Atlas V Launch Alert

March 25,2014 is supposed to be the Atlas V rocket launch schedule but, when I check the KSC site, TBD was added. There was a delay of the launch due to technical difficulties. The launch will be re-scheduled soon. We will be busy on Tuesday so; I doubt if we can drive by the Indian River and watch it.

We will probably see the launch in our backyard. I will not even attempt to take pictures using my DSLR. I will just use my fon so; the photos will not look like the ones above. Anyway, I will be posting in FB the live telecast of the rocket launch. Watch out for it.

Delta IV Rocket Launch

I was not feeling well last Friday so; hubby and I decided to watch the #DeltaIV rocket launch on TV and at the front yard. Yes, we can see it at the front yard as it lifts off to the sky at night time, it's clear. The launch was delayed in fact; it lifts off at the last few minutes window. It lifts off at 8:59 PM on Feb 20, 2014 here in the Space Coast.

 
Delta IV rocket carries a satellite to improve the accuracy of GPS Navigation.

At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Okay, let us explore NASA's Kennedy Space Center today. I just open my folder and picked these photos. If you are a frequent visitor of this blog, you have known by now that we live just about 10 minutes away from #KSC. My husband and I can go there any day and anytime we want. For less than $60, Floridians will get to enjoy a pass which is good for 1 year. That's fabulous right?

These machines are great help to speed up on purchasing a ticket.
On a busy day though, these ticket machines ain't enough to accommodate the guests
but, there's no problem with that. There is a ticket counter across this area.

If you are in Orlando and visiting Disney World,
spare a day and visit Kennedy Space Center for an exciting Educational tour.

One of the amazing attractions here in Kennedy Space Center is the Atlantis.
OMG! It's my favorite especially the video showing and the grand entrance to the showroom.

At the front of Atlantis attraction in Kennedy Space Center. The $100 million home of the Atlantis.

This dancing fountain is located near the ticket center outside of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

A shot of the US flag with the Atlantis icon on the background.

The spacious parking lot. Each area is named after an Astronaut.

Outside of the Kennedy Space Center Complex.

The view heading to the entrance and ticket center of the Kennedy Space Center.

This is the entrance to the Kennedy Space Center.

One of the restaurants inside the Kennedy Space Center.

On this particular day, we were headed to the Atlantis attraction.

This year has been an exciting year for us. We get the chance to visit Kennedy Space Center more often because we have a yearly pass. We usually stayed an hour or two and come back the next time to check out other attractions. We were able to watch quiet a few rocket launch in the Space Coast. One time we did watch a rocket launch in KSC in the Apollo Saturn V Center area. I believe it is indeed the best viewing area for rocket launch of the Canaveral Air Station. That's all for now friends. Thank you so much for visiting my blog as always. Have a safe and Happy New Year!

Watching the Rocket Launch: Falcon 9 GEO Transfer Mission

Last week, the Falcon 9 SES 8 communications satellite was scheduled to launch at SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The mission of SES 8 is to "provide Ku-band and Ka-band direct-to-home broadcasting and network services over the Asia-Pacific region. This rocket will fly in the Falcon 9 v1.1 configuration with upgraded Merlin 1D engines, stretched fuel tanks and a payload fairing." Two  seconds to lift off, the launch was aborted. The second attempt to launch was scheduled Nov 28- Thanksgiving Day. We were watching the launch at Port Saint John by the Indian River.

It was a chilly afternoon on a Thanksgiving Day. There were quiet a few people who were not Floridians and were hoping to see the launch for the first time. It was cloudy but, the weather was not the factor of the aborted launch.

There was a Wifi signal by the boat dock, thanks to Bright House, I was able to use my iPad to monitor the Space X live webcast. It was truly chilly outdoor so; we stayed inside the car the whole time.

The launch pad is straight ahead. On a clear day, the rocket launch is clearly visible from here. The best spot to watch the launch is at Kennedy Space Center in the Apollo premises.

