NASA Resumes Acceptance Of Public Requests For Space Shuttle Launch Viewing Passes

By Cliff Lethbridge

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL (January 20, 2001) - Spaceline salutes NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Roy Bridges and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Commander Lt. Col. Randall Horn for issuing a joint decision to allow the resumption of public requests for on-site Space Shuttle launch viewing vehicle passes.

In a break with long-standing tradition, public vehicle pass requests had been rescinded due to "safety concerns" about excessive traffic on the causeway which links the Kennedy Space Center with Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

Spaceline had been troubled by the fact that immediately after a decision rescinding the time-honored public vehicle pass policy was announced, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex commercial contractor began selling tickets for causeway launch viewing. This appeared to Spaceline to be a rather odd coincidence.

Viewing Space Shuttle launches on this causeway is an exciting experience for the entire family, and Spaceline heartily encourages our visitors to request passes when planning to be at the Kennedy Space Center at Space Shuttle launch time. We also encourage you to use discretion in requesting these passes as only a limited number are available. A complete NASA Press Release including instructions follows.

SHUTTLE LAUNCH VEHICLE PASS REQUESTS BEING ACCEPTED ONCE AGAIN

NASA Press Release Provided To Spaceline
Edited by Cliff Lethbridge

Written requests for vehicle passes to view Space Shuttle launches within the restricted perimeter of Kennedy Space Center (KSC) are once again being accepted. These passes grant visitors permission to drive through several designated guard stations to a public viewing site on the causeway between
KSC and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station without the requirement of an escort.

Anyone is welcome to make a request, including members of the general public worldwide, educators, and representatives from groups or organizations wishing to attend the launch together.

Only requests for passes for the following Space Shuttle missions currently targeted for launch in the year 2001 are being accepted:

STS-102 (March)
STS-100 (April)
STS-104 (May)
STS-105 (June)
STS-107 (Aug.)
STS-108 (Oct.)
STS-109 (Nov.)

Since the number of vehicle passes is limited, requests will be accepted on a first come first served basis. All requests should be submitted in writing to:

Car Pass Request
Mail Code: PA-PASS
Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899

Letter and postcard requests are allowed. No e-mail or telephone requests will be accepted.

The request must be for one mission only. The mission must be specified in the request letter. The request must also specify which of the following category of vehicle pass is required: car, motor home, bus, or disabled.

Only those selected will be notified by mail. The passes will then be mailed to the recipient's address approximately three weeks prior to the launch. Only one request per person will be honored. Only one pass will be issued per request.

Because of the limited number of passes available, only one (1) request per household or address will be honored each calendar year. This policy will apply to all future Space Shuttle missions. Requests for passes for missions launching after the year 2001 will not be honored at this time.

Copyright © 2001 by Spaceline, Inc.