Up-to-the-minute info on landing at Edwards?

[askold]

If NASA descides to land at Edwards - where can you hear the news first?<br /><br />One time I heard on the news that the landing was going to be at Edwards so I jumped in my car, but by the time I drove there the shuttle was already overhead and I was still 10 miles out!<br /><br />Thanks

 

[MeteorWayne]

I'd say listen to the NASA TV broadcast (or webcast from the NASA Shuttle page).<br /><br />It's pretty much up to date AFAIK.<br /><br />Judging by s_g's info time and what I hear on the NASA TV broadcast, everything tracks pretty close.<br /><br />Now, there may be behind the scene discussion, which may or may not be able to be revealed.<br /><br />Edwards seems a possibility tomorrow. (my impression)<br /><br />If both KSC attempts tomorrow look to be bad, I suspect they will take the first EDW opportunity (the same orbit as the second KSC attempt), unless KSC looks perfect for Saturday. Even with the time and cost penalties involved. I have no inside info, it's just my gut feeling from what I've listened to.<br />And I mean PERFECT weather for Saturday at KSC.<br />I hope I'm wrong because it will mess up the schedule.<br />Maybe if the orbits are earlier Saturday, Edwards will be so safe, they might hang on to give one more shot at KSC Saturday, but there is no being wrong on Saturday. No do-overs.<br /><br />How far are you away from there, timewise?<br />You have at least an hour from when they pull the trigger, which is live on NASA TV.<br /><br />Wayne <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>

 

[askold]

I'm about an hour to 1 1/2 hours away (Hollywood) - so if I go as soon as the deorbit burn occurs, I'll probably see the shuttle fly overhead from the side of the road on 14.<br /><br />Knowing one orbit ahead of time would be a big help.

 

[jschaef5]

If you leave a little bit ahead of time in anticipation of a landing or drive the speed that most californians drive you should be able to make it up to the south gate in an hour and a half or so. Assuming you can't get on base, I'd guess that Edwards AFB South Gate or one of the small hills down there would give a great view of the landing on runway 22. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[Testing]

Ah it would be nice to here that double tap out here again. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[MeteorWayne]

I think you are asking too much, unless KSC weather is really ratty for the whole day.<br /><br />If they can, they will get it into KSC,<br /><br />It can (with the realigned orbits) be a really last minute decision, so you either have to head out there, or wait till the last KSC landing is scrubbed, then drive like hell.<br /><br />If the EDW landing is on the next orbit, you have at least 90 minutes <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /> <br /><br />If they pick Edwards at the last second, you don't have a chance <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>

 

[askold]

That's what I feared - I'll have to head out early "just in case".<br /><br />Oh well - it looks like tomorrow will be a nice day for a drive.

 

[Testing]

Take a hat, lots of water and sunscreen. And a camera! <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[askold]

Good tips.<br /><br />It would be fun to see. Probably not many opportunities left.

 

[brellis]

Well, you could hedge your bets, put on one of those diapers to save time and drive across the country to KSC for a possible Saturday landing... <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font size="2" color="#ff0000"><em><strong>I'm a recovering optimist - things could be better.</strong></em></font> </p> </div>

 

[Testing]

brellis, you have issues (gr) <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[Testing]

Winds start picking up here 1300-1400 local. Safe landing is all I care. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[earth_bound_misfit]

Bit OT here, sorry.<br />I think it would be a neat idea if Nasa, when they retired the STS, landed one here in Australia on it's last trip home. And maybe one in Europe. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p> </p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------- </p><p>Wanna see this site looking like the old SDC uplink?</p><p>Go here to see how: <strong>SDC Eye saver </strong>  </p> </div>

 

[Testing]

Gusting to 35 yesterday afternoon at Edwards<br />Current forecast<br /><br />Today: Sunny and hot, with a high near 99. Breezy, with a west southwest wind 7 to 10 mph increasing to between 21 and 24 mph. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[MeteorWayne]

See the STS-117 thread for all edwards landing times for the next 3 days. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>

 

[askold]

I couldn't get away from work - too many issues. (I was secretly hoping for a Saturday landing.)<br /><br />I didn't hear the boom over LA. What track did it follow in? I read the shuttle was supposed to fly "east of LA". Must have been very far east.<br /><br />

 

[askold]

According to the track map, the shuttle passed about 1 degree of latitude to the east of LA. So, about 60 miles. That must be far enough away to not hear it.

 

[Testing]

Did not hear it in Chatsworth <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>