r/spacex Dec 16 '15

Delayed - Sunday 12/20 /r/SpaceX Landing Party! (Jetty Park, Cape Canaveral - 12/19 6PM EST- Launch or No Launch, Rain or Shine)

Launch Meetup! UUPDATE 6:30AM MONDAY*

NEW PARTY POST CREATED- GO THERE!

https://www.reddit.com/r/spacex/comments/3xowq3/rspacex_landing_party_final_attempt_jetty_park/

** UPDATE 8:10PM **

GOOGLE SHEET HAS BEEN CLEARED SO IT CAN BE REPOPULATED WITH TOMORROW'S CONTRIBUTIONS

(Today's list was just copied over to the 2nd tab of the sheet)

I hope you all saw the cancellation post soon enough. I had to cancel after a significant # of people messaged me saying they would not be coming. I plan on leaving Universal Studios at 5pm tomorrow to drive to Jetty park.

UPDATE - 5:25PM* PARTY DELAYED TO MONDAY 12/21 @ 6:30PM EST

UPDATE - 4:25PM EST

**Launch scrubbed 24hrs to same time tomorrow(Monday). Conducting a poll now.

Evidently we are the only group renting a pavilion, so we'll be easy to find! Not sure what number we will be at.

Sorry for the sloppiness, I'm doing all of this from my phone

If you have not confirmed for MONDAY please do so, it will help to ensure we have enough food and what not... Otherwise please contribute something!


My wife and I are coming down to see our first launch (and landing) and visit KSC, so i figured why not make this as fun as possible! First off, I realize there is a possibility (probability) of a launch delay, and I don't care. We plan on having fun no matter how Saturday night pans out! I had the thought that there must be enough of us heading down to watch the launch that a meetup might be fun. Here are details I have so far.... Jetty Park is likely the closest place to try and see the landing (about 0.25 miles closer than anything along hwy 401). There are grills and pavilions available for use at Jetty Park (did not reserve yet, but there is also a picnic area). It would be great to get together with a few people for a cookout, fun, and good conversation. If there's more than 5 or so people, maybe we can all bring some snacks/burgers and drinks/soda.

Here's a map of the park. http://www.jettyparkbeachandcampground.com/index.php?module=uploads&func=download&fileId=120

I intend to meet up near the picnic area/volleyball court. But we'll post the exact details before Saturday.

Park Info: http://www.jettyparkbeachandcampground.com/park_index

GUEST LIST SO FAR - [ 5 confirmed, of 12/20- 8:10PM EST]

/u/skifri +1 (2)

/u/johnkphotos(1)

/u/CommanderSpork (1)

/u/TheSasquatch9053 (1)

*Anyone have a cornhole set?

++++++++. *Update 12/20 - 9:30am EST * +++++++

THE NEEDS LIST!! Editable Google Sheet -> https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-yp1oaHR0hG-2eL1pKPEXgXkfnXcvmkGrtYuxmhZwww/edit?usp=docslist_api

FYI, anything you guys don't bring, I'll have to buy, so $ accepted as well!

Charcoal

Lighter/matches

Spatula

Aluminum foil

Paper plates

Paper towels

Box of burgers

Cheese slices

Ketchup

Potato chips

Hamburger rolls

Ice

Cooler/bucket

Soda/water. ( seems people are bringing enogugh beer)

Paper cups?

Also, I will be renting a small pavilion ($25)

The table only seats six, so if ud like to bring a chair, that's fine!

116 Upvotes

110 comments sorted by

22

u/termderd Everyday Astronaut Dec 16 '15

I'm not sure where press will be, but if we're not allowed on the cape (which MAY be the case), this sounds like a blast! Count me in!!

6

u/Baconaise Dec 16 '15

Ksc is closed during the takeoff not sure about press.

3

u/skifri Dec 16 '15

Sounds great! Hope to see you there. Check back Friday evening for more details if this things starts to really catch on...

4

u/termderd Everyday Astronaut Dec 16 '15

For sure! If I make it down Friday night and if there's others in town, we should meet up at Cocoa Beach Brewery! They're big rocket nuts :)

6

u/skifri Dec 16 '15

Or maybe earlier in the day? (or sunday?)
We're getting in Saturday morning and will be around a few days. Always looking for a good brewery! Wife and I are homebrewers :-)

2

u/Baconaise Dec 16 '15

I would be down for that.

