spent growing the Apollo program, more than 400,000 people worked full-time to put a man on the moon because then-president John F. Kennedy declared it would be so.
And more than 50 years on, a “moonshot” is still a big deal, at KSC. Look at the impact it had around the world, from products to imagination as featured in the top 50 ways to commemorate the moon landing.
The Apollo / Saturn V Apollo Center
Please start your visit to KSC first thing in the morning with the bus tour, which has reopened with local safety protocols. Your guide will point out the launchpads, Mission Control building, working NASA facilities, and commercial operators such as SpaceX, Boeing, and Blue Origin.
The tour is the only way to see the huge VAB Vehicle Assembly Building – so large that clouds form inside when it’s raining. In the imposing Apollo/Saturn V Center hangar, understand the impact the moon landing had on our world and worldview. The enormous Saturn V rocket that made space exploration possible hangs above memorabilia of all Apollo missions, including Apollo 11.
Kids love this place even without a rocket launch
At KSC, the multimedia displays make the history of space exploration accessible to kids and their grown-ups.
Expect guided tours, options to try flight simulators, and educational activities all around the facility, some for additional fees. If you’re a kid, KSC also runs Space Camps and regular sleepovers, when ages 7 to 14 can choose between sleeping under the Space Shuttle Atlantis or the Apollo/Saturn V rocket.
Ogle rockets and debrief astronauts at KSC
Admire the KSC wing, Heroes and Legends, which introduces visitors to astronauts who made the early space missions possible.
Pause at the Rocket Garden to see several different rockets that propelled people and cargo into space. Stand in the shadows of a Mercury-Redstone, Gemini-Titan and Saturn IB rocket among others. Frequent tours add context to each spent rocket. Just this month, a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta II rocket joined the impressive display. Between 1989-2009, the Delta II successfully deployed four dozen spacecraft to assemble and maintain an entire fleet of GPS satellites, launching from both KSC and California’s Vandenberg Air Force Base. The GPS network made possible by the Delta II revolutionized modern navigation on Earth.
Why not have Lunch with an Astronaut (separate admission)? On our visit, the unflappable Astronaut Winston Scott, who had flown two missions on the Space Shuttle after retiring as an Air Force test pilot, did the Q&A with diners. Ever wondered, like a little boy at our table did, how you make a poop without gravity? Scott’s candor and humor, both personally and in his professional stories, was a highlight of the visit. The buffet lunch was pretty good, too.
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Feel the rocket’s red glare
Another high point is the KSC Shuttle Launch Experience. This Atlantis Space Shuttle wing simulator attraction was developed to help astronauts train for the physical stresses of sitting atop a rocket launch.
Pry yourself out of your harness when it’s over, and you’ll understand where that expression of having your stomach in your throat comes from…. Within the enormous orange Space Shuttle Atlantis building, visitors can see Atlantis suspended from the ceiling, so close that you can’t get it all in one photo, even in panorama mode.
Mars and what’s next in space?
See a Boeing Starliner and a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. These are just two examples of how the commercial space industry has begun transporting astronauts and payloads to the International Space Station (ISS). That’s the kind of spacecraft your kids will travel in.
Then, there’s Mars, the new frontier for exploration. The red planet is much farther away than the Moon or the ISS. Yet KSC has fascinating exhibits about Mars already. A Mars Rover and several exhibits about Mars at KSC focus visitors’ attention on the direction that most interests NASA – Mars.
Don’t miss learning more about Space
The space industry operates in strange and mysterious ways, and a Kennedy Space Center viewing event is guaranteed to give you a taste.
As mentioned, Vandenberg Air Force Base in Lompoc, California, is also a spaceport and rocket testing range. Watch a launch to appreciate how rockets can fall into the sea in case of a failed liftoff. There are few public tours of its facility or the cool-sounding Space and Missile Heritage Center, but locals say catching a rocket launch from a distance is possible.
Spaceport America tours are organized by the tourism department for Las Cruces, a city about 50 miles from El Paso, Texas. It’s the closest urban center to Spaceport America, although tours are sometimes offered from tiny Truth or Consequences. Head to New Mexico to check out past alien landings and other space-related sights.
Tips and Recommendations for Watching Rocket Launches
- Arrive Early: Plan to arrive well before the scheduled launch time. Traffic and security checks can lead to delays, so ensure you have enough time to find a good viewing spot.
- Bring Essentials: Pack water, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent. You may be waiting for an extended period, so staying comfortable is crucial.
- Check the Weather: Monitor the weather forecast for the launch day. Clear skies are essential for a good view, so consider a backup date if the weather looks unfavorable.
- Bring Binoculars or a Telescope: Consider bringing binoculars or a telescope to get a closer look at the launch and rocket. Some launch sites offer designated viewing areas with telescopes for public use.
- Know the Launch Window: Be aware of the launch window, which is the timeframe for the launch. It’s not always an exact time, so be prepared to wait if necessary.
- Respect Safety Rules: Follow all safety guidelines and instructions from authorities. There may be restricted areas and safety measures in place.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) About Where to See a Rocket Launch
Where can I watch rocket launches?
You can watch rocket launches from various locations depending on the launch site. Popular spots include Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex, and Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
Can I watch rocket launches online?
Yes, many space agencies and organizations live-stream rocket launches on their websites and social media platforms, allowing you to watch from anywhere with an internet connection.
Are there any fees to watch a rocket launch in person?
Some viewing areas near launch sites may require paid tickets or admission fees. Check with the specific launch site for details.
What is the best time to see a rocket launch?
The best time to see a rocket launch depends on the launch schedule and location. It’s essential to check the launch date and time for the specific rocket you want to see.
Can I take photographs during a rocket launch?
Yes, you can take photographs during a rocket launch, but follow any rules or guidelines the authorities provide. Consider using a camera with manual settings for better results.
Are there any age restrictions for attending rocket launches?
Most rocket launches are open to all ages. However, be prepared for long wait times and ensure that young children are comfortable with the experience.
What should I do in case of a launch delay or cancellation?
Launch delays and cancellations can occur due to various reasons. Stay informed through official sources, and consider having a backup plan for your visit or rescheduling your trip.
If this helped you learn where to see a rocket launch, consider checking out these other articles below –
- The Rocket City, Where “Everyone Can Be an Astronaut for a Day”: Huntsville, Alabama
- 50 Cosmic Ways To Celebrate Space – My Family Travels
- Becoming An Astronaut On Cape Canaveral – My Family Travels
- Tiny Astronauts Touch Down In Florida
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People who choose to book trips for summer or further out should do so with caution; the coronavirus pandemic is unpredictable. And many reservations may claim flexibility. Amid so much unknown, there will be one certainty: the headaches of rescheduling and canceling.
With a rugged interior featuring 286 peaks topping 3,000 meters Taiwan’s railway system is shoehorned onto the coastal margins where most of Taiwan’s cultural life is concentrated. Whether you ride the high-speed service from Taipei City to the second city of Kaohsiung or spend a week slowly circumnavigating the island by local train, all journeys are within eyeshot of either the cobalt-blue Pacific Ocean, flatlands of verdant rice-paddies, or towering mountainsides
When I originally commented I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on every time a comment is added I receive 4 emails with the same comment. Perhaps there is an easy method you are able to remove me from that service? Thanks a lot!
Amazing Post! about Amsterdam
There’s one street in Baltimore that’s more festive than the rest. Every holiday season, the neighborhood of Maryland’s miracle on h Street is decked out in Christmas lights and festive displays. From a tree made of hubcaps to classic candy cane fixtures, each house is uniquely decorated.
Considering Northeast Ohio has plenty of breweries, as well, Thomann was asked if it’s more likely we’ll find the members of Dorfrocker touring different venues tasting beers or visiting the Rock Roll Hall of Fame?
Covid-19 certainly affects travels plan…Not long ago my friends were among passengers of the British cruise ship Braemar. And how could the US refuse to help the ship and close the borders?? Unlike the US, Cuba showed its humanity and friendship! Thank you Cuba
Would you like to stay in the gorgeous area around Keukenhof? You can! We have a broad range of great hotels and bed and breakfasts for you. Accommodations in Haarlem, Leiden or Amsterdam are also good options.
I will reach Amsterdam only on 19 May morning, the last day of the flower exhibit. Is it still worthwhile to go Keukenhof Gardens? Will there still be many flowers to be seen?
Tulips and other flowers mainly bloom during spring. March through May is therefore the best time to visit the Netherlands if you want to watch them in bloom. The world’s most beautiful spring park, the Keukenhof, is open during this time.
If a court order states that one parent can travel abroad with the child without the consent of the other parent, what documentation is required? We recommend carrying a copy of the court order stating that the other parent’s consent is not needed to travel abroad with the child. Any questions about the wording of the court order should be directed to a family lawyer.
If transporting your pet by air is the only option, find out whether they can travel in the cabin with you. Most airlines will allow you to take a cat or small dog in the cabin for an additional fee. But you must call the airline well in advance; there are limits to the number of animals allowed in the cabin. If you are transporting your dog, make sure they meet the size requirements. If you get overwhelmed by all the regulations, there are companies that can help you navigate through the process of flying with a pet.
Is a consent letter mandatory? There is no Canadian legal requirement for children to carry a consent letter. However, a consent letter may be requested by immigration authorities when entering or leaving a foreign country, airline agents or Canadian officials when re-entering Canada. Failure to produce a letter upon request may result in delays or refusal to enter or exit a country.
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2 adults available to drive your car from New Orleans to north suburb of Chicago mid October. Need 3 or four nights. Split the gas,
Dogs and cats should always be kept safely inside the car. Pets who are allowed to stick their heads out the window can be injured by particles of debris or made sick by having cold air forced into their lungs. Never transport a pet in the back of an open pickup truck.
Ever dreamed of driving along the cliffs that overlook the Pacific with the windows down? Or wanted to travel the historic Oregon Trail in a car instead of on a computer? Explore these eleven incredible cross-country road trip routes across the U.S.
Rhonda, from a railman who started his train travel when he was 16, I would strongly suggest a Canadian Train Ride! Via Rail Canada offers four significant rides through wilderness and coastal areas with deluxe, overnight trains from Toronto to Vancouver ( 4 nights), and Montreal to Halifax, Nova Scotia (one night). Both offer a chance to have decent meals enroute, and sleeping car accommodations. Train crews tend to be a bit friendlier than south of the border, Canada, largely uninhabited, offers many scenic vistas with little hamlets few and far between, certainly a wonderful way for both of you to enjoy these new experiences.
Via Rail Canada also offers Railpasses, which enable you to travel on other routes as well for a bit of a price reduction. It’s all up to you!
Their website is http://www.viarail.ca for further information.
My son is a rail fan and we have traveled only in the US but I would love to surprise him with an excursion where he could talk to the train staff and railroad personnel. I would also like to include beautiful scenery as well for Both of us. My son is 16 and I am 59. We love to explore and don’t mind walking and roughing it!! any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Get your pet geared up for a long trip by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car. And please be sure to always secure the crate so it won??™t slide or shift in the event of a quick stop.
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This driving route of the Appalachian Trail parallels the epic hike. From the top of New England to the heart of Dixie, it takes you through continuous natural beauty—without the sweat, bugs, or blisters.
7 memorable Tips for Traveling to Mexico
Don stress if you don Mexico is agreeable to English speaking travelers, And there a ton of tips to get to know the country landscapes, terms, And younger culture.
yet still, If you new to traveling or have never been out of the us, A trip to Mexico may be somewhat frightening.
If you interested in learning some tips for traveling to Mexico, Take a look at our 7 easy to remember tips for your journey. We outlined some of the basics that you’d like to learn for your own aventura!
1. Choose the Right Transportation If you traveling to Mexico, You need to decide you might arrive by car, aeroplane, Or liner. It important to know how you want to arrive because it will searching,an extravagance,good to have city you arrive in, How much luggage you results, and so forth.
an individual can find international flights if you prefer to travel by air. instead, There are plenty of cruises to Mexico that you can enjoy if you like the amenities and beautiful views that are included in ship travel!
If you live nearby the border, Or just need to take a bit of a road trip, going down the road by car is always an option as well.
2. Use Pesos When You Can It best if you use the local currency pesos when you can. while touristy areas accept USD, They choose the rate at that they accept it, So it is possible to get a better deal if you just use pesos.
Consider exchanging USD for pesos somewhere in the usa before your trip and dividing up your cash between USD and pesos during your trip.
3. Know bathing room Etiquette In Mexico, The sewage pipes just aren built to handle a lot. this means that people rarely flush their toilet paper. rather than, There will often be a trash bin near the toilet for you to put your used toilet paper in.
further, Men may make of entering a bathroom labeled with an M, let’s assume that it stands for However, The M actually can stand for mujeres, Which is the word for in Spanish. Men needs to look for doors labeled H, Which stands for the Spanish word for men, Hombres.
4. Practice Some Spanish One of the most basic tips for traveling to Mexico is to learn a few Spanish phrases before your trip.
once you know basic things, Like how to ask where the bathroom is or how to order food, Will make your trip to Mexico a lot smoother. sometimes, The locals will appreciate the effort, Even if they undoubtedly speak English as well!
5. Adjust to the Time Whether you are changing time zones while having trip or staying in the same one, You find that Mexico runs on a lot more fluid schedule. Punctuality is less of a concern, So you take pleasure in it a lot more if you can relax and don push a strict schedule.
furthermore, Meals are spaced out a bit distinct in Mexico. You will usually have a large breakfast, associated with the main meal of the day between 2:00 together with 4:00 pm hours. then finally, You will enjoy a smaller meal at dusk.
6. Drink Bottled Water Bottled water can be found on just about any street corner for purchase. Why exactly do you wish to buy bottled water?
let me tell you, Most of Mexico plain faucet water is unpurified. Some hotels may have filtered water, But be sure to go shopping for a sign above your sinks before you test it out!