The parking space in the boat dock is full but, not crowded. Most of all, it was okay to wait because the weather is cool.

The window for the launch was between 5:37 to 6:43 PM EST but, as you can see, it was really cloudy. There was a second attempt to launch and aborted. They re-scheduled by Monday, December 2 but, it was delayed. Today is the third attempt. I hope it will be successful this time.

We can see the rocket from our front yard but, it is nicer to see it from here. I will be taking photos for comparison. Have a great day everyone!

SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket Launch

I know it's late in sharing you this great news. I am so pre-occupied with so many things plus, my sister-in-law and her family will be spending an early Thanksgiving dinner with us, tomorrow. I know right? Oh, hubby and I can't wait and we are so excited for their visit. We almost forgot about this launch today. As I am writing this, I only have about 40 minutes left to be in the right area to watch it. I guess we will just watch it by the Indian River. We are too tired to watch it in Cape Canaveral. Anyway, this mission of the SpaceX is the first geosynchronous transfer orbit mission out of Cape Canaveral, Florida

Okay, this is Falcon 9 SES 8 communications satellite and the launch is scheduled today, November 25 at 5:37 to 6:43 PM EST at SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The mission of SES 8 is to "provide Ku-band and Ka-band direct-to-home broadcasting and network services over the Asia-Pacific region. This rocket will fly in the Falcon 9 v1.1 configuration with upgraded Merlin 1D engines, stretched fuel tanks and a payload fairing."

As I look at outside, it is cloudy and miserable. I don't know if this rocket will launch today.

Maven Rocket Launch at Cape Canaveral

I added a "to do" list in this blog to keep me on track and for Monday's, I will be sharing photos about the NASA's Kennedy Space Center. A perfect timing for Nov 18, 2013 historic event in the Space Coast. The #MAVEN orbiter successfully launched at the Cape Canaveral SLC 41 at 1:28 PM. Hubby and I decided to watch it at Cape Canaveral area.

It was really cloudy but, NASA has a perfect window for the launch in fact, Maven was able to liftoff on time. It was really funny to note that Maven was playing hide and seek with us. The clouds hid it most of the time but the thundering noise was really loud.

Maven Mission to Mars will last for 10 months. It will probe Mars atmosphere to gain insights as to how the climate of the Red Planet changed over time. Scientists expect to unravel the mystery of why Mars lost its atmosphere.

As we drove down the Cape Canaveral area, both sides along the Banana River are full with people from all over. We drove towards Glen Cheek Drive and we parked at Milliken's Reef Restaurant.

I say that today is a nice day even though muggy and cloudy. The water along Banana River and Indian River are calm. I saw some manatees and dolphins swimming.

So far, the event today was all good. Here's a head's up, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket liftoff is scheduled on November 25, 2013 at 5:37 PM EST. It is another historic event to witness!

Rocket Launch: Atlas V #MAVEN A Mission to Mars

I must admit that this acronym is new to my ears, MAVEN. It is obvious that I am not up to date with Science subject huh? Anyway, on Monday, another exciting event which will be happening here in the Space Coast. MAVEN which stands for Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN has a mission to explore the Red Planet’s upper atmosphere and ionosphere as well as the interactions with the sun and solar wind.

Maven is scheduled to launch at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral, Florida. It is about 20 minutes from our place. One of the amazing benefits of living in the Space Coast is watching the historic launch of rocket missions. We can always hear the boom and on a clear day, we can view the rocket during liftoff right in our front yard. Maven will orbit Mars at various latitudes. This is a historic mission so; we want to see it closer. Check out MAVEN's shot tonight. What a pretty sight huh?

Image Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls

This is a 10-month mission and the data that will be gathered will help the scientists in understanding the climate change in Mars. If you live nearby, Atlas V MAVEN will liftoff on November 18 at 1:28 PM EST. I hope you can capture the best shot and awesome video. I am not lucky though but, I will try. See you there! Before I forget, if you plan to visit Kennedy Space Center today, it is included in your ticket and they have the best seat in the Space Coast area to watch the liftoff.