2

u/termderd Everyday Astronaut Dec 16 '15

I'm down for the night before, or the night of (if a scrub), but unfortunately I'll be high tailing it home as soon as it goes off :/

2

u/skifri Dec 16 '15

Sounds like that might not work out. We may end up heading there for lunch Saturday.

1

u/Jarnis Dec 16 '15

Sounds like lack of faith. The correct statement would be "as soon as it goes off and then lands back"

1

u/skifri Dec 18 '15

Up for meeting up tomorrow night?

1

u/termderd Everyday Astronaut Dec 18 '15

Unfortunately by my better judgement I vowed to not leave until a successful static fire.... Haven't left Iowa yet. I think this will be pushed back a good while unfortunately.

1

u/skifri Dec 20 '15

Heading to Cocoa Beach brewing right now, we will be there for an hour or 2.

1

u/skifri Jan 13 '24 edited Jan 13 '24

...8 years and what seems like a lifetime later, I guess we finally might get to share that beer. Congrats and good luck at ASTRO 2024! Surprisingly, I was able to make the trip work at the last sec and I'll be there both nights!

11

u/TheKillerK Dec 16 '15

Count my cousin and I in! It'll be our first launch and would love to meet up.

4

u/skifri Dec 16 '15

Sounds great, see you there! Check back by Friday evening for more details. Might need to coordinate things a bit better like food, drinks, games (cornhole?!)

6

u/[deleted] Dec 16 '15

Take two ;)

7

u/[deleted] Dec 16 '15 edited Dec 16 '15

Take some good pics, that should be a great place to watch if there is an RTLS.

Also afterwards report back and we can add the info to the FAQ about viewing from there.

Edit - I added to the FAQ https://www.reddit.com/r/spacex/wiki/faq/watching

There's also good video of what a nighttime F9 launch will look like from there. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLpj5yMzLik

2

u/Baconaise Dec 16 '15 edited Dec 16 '15

This is a very poor video. There is fog/low level haze which turns the rocket into a fireball.

One night over 200 miles (edit: 120 miles) away I could make out the difference between the final stage (fairings) and the first stage. With binoculars I could have made out even more details, but I didn't have them. Another night I was able to identify the full shapes of the boosters for a Delta IV Heavy after separation. Frequently you could see the space shuttle roll from this distance during the day.

Up close < 10 miles I plan on seeing shadows from the waffle fins, the appearance of the contours of the fairing, and possibly even a spacex logo.

1

u/[deleted] Dec 16 '15

I look forward to your high quality video which will be able to see shadows from the fins at night without zoom. I specifically picked a video without zoom to give an accurate feeling.

1

u/Baconaise Dec 16 '15 edited Dec 16 '15

The video you provided is wholly inaccurate even for watching unassisted at more than 100 miles away. Have you ever been, do you need glasses?

With my eyes, from 120 miles away (sorry originally thought it was farther), with clouds, and at night...I could make out fairings and stages, not just an obscure fireball.

TL;DR; A very foggy / cloudy night is not a "good" video for what the launch will look like.

Edit: Slightly, and I mean by maybe 20-30% smaller than this is what you would reasonably be able to make out from Jetty park... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2pqR8dARUw

6

u/[deleted] Dec 16 '15

Me and some pals are roadtripping down from Virginia. Not sure where we're going to watch from but we'll absolutely stop by!

3

u/Baconaise Dec 16 '15 edited Dec 16 '15

You should know that people show up pretty early for rocket launches and there may not be parking if we show up at even 6. I don't know about spacex launches though

4

u/skifri Dec 16 '15

Good to know. If the consensus becomes that we need to push the time up we can do that.

2

u/[deleted] Dec 16 '15

ticket launches

?

2

u/Baconaise Dec 16 '15

Rocket

1

u/[deleted] Dec 16 '15

Oh I thought that was some special subset of launches. People don't show up that early for launches, I mean they do, but it doesn't fill up till much later. The delta IV heavy launch which had the most people in a long time didn't fill up on 401 until like <1 hour before launch.

