Author: Rainer Gerhards

I got a number of feedbacks on my question what Kennedy Space Center considers as a large bag. They look promising. However, no official word from KSC yet (but, granted, it was weekend and now is nighttime in KSC local time, so it’s not the time to be impatient).

I’d like to thank all of those who commented. And if you have any thoughts on the issue, I sill appreciate any feedback. I’d like to quote two comments which probably make a good summary:

One is from the nasaspaceflight forums. Thanks to mceddiemac for it:

I think you will be OK with those. Last two times I was down there (STS-116 & STS-117) they allowed me (and others) to bring in medium size backpacks. Mine had all my camera equipment in it and measured 18″ x 12″ x 8″ (45cm x 30cm x 8cm). They also allow the compact folding umbrella chairs that are carried in shoulder bags. Security will check the contents of the bag before entering the Visitors Complex and will let you know if its too big and probably allow you to put them back in your car if thats the case. Like I said, I think you’ll be OK.

The other one is from Cloudy Nights, thanks to mattbtn for it:

I think you’ll find that NASA is far more restrictive on their website than they are in person once you get to KSC. I was easily able to get in with a large camera bag, which is about as large as your sling bag, and my wife carried her purse. They understand people want to carry large camera equipment, folding chairs, etc…so as long as you aren’t bringing something just truly obnoxious I think you’ll be ok.

In summary, it looks like my bags are OK. I will now pack them. I will also be at KSC the day before launch, and I’ll check with security as a late measure. Maybe they even allow my small backpack in… But anyways, I don’t want to ask too much. I am happy if I can get along with the mentioned bags ;)

Well, I wanted to pack my luggage yesterday. But then the weather turned out to be really nice and so I ended up doing some other “pre-flight” activity: I prepared my garden for the coming cold temperatures. Where I live, it can become well below 32°F in November. Of course, it can also stay much warmer. But with me being absent, I need to prepare for the cold temperatures, just to be on the safe side. And, of course, there were a lot of other things that needed to be done in the garden. Thankfully, most of this is done now and I can begin to re-focus on packing (but the sun is already shining very nicely…).

As far as the space shuttle is concerned, there were no news yesterday. Workflow is is slow over the weekend, so I do not expect anything before Monday.

What is a large bag — that’s the question if you pack to view a launch …

I received a sheet of instructions together with my launch viewing tickets. On the first pages, It is recommended that I bring a couple of things with me:

What should I bring with me?
The launch viewing area is an open field that is standing room only. You are free to bring blankets and compact “umbrella-style” folding chairs that are carried in shoulder bags, but flat folding chairs, lