Idea for some footage - launch of STS 120

[Petr Dvorak]

Discovery's next mission, designated STS-120, is targeted for launch on Oct. 23.
Just be there around 15:38:13 GMT, KSC, Florida, Launch Pad: 39A
I don't know how near you can get, but its awesome theatre especialy at night

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/STS-120
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts120/index.html

http://www.reduser.net/forum/uploaded/15_1191706781.jpghttp://www.reduser.net/forum/uploaded/15_1191706820.jpghttp://www.reduser.net/forum/uploaded/15_1191706845.jpg

[Tony Lorentzen]

Oh man. That would be soooo kick ass in 4K!

[Petr Dvorak]

... something like this :wink:
http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/images/large/07pd2257.jpg
http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/images/large/07pd2259.jpg
http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/images/large/07pd2252.jpg
http://www.spacearium.com/albums/sts116launch/06pp2753.jpg
http://www.spacearium.com/albums/sts116launch/06pp2759.jpg
... plus that massive sound

I think its not bad idea for next RED promo 4K footage

[Michael Schrengohst]

I know a guy who consults with NASA on video stuff.
You cannot get within like 5 miles of the launch unless
you are directly working for NASA. I don't even think the RED 300
would get you close enough. I am sure NASA has RED's on order.
Your tax dollars at work.

[Petr Dvorak]

how to get there
like a regular visitor - get tickets from KSC (but hurry) and then go to Launch Viewing Site which is aprox. 6 km away from launch site. http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/launches/launchDetails.asp?calendarId=320
http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/launches/scheduleStatus.asp
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=1833544359784547463,28.515870,-80.615770%3B7026885814757690750,28.518478,-80.620079&time=&date=&ttype=&saddr=NASA+Pkwy+E+%4028.515870,+-80.615770&daddr=&mra=mr&sll=28.583919,-80.692863&sspn=0.27133,0.541077&ie=UTF8&t=h&z=12&om=1

... or if you are lucky and you can get there with your Press Pass, than you can get here near VAB building
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=33735474158514914,0.000000,0.000000%3B7026 885814757690750,28.518478,-80.620079&time=&date=&ttype=&saddr=28.582072,-80.645185&daddr=&mrsp=0&sz=15&mra=mi&sll=28.589571,-80.636859&sspn=0.033914,0.067635&ie=UTF8&ll=28.599896,-80.612183&spn=0.135644,0.270538&t=h&z=13&om=1

... others can watch it from Titusville beach, which is aprox.10-12km far

more detailed info
http://www.launchphotography.com/Shuttle_Launch_Viewing.html

[jbeale]

Using this field-of-view calculator and assuming 1.6 crop factor vs. 35mm stills:
http://www.tawbaware.com/maxlyons/calc.htm

...I find that the 300mm lens from the Launch Viewing Site will give you a vertical frame size in the Red of 300 meters at a distance of 6 km. For reference, the external tank is about 50 meters high, so your frame will be 6 tank-heights high. Similar to the first picture posted in this thread. Very usable in my opinion, especially with Red's resolution. And actually it ends up a bit closer, since the camera does not record the full 4.5k sensor area, the edges are "look-around" viewfinder data only.

Update: If the information here is correct, http://www.launchphotography.com/Shuttle_Launch_Viewing.html
then the closest public viewing is from the "NASA Causeway" which is 6.5 miles (10.5 km) away from launch at Pad 39A, so your frame using the 300mm lens would be 525 m high at that distance, about 10 tank heights. Still very worthwhile, if you can do it. Per link above, causeway viewing tickets sell out within minutes of going online.

On the other hand, if you have the right contacts, you may(?) be able to get a film crew to the LC 39 Observation Gantry which is closer with a better view. More info here:
http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/pressRoom/filming.asp

[Mark L. Pederson]

all launches are subject to change ....

[Jon Schellenger]

Hey guys,

If someone wants to shoot this with their RED camera, email me at statusfilms@yahoo.com.

I am about 90 percent sure I can make this happen. My brother is producing The World Space Expo which is held there next month. We have all sorts of contacts, so I do not think this is going to be a problem at all.

Let me know if someone is serious about shooting this.

[Petr Dvorak]

all launches are subject to change ....

... same like Red,
but result is breathtaking ... like Red :wink: