Tickets for Space Shuttle Discovery’s Final Launch – November 2010

America’s Space Shuttle program is rapidly winding down, with only two scheduled launches remaining. If you have ever been to a space shuttle launch, then you know what an amazing experience it is. Crowds gather along the shore waiting with anticipation as the countdown clock clicks down. Then, Liftoff!! Puffs of white smoke are visible as the shuttle clears the tower. If you are close enough, you might even feel the ground shake. Regardless, you will hear the thundering roar of the engines as astronauts ride on a column of fire to outer space. Keep following the column – you will see the booster rockets separate and fall back to earth. WOW!!

If you have never been to a launch or want to catch one more before the program comes to end, you might want to clear your schedule for early November. Discovery is set to fly one last time before it goes to its new permanent home at the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum on the National Mall.

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has been offering the public the option to purchase launch viewing tickets for years. These viewing tickets get you as close as possible to the launch site when you are a member of John Q public. (There are closer sites, but unless you are a VIP, press member, or just really lucky, you can forget about that option).

Because of the popularity of the final flights, they are changing the process up at bit. You must register to have an opportunity to buy tickets. Yep, if you don’t register, then you won’t be able to buy them. So, if you were planning a trip down to see the launch and want to get really, really close to all the action, then you need to follow the below:

1. Register between August 16, 2010 (beginning at 9AM) through August 23, 2010 (ending at 5PM) by calling 1-800-936-0506 (U.S.) or 1-312-429-0505 (International)
2. A random drawing will be held between August 26th and September 17th. You will be notified via e-mail whether you have or have not been picked.
3. If you are chosen, then you get to buy tickets. Note - there are only 6 tickets per household. You will be given a ticket for one of the following three viewing areas: NASA Causeway, Kennedy Visitor Complex, or the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame. You will also be given an Admission ticket to Kennedy Visitor complex to use within 7 days.

For a die-hard space fan, this is the ultimate experience. It will be a once in a lifetime event. For more details and pricing, check out the following website: www.ksclaunchtickets.com

If you just want to go down and see the launch, there are plenty of places you can view the launch for free in Titusville and Cocoa Beach. Check back in October – I will post a blog with some of the best free viewing spots. This picture was snapped last year at a free viewing area.