| Watching the shuttle blast off into space would be | | | | the whole Space Coast started chanting "Three, two, |
| like watching those first ambitious fish haul | | | | one - LIFTOFF!" And there were flames, then clouds |
| themselves up onto dry land, topped off with the | | | | of steam, and a silent ascent into the stratosphere. |
| explosive power of the world's most expensive | | | | "Here comes the noise," a father whispered to his |
| firework. If you ever need a little inspiration, a | | | | son. Windshields rattled in response to the roar; not |
| space-shuttle launch will make you appreciate how | | | | one of us covered out ears. And Atlantis was gone. |
| remarkable human beings really are. | | | | International Spare Station Center |
| Begin by contacting the Kenny Space Centre ( | | | | This attraction is so cutting edge, you'll think the |
| 321-867-4636 ) too find out if there's a launch during | | | | swishing automatic doors have transported you |
| your visit ( you can also order tickets to view the | | | | straight to the bridge of the USS Enterprise. Not only |
| launch ). If you can't get tickets to KSC facilities, | | | | can you witness actual components of the |
| don't worry - there are plenty of great places to see | | | | International Space Shuttle being constructed, but a |
| shuttles soar. Try the Astronaut Hall of Fame, Jetty | | | | high-tech observation deck shows the astronauts' |
| Park Campground, Cherie Down Park, Rotary | | | | cramped living space - claustrophobias need not apply. |
| Riverfront Park, Space View Park, Coca Beach Pier, | | | | You'll only see the center via the NASA Up Close |
| Bennet Causeway (Hwy 528) and Brewer Parkway | | | | tour and Astronaut Training Experience. |
| Bridge in Titusville. | | | | - Astronaut Training Experience |
| Make hotel reservations early, and plan to stay for a | | | | The Astronaut Training Experience (321-449-4400; |
| while. The launch i viewed, STS-110, was delayed 3 | | | | per person including lunch & gear $225) is the |
| times due to mechanical problems and windy | | | | closest you'll ever to come to being an astronaut |
| weather, a week which culminated with a nail0biting | | | | without all that schooling and training. This experience |
| countdown that had technicians reloading software | | | | puts you through the intense training bona-fide |
| onto the space shuttle Atlantis in the final minutes. | | | | astronauts endure, including the 1/6 gravitiy chair and |
| Get to your viewing site early and bring binoculars | | | | a mission-control countdown. You'll also have a |
| and extra beer - it's an international tailgate party no | | | | Q&A with former astronauts as well as |
| matter where you end up. Vendors sell ice cream, | | | | exclusive tours of the shuttle launch pads, |
| soda and even mission-specific T-shirts ( from $10; | | | | International Space Station and NASA press site. |
| they make great souvenirs ). Tune into 920AM for | | | | Participants must be at least 14; those under 19 need |
| up-to-the-minute reports and, five minutes before | | | | to be accompanied by an adult. This program is |
| the big event, the countdown. | | | | extremely popular to call well in advance for |
| At the launch i viewed, the anticipation was thicker | | | | reservations. |
| than solid fuel in a pressurized STS-110 tank. I was | | | | - NASA Up Close tour |
| parked at the Brewer Parkway Bridge, blocked in by | | | | The NASA Up Close (adult/child $52/36) tour includes |
| dozens of cars - no one cared, no one was going | | | | regular admission plus a 2-hour tour of 'restricted |
| anywhere. Folks from all over the world were taking | | | | areas,' where the space shuttle is refitted after |
| turns with my friend Linda's telescope, examining | | | | landing and is prepped for launch. You almost feel like |
| Atlantis from across the bay, imagining it straining | | | | you're really going to see the alien autopsy room, like |
| against the launch apparatus, eager to fly. "The wind | | | | Mulder and Scully skulking around a top-secret |
| may by too strong today." announced one man, his | | | | warehouse, as you weave between towering |
| ear to the radio. We had 28 minutes until the launch | | | | buildings and steel pathways. Plus, you don't have to |
| window opened. Prayers to various deities ensued. | | | | be an uber space junkie to appreciate the coolness |
| "The shuttle's computers went down,' another | | | | of this behind-the-scenes look at NASA facilities. Just |
| woman yelled. The window would close in nine | | | | that prior to a launch, this tour is cut short (no |
| minutes. | | | | refunds). |
| But NASA came through with seconds to spare, and | | | | |