STS-134 Launch (Scrub)

I made the goal about two months ago that I would like to see the penultimate Shuttle launch, and the final launch of the Shuttle Shuttle Endeavour (STS-134) from as close as I possibly could. There are several options, the best of which is purchasing tickets to the causeway through a tour company. I was able to get the $169 VIP package  through Florida Dolphin Tours. I highly recommend them for the last shuttle launch if you’re able to reserve them for their great communication and professional staff. They have been helpful throughout this entire experience.

The package includes a few tickets: one blue ticket to get into Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, one Green Launch Transportation Ticket (LTT) and a wristband for our tour company’s bus. For the 3:47 PM launch on April 29, we left a mall in Orlando, FL around 6AM. Once we arrived at Kennedy, we got off the bus went through security, and had an opportunity to mill around and enjoy the displays. Meanwhile, our buses were being screened more thoroughly. The morning ended up being a little rainy, but ended up clearing up really nicely in the afternoon. 

The Orion Abort Tower on display at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Once we boarded the buses and got closer to the causeway, I turned on my ICOM ICT8-1A to listen in on 146.940, which had a re-broadcast of NASA voice traffic. (I missed the call-sign of who was doing the broadcast.) Just as we were about to arrive at our final destination on the causeway, I heard the call for a scrub on my radio. I turned the radio off since I didn’t want anyone else to get upset before the official word came through our tour guide five minutes later. NASA allowed us to get off the bus on the causeway shore for 10 minutes before we had to make a U-turn and head back to Orlando. There wasn’t much time to set up my tripod with my Canon XSi (it was very windy) but I managed to get a few photos of the shuttle in launch configuration (above). Definitely a disappointing day to go home empty handed, especially at t minus three hours. It turns out there’s a problem in the Load Control Assembly (LCA) which will require a lengthy replacement. At the present time, it looks like STS-134 will be rescheduled No Earlier Than (NET) May 8, 2011 at 12:05 PM**. Florida Dolphin Tours told us that the tour can be re-booked, but we have to wait for word from NASA on the official re-scheduling which will come this afternoon on NASA TV. I’m going to do my best to attend again.

**UPDATE: As of 5/2/2011, the revised launch date is now NET 5/10/2011 at 11:17 AM. As of 5/6/2011, the revised launch date is now May 16 at 8:56AM!

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