Witness History at Final Launch of Discovery

On November 1, 2010, at 4:40 pm, be a witness to history as a chapter in space exploration closes with the final launch  of space shuttle Discovery from the Kennedy Space Center (map).  Discovery is famous for being the shuttle that returned astronaut John Glenn to space and brought Buzz Lightyear back to Earth after a 15 month stay on the International Space Station.

As the space shuttle program is expected to be discontinued in 2011, and the final scheduled launches takes place, there is obviously a huge interest in securing tickets to view these events.

In an attempt to make it fair for all, a new system of ticket distribution has been implemented.  From now until August 23 at 5:00 pm, guests can register for the opportunity to purchase viewing tickets.  Registrants will then be selected at random to purchase tickets with admission to the viewing area.

It must be noted that all launches are subject to postponement and rescheduling due to mechanical or weather issues.  At a recent shuttle launch, the massive crowd that had gathered, including my family, all held their breath together as the launch came down to 12 minutes to scheduled launch time, while it was put on hold for a mechanical adjustment.  A huge cheer broke through the pre-dawn air as once again the clock began clicking down.

If you are not one of the lucky ones to win the opportunity to view from one of the official NASA viewing areas, there are many off-site locations to view the launch.  While you can not see the actual launch, guests at Walt Disney World will be able to see Discovery as it rockets through the sky into space.

Photo Selection: WDW News