1

u/Baconaise Dec 16 '15

Good to know. I just remember the shuttle era. I went up for the final night launch and barely found a spot hours ahead of time for a maybe 10pm launch.

4

u/ScottPrombo Dec 16 '15 edited Dec 16 '15

My buddy and I will be there! We're also down to grill. Depending on pad visibility, however, we may watch the launch from here.

2

u/skifri Dec 17 '15

Sounds good. FYI - we'll likely watch the launch from the end of the pier, which is a tad bit closer.

https://www.google.com/maps/@28.4082069,-80.588249,17z

3

u/[deleted] Dec 17 '15

[deleted]

3

u/skifri Dec 17 '15

Agreed that would be better, but they will likely be closed.

Only other decent alternative is port Canaveral along hwy 401 which is a bit worse of a view for an attempted landing.

1

u/[deleted] Dec 18 '15

[deleted]

1

u/skifri Dec 18 '15 edited Dec 19 '15

No, these locations are typically closed for all night launches.

3

u/searchexpert Dec 18 '15

After the cryo LOX issues they are having, may I suggest these as party favors?

3

u/skifri Dec 18 '15

Event delayed until at least Sunday. Check back tomorrow for details.

2

u/6061dragon Dec 18 '15 edited Dec 19 '15

Me and my brother just drove 1178 miles to see this launch. We would love to join the party!

Edit: Please add us to the list if there's still room! Thanks!

3

u/skifri Dec 18 '15

/u/ambiwlans , /u/ecologic or /u/wetmelon, can you flag this post as "Tentatively Rescheduled to 12/20" (or as appropriate)

2

u/Ambiwlans Dec 18 '15

When a live thread is up for the launch, remind us and we'll link your meetup in the topic body.

1

u/skifri Dec 18 '15

Will do, thank you.

3

u/TheSasquatch9053 Dec 20 '15 edited Dec 20 '15

To anyone coming for the launch, I am going to book a campsite and sleep in my car, since that is 60$ cheaper than getting a hotel, and I don't like Walmart parking lots. Anyone here who doesn't want to get a hotel, I can put two more cars on my site, consider this an open offer to any non-serial killers. edit spelling

2

u/dieDoktor Dec 16 '15

I'm definitely interested. I'll see if I cant make it down for that!

2

u/skifri Dec 19 '15

Just arrived in Orlando! On the way to see the KSC and a book signing with Buzz Aldrin! Still planning to hold the Landing Party tomorrow(Sunday) at 6pm at this point. Will update later today.

1

u/ScottPrombo Dec 19 '15

2

u/skifri Dec 19 '15 edited Dec 19 '15

Wait... What?? I just took that same picture 5 minutes ago. Just got my book signed!

Edit: Seriously.. The one guy on your picture was a few spots behind us in line.

2

u/PopEffingTart Dec 20 '15

My wife and are going to try and make it. I'll bring my travel scope, some binoculars, and beer. Just need to make it out of a Christmas party in time.

2

u/FreakinSquid Dec 20 '15

First Reddit post ever! Is there some way to RSVP for this other than what I'm writing now? My wife and I are heading there from Orlando as soon as I get home at 5:30. We can bring chips and beer unless other items are needed.

1

u/skifri Dec 20 '15

Consider yourself rsvp'd. Thanks for your contributions!!

2

u/omereddit Dec 20 '15

I'm definitely in. Ill check the gdrive list this afternoon and will pick up anything still missing.

1

u/skifri Dec 20 '15

You're amazing. Thank you!

2

u/VirtuousRen Dec 20 '15

I'm in. Bringing one other plus dog. We may have extra hamburgers. Also bringing drinks plates cups and forks.

1

u/skifri Dec 20 '15

Thanks. Can you let me know how many burgers your bringing? Will be stopping by the store at 5

2

u/CommanderSpork Dec 20 '15

Ok, I will be there at about 7:30 (to avoid the rush). I am two hours away, so I'll already have had dinner but I'll definitely be ready for the nerd party! (not the drinking part, I'm not old enough for that) It shouldn't be too hard to find y'all, I hope.