If you be residing in Mexico for a lengthier trip, Consider buying or bring a water filter with you to purify the tap water and avoid buying so much bottled water. You be decreasing costs and plastic consumption!
7. Stray off the Beaten Path While sightseeing attractions and famous beaches are always fun to see, Traveling to lesser known places will offer you a more authentic taste of Mexico.
of which this isn an excuse to be reckless or oblivious to your surroundings. Be mindful of the areas you visiting and research where you will make sure it a safe area.
Now You Armed with all very reputable Tips for Traveling to Mexico Mexico is a diverse country with so much to see and offer.
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As North America’s fastest multi-launch coaster, it’s expected to draw in adrenaline enthusiasts, including those from the group Busch Gardens Williamsburg Fans, which has been updating their Twitter and website with information on the ride.
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The blog shared is interesting to read. Got some useful information of Chicago which will be really helpful before planning a trip to this place. Thanks for sharing this!
Many parents of individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder dread traveling or often avoid it altogether. Most people with ASD do better with routine and structure and a break from that (vacation) can often lead to stress and even meltdowns. Additionally, traveling by air can include having to navigate a multitude of unpleasant experiences from airport security procedures, moving sidewalks, and boarding tunnels to cramped seats, unfamiliar noises, and lots of strangers. Experts indicate that preparation and practice is the key to a successful flight and travel. Before your trip, talk with your child about what to expect. Go over the details of the travel: how you’ll get to the airport, wait in line, go through security, find your departure gate, get on the plane, buckle seatbelts, and spend time onboard. Flying to See Janet: A Fun Guide to the Airport Experience is a book you can use to prepare children for the unfamiliar sights and sounds of the airport experience. You can also write your own social story.
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Emily, my coming of age years were the late 1970s, early 1980s at the YMCA. I agree with you about the open showers versus the individual shower stalls. From a guys perspective, I spent many nights and weekends swimming or playing basketball at my local YMCA. Showering with not only my friends, but over the years, dads, neighbors and guys from church. It really makes one comfortable, not in a sexual way, with one self and others. Never had the nude swimming, I think that ended in the 1960s as women/girls joined the YMCA, forcing may YWCAs to close their doors.
Amelie, here in the US a number of Korean Spas have opened. As with Japanese, Korean families bath together (grandmother, daughter, grand-daughter), (dad, son) separated by gender. They are starting to attract a diverse clientele (age, race, etc). So who knows, maybe the nude swimming will return to the Y someday.
The Ski and Snow Vacations for Families article is one of the best I have ever read!
You are doing a great job with https://myfamilytravels.com site.
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Note that Global Affairs Canada cannot provide you with advice about the Consent Letter for Children Travelling Abroad beyond what is offered on this website.
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Chicago is a famous place that has many impressive landscapes.
Most visitors like traveling there.
I am always looking online for tips that can facilitate me. Thx!
helo, do you happent allow drive passengers to another state?
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I’m so happy that you enjoyed your experience at the Onsen!
I’ve never been to an Onsen, but I would love to get to visit one some day.
Back in the 1980s and 1990s my mom was the head supervisor at a YWCA in Ohio. I practically lived in the YWCA (not literally, of course) for the 19 years that my mom worked there. I had a part time job at the YWCA for a few years in the 1990s.
One of the great things about spending so much time at the YWCA was that I grew up using the locker room all of the way from a young child to a young woman and being 100% comfortable with both my own nudity and the nudity of all other females.
I feel that it was so much better back then when the Y had one big room full of shower heads on the walls than it is with stalls these days. The group shower setting was great from a bonding experience. I feel that it’s much healthier psychologically speaking that females are exposed to other women’s and girl’s bodies, as opposed to feeling that we need to hide from each other and change clothes in toilet stalls or under towels.
One of the benefits of having a mom who was a supervisor of the Y was that after hours my mom and my sisters and myself could just skinny dip in the pool, and my sisters and I were allowed to have our female friends with us for a skinny dipping session on Friday and Saturday nights.
Also, my aunt and a few of my female cousins would skinny dip with my mom, my sisters and I every once in a while.
My mom said that she had heard that the YWCA used to have one night a week that was for nude swimming back in the 1960s and most of the 1970s. Obviously it was a female only facility at the time.
Dubbed the Great Northern in memory of the pioneer railroad that parallels the western half of the route, US-2 is truly the most stunning and unforgettable, not to mention longest, of all the great transcontinental road trips.
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Oh man. I’m so sorry this happened to you. I certainly appreciate your take on this though, a little humor goes a long way. I’m headed to Barcelona in a few days, so I’ll be sure to keep my valuables close. Thanks for sharing.