Out to Launch - Trip from DC to Fla. Mar 13 - 16.

[TaylorJD]

I am going to NASA's Kennedy Space Center for the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch. Anyone headed that way? Want to car pool?

My plans now, are to leave DC early on Mar 13th, returning Mar 16th or Mar 17th. The Launch is about 5am on Sunday the 16th.

I have a Ford Fusion Energi. I figure if I wanted to drive that all EV it would be: 900 miles / 22 EV miles per charge = 41 stops and 102 hrs charging time (13 hrs driving + 102 hrs charging = 115 hrs or 4 days 19 hrs).
So I am not going to do that. Driving normal: I should get about 45 mpg, but if I figure it at 40 mpg it would be 22.5 gals at $ 3.45 = $ 77.62. One way (or $ 155) - 13 hrs.

If going by Tesla: it would be about 900 miles in 18 hrs and $0. I want a Tesla :smile:

Location	Miles to next	Travel Time	Charge Time	Miles to next
16701 Budd Road, Poolesville, MD 20837	121	2 h 5 min	30 min
9860 Brook Road, Glen Allen, VA 23059	133	1 h 57 min	30 min	259
651 N. Winstead Avenue Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804	120	1 h 42 min	30 min
5093 Fayetteville Rd. Lumberton, NC 28358	123	1 h 43 min	30 min	243
114 Bradford Blvd Santee, SC 29142	110	1 h 35 min	30 min	110
400 Airways Avenue Savannah, GA 31408	171	2 h 27 min	30 min	171
2700 Florida 16 St. Augustine, FL 32092	63	54 min	15 min	117
Kennedy Space Center, Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899	55	53 min	15 min
5302 S Williamson Blvd Port Orange, FL 32128
	895	13 h 13 min	3 h 30 min

 

[voidptr]

I am going to NASA's Kennedy Space Center for the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch. Anyone headed that way? Want to car pool?

My plans now, are to leave DC early on Mar 13th, returning Mar 16th or Mar 17th. The Launch is about 5am on Sunday the 16th.

Where were you planning on watching from? The latest word I've got is that KSC is not providing Apollo/Saturn V Center or Causeway access for this launch because of the early hour. The next best option is going to likely be Port Canaveral at ~8 miles away. Parking there for a launch is first-come first-served on the grass along the shore, and it may be crowded since NASA's options are off the table (on the other hand, it's a 4:40 AM launch so maybe nobody will show up)

I'm considering taking my Model S from NC with some family detours later in the weekend.

 

[TaylorJD]

I'll be with the Press. I was invited by NASA, they will be providing me with Social Media Press Credentials.

 

[apvbguy]

I've never been to KSC for a launch but I've seen the shuttle and others a few minutes after launch, it is awesome! so regardless of being a bit far away being close by should be some experience.

 

[TaylorJD]

I was on base for the very first shuttle launch and it was awesome. I think this one will be too. I'm hoping Elon will be there as well, that would really make the trip worth the drive.

 

[Mario Kadastik]

Not to spoil your fun, but the launch was rescheduled for 30th of March. So far only word is contamination in dragon.