1

u/Emptyglo Dec 16 '15 edited Dec 20 '15

I think I'll be going to try and see the launch so I might join in!

Edit: Will not be making it today

1

u/[deleted] Dec 16 '15

I realize there is a possibility (probability)

pretty sure the falcon 9 launches usually launch on schedule?

3

u/skifri Dec 16 '15

Statistically, they do not. There had been quite a thorough analysis of this on this subreddit in the past. I know /u/Echologic had shared a link to this information in the past. Can't find it at the moment.

1

u/Baconaise Dec 16 '15

That's funny because I've tried to watch so many my statement was purely anecdotal.

1

u/Decronym Acronyms Explained Dec 18 '15 edited Jan 13 '24

Acronyms, initialisms, abbreviations, contractions, and other phrases which expand to something larger, that I've seen in this thread:

Fewer Letters More Letters
KSC Kennedy Space Center, Florida
LOX Liquid Oxygen
RTLS Return to Launch Site

NOTE: Decronym for Reddit is no longer supported, and Decronym has moved to Lemmy; requests for support and new installations should be directed to the Contact address below.


Decronym is a community product of r/SpaceX, implemented by request
3 acronyms in this thread; the most compressed thread commented on today has 34 acronyms.
[Thread #326 for this sub, first seen 18th Dec 2015, 02:15] [FAQ] [Full list] [Contact] [Source code]

1

u/engineeringChaos Dec 19 '15

Count me in. I'm stopping by on motorcycle so I might not be able to bring anything to the party

1

u/skifri Dec 20 '15

Please post contribution to link if possible, small $ contribution also welcome! thanks!! https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-yp1oaHR0hG-2eL1pKPEXgXkfnXcvmkGrtYuxmhZwww/edit?usp=docslist_api

1

u/virtuallynathan Dec 19 '15

I think i'll try and join. Just got to Orlando and rented a car for tomorrow.

1

u/skifri Dec 20 '15

1

u/virtuallynathan Dec 20 '15

Done! I'll try and bring hamburger buns as well. Aiming to arrive around 7/7:30.

1

u/skifri Dec 20 '15

Let me know how many buns ur bringing. I will be stopping by the store at 5:00.

1

u/virtuallynathan Dec 20 '15

I'll try and bring 2 packs (16 rolls?)

1

u/TheSasquatch9053 Dec 20 '15

Count me in. I'll bring some beer!

1

u/skifri Dec 20 '15

2

u/TheSasquatch9053 Dec 20 '15

I can't seem to edit the doc on mobile. I'll be bringing a 12 pack and some hotdogs and buns.

1

u/CommanderSpork Dec 20 '15

I plan to be there tomorrow! Can't bring anything, but assuming they don't cancel the launch, I'll be there probably an hour beforehand. How will we recognize each other?

Edit: does Jetty Park have an admission fee (how much?)?

1

u/skifri Dec 20 '15

I think it's about $10 per car, I'd check their website to be sure.

1

u/searchexpert Dec 20 '15

Can you periscope this for those of us that can't make it?

2

u/skifri Dec 20 '15

I'll see what I can do. Will try to with the landing at least. (Or convince one of the other attendees to do so!). Will repost tomorrow by 8pm with link if I have one.

1

u/searchexpert Dec 20 '15

I just meant of the party haha

1

u/skifri Dec 20 '15

/u/ambiwlans , /u/ecologic or /u/wetmelon, can you flag this post as rescheduled to Sunday 12/20. ?

Thanks!

1

u/skifri Dec 20 '15

If you have not confirmed for Sunday please do so, it will help to ensure we have enough food and what not... Otherwise please contribute something!

1

u/PurpleKerbie Dec 20 '15

Could someone Periscope this please?

1

u/skifri Dec 20 '15

This will be difficult.. Really will likely be a bunch of people randomly talking eating outside at a pavilion. But will see if someone will volunteer. Not gonna lie, my data plan is too limited to do this.

1

u/[deleted] Dec 20 '15

If one of you guys could use periscope to broadcast the landing you would be super cool.

1

u/moosedefenders Dec 20 '15

Plan on me being there. Will bring some money to help cover costs.