The Rocket Garden at #KSC

Our Commander's Club pass already expired last week so; hubby and I were planning to get one anytime soon. The Annual Pass includes the following attractions: Space Shuttle Atlantis, Twin IMAX® Theater 3-D Films, Shuttle Launch Experience, Special Viewing for Rocket Launches, Angry Birds Space Encounter, Numerous Shows and Exhibits, General Bus Tour, Meet an astronaut and Astronaut Hall of Fame. For a whole year, we used our annual pass a lot. These pictures below were taken at the Rocket Garden in Kennedy Space Center.

If you visit Kennedy Space Center, as you enter the KSC, Rocket Garden will be the first attraction that you will enjoy to see.

I was seated at the restaurant when I took this picture. Below, is the entrance to Kennedy Space Center.

Here is the Rocket Garden at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

You should check this place. It is awesome!

We only live about 10 minutes here so. when we are bored at home, we come here often.

The entrance is great, don't you think?

Thanks for stopping by, feel free to check some photos in my blog regarding Kennedy Space Center.

The Skylab's 40th Anniversary Reunion at Kennedy Space Center

This is a heads up for all of you who loves to know what's going on down here in Space Coast. On July 27, 2013 at 11AM to 11:45 AM, big event will happen at the Astronaut Encounter in NASA's Kennedy Space Center here in Florida.

If you come visit #KSC on this date, you can be part of the event and witness it. It is included with General Admission so; be part of the Skylab 40th Anniversary Reunion at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. On this day, Fred Gregory who is a veteran NASA astronaut will moderate a discussion with 10 astronauts from the Skylab team.

The Skylab was the first and only American space station in orbit around the Earth in 1973 and 1974. I was two years old then but, even in my elementary years, the basic knowledge of Skylab is pretty much covered in our Science class.

Anyway, here are the list of Astronauts who will be gracing the discussion on the said event:

Karol “Bo” Bobko, Vance Brand, Jerry Carr, Bob Crippen, Owen Garriott, Ed Gibson, Jack Lousma, Bill Pogue, William Thornton, and Paul Weitz.

Skylab launched aboard the last of the Apollo-era Saturn V rockets on May 14, 1973. The Skylab’s mission was to study the sun and Earth as well as the effects of zero gravity on the human body on long-duration space flights and other scientific experiments.

Take note that this is a limited-seating event only which will be held at the Astronaut Encounter at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. I will see you there.

NASA's Space Shuttle Atlantis at Kennedy Space Center

If you are a frequent reader/visitor in my blogs, you probably seen the photo below for so many times. This is NASA Parkway and one of the routes that hubby and I like to take when we head home coming from Cocoa Beach. Further down the road is NASA's Kennedy Space Center and starting today, I will be posting photos around NASA's #KSC. See the white and orange thing rising in vertical position? That is the Replica Rocket Boosters, an awesome addition to the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit.

I took the photo below when we turn to Kennedy Space Center's Visitor Complex. The first building on the right is the $100 million home of the priceless and historic spacecraft, the Atlantis. It tells the incredible journey of NASA’s 30-year Space Shuttle Program.

We were driving towards the parking lot of Kennedy Space Center and I can't help but took few shots of the building. I have been here many times but, today is different. This is the first time that I saw the building without the tarp/covers on and work is completed. I was just excited to see the Atlantis for real.

We parked and walked to the entrance passing the Rocket Garden and IMAX theatre then, I saw this sight up close. Remember the first photo above? Inside, this is what it looks like. The massive structure is a beacon to guests. The Replica Rocket Boosters are indeed visible for miles. It would be an awesome dramatic if the shuttle orbiter mated to the stack right?  Anyway, as you can see, the gateway only features the awesome and gigantic twin white boosters and the orange external tank. The orbiter is inside.

Fast forward photos here and let's go up to the building. Check out the gigantic twin rocket boosters and the orange tank from inside the building. Pretty awesome right? Remember that these are only replica.

The rocket boosters are the gateway to the main entrance of the Atlantis building which is a dramatic and a clever idea! The guests looks so tiny.

The first awesome attraction inside the building is a film showing. It was interesting and it brings down memory lane how the Space Shuttle Program started. I suggest that you sit at the middle. If you are taking video, make sure that no one is standing in front of you.

After the film viewing, the next room is another film viewing but you will probably love it more than the first attraction. Guest will experience what's it like to see the shuttle lifts off up close. The whole room will be AWESOME! Then, you will meet the Space Shuttle Atlantis for REAL! It will be dramatic and please .... do not cry. (wink)

In this room, oh my goodness you and your children will enjoy the interactive exhibit! You will never notice the time! Relax and enjoy! Now, do not forget to take a souvenir photo on this spot. You can make it dramatic too. I have an apprentice photographer so; this is my best shot LOL.

Oh, another best shot ... LOL. My nervous photographer is not too thrilled to take my photos LOL. Good thing that I live nearby and I can come here anytime I want. I will get my iconic souvenir photo next time hahaha.

That's all for now and hope to see you again tomorrow. I got more photos of the Kennedy Space Center and more. Thanks for stopping by.

NASA Parkway West in Titusville

How was your Valentine's day celebration everyone? Did you get the gift you wanted? I told my husband I don't want chocolates because, we have stocks of chocolates at home and I don't want flowers that will wither in days. Instead, I told him to give me orchids and tulips in the planter. Happy me, that's what I got! Anyway, I hope you have a blast yesterday guys! Early morning, I went out to meet a group of people along Merritt Island. I told hubby that we will take the route in NASA Parkway. First important building on this road which is just 10 minutes away from our place is the US Astronaut Hall of Fame Building. This place has the world's largest collection of American astronaut's personal memorabilia.

The body of water to either sides of NASA Parkway is the Indian River Lagoon. I always look out the window to see a glimpse of dolphin swimming right here. Most of the time, I saw them swimming in this area.

Check out the photo below. This road is about 2 miles long and it connects the mainland Florida to Merritt Island while the NASA Causeway connects Merritt Island to Cape Canaveral. Anyway, this road is the main route heading to Kennedy Space Center and also to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. This picture though is showing that we were heading to Titusville from the Kennedy Space Center.

Now, the photo below shows the Assembly Building in Kennedy Space Center. See the tiny building across the water? That's the Vehicle Assembly Building or VAB, the largest single-story building in the world, and the tallest building in the United States outside an urban area.

VAB was used to assemble American manned launch vehicles. This building was originally built for the vertical assembly of the Saturn V rocket of the Apollo program. This building is where Space Shuttle orbiters were mated with their solid rocket boosters and external fuel tanks. When space shuttles are assembled and complete, the Crawler-Transporter will move the shuttle to the Launch Complex 39. If you are interested to read more, you can search some photos and entry posts about VAB and the crawler in my blog too.

The picture below shows bascule bridge and it allows some boats on the Intercoastal Waterway to pass through the causeway. Saw it twice already and it was cool.

If you happen to pass by this road, look at the waters in both sides, you might see the dolphins. They are always seen here. In fact, I saw one dolphin at this moment but, wasn't able to take a photo. Too fast :-) !

Passing the bascule bridge and you will enjoy 180 degrees of amazing view of nature.

That's all for now. Next set of photos will be along NASA Commerce area where we saw 3 wild baby gators along the canal.

See you next time. That's my hubby driving and the red beads display is one of my favorite beads from Mardi Gras parade. Don't forget to check out my blog post everyday. Stay happy and be inspired with the beauty of nature. Thanks for stopping by.