1

u/skifri Dec 20 '15

Awesome, thank you

1

u/johnkphotos Launch Photographer Dec 20 '15

I'll be there, but I'll be focusing on setting up equipment so I likely won't hangout the whole time.

1

u/skifri Dec 20 '15

No problem! My wife want might to help and or pick your brain. She's an amateur photographer with modest equipment.

1

u/johnkphotos Launch Photographer Dec 20 '15

If you meant that she'd like to help me- don't worry, I'm good. :p I'm technically an amateur but I have lots of experience.

But, I'd love to help her setup. What's she shooting with and what's her primary goal? Long exposure? Telephoto?

1

u/skifri Dec 20 '15

She has a telephoto but is likely shooting for long exposure. Still debating! Shooting with a Canon rebel xs

1

u/[deleted] Dec 20 '15

I will be coming to jetty park for the launch! Does anyone know where and when to park?

1

u/skifri Dec 20 '15

They told me that people don't typically show up until 30- 60 minutes before launch, so if you oath at the park itself you should be fine. We plan on being there at 6 to hang out.

1

u/c8220 Dec 20 '15

I'm going to try and be there around 7:30. I can bring some money

1

u/skifri Dec 20 '15

Launch scrubbed 24hrs to same time tomorrow(Monday). Conducting a poll now. Reply 1 for party tonight in defiance, or 2 for rescheduling to tomorrow at 6:30 for actually watching launch. Will be fun either way.

1

u/CommanderSpork Dec 20 '15

Launch scrubbed for today. :(

1

u/skifri Dec 20 '15

Launch scrubbed 24hrs to same time tomorrow(Monday). Conducting a poll now. Reply 1 for party tonight in defiance, or 2 for rescheduling to tomorrow at 6:30 for actually watching launch. Will be fun either way.

1

u/DaymanMSU Dec 20 '15

My girl and I just made it into town and would like to meet up. Is there room for two more? We can bring something or throw in some cash.

1

u/CommanderSpork Dec 20 '15

The launch was postponed for 24 hours, sadly.

1

u/skifri Dec 20 '15

Launch scrubbed 24hrs to same time tomorrow(Monday). Conducting a poll now. Reply 1 for party tonight in defiance, or 2 for rescheduling to tomorrow for actually watching launch. Will be fun either way.

1

u/DaymanMSU Dec 20 '15

Haha we're trying to decide what we'll do. I keep extending my vacation so I'm not sure if I'll be able to push it back another day. Probably shouldn't but I've never seen a launch before

1

u/skifri Dec 20 '15

Same here, flying out Tuesday evening

1

u/skifri Dec 20 '15

Launch scrubbed 24hrs to same time tomorrow(Monday). Conducting a poll now. Reply 1 for party tonight in defiance, or 2 for rescheduling to tomorrow at 6:30 for actually watching launch. Will be fun either way.

1

u/omereddit Dec 20 '15

I cant edit the google sheet but im @ publix now, will bring remaining items on list, hamburgers, buns cooler and ice - and some extra beer. If anyone can edit the doc enter my name for those items and if theres anything else anyone wants me to pick up just reply

1

u/skifri Dec 20 '15

Unfortunately launch is scrubbed for today. Conducting poll now in party thread to decide if we should Friday to tomorrow or party tonight anyway. Please respond to poll!

1

u/omereddit Dec 20 '15

That sux, I cant make tomorrow so driving back to miami now

1

u/6061dragon Dec 21 '15

I know it's a little late now, but we're celebrating near cocoa beach now. We're at the bars. Let me know if youd like to join

1

u/skifri Dec 21 '15

Would love to but now that we have to leave universal early tomorrow for the launch party, we want to try to get there in the morning as soon as possible. Thanks for the invite though! Who's all with you guys?

1

u/6061dragon Dec 21 '15

Haha. just me and my brother. We were on our way to jetty park when it got delayed! No surprise really. So we just booked a motel. We'll see you tomorrow though.

1

u/johnkphotos Launch Photographer Dec 20 '15

2, I'm not driving up there if there's no launch.

1

u/6061dragon Dec 21 '15

If there's any folk near cocoa beach, we are celebrating before the launch!! Come join us at the bars

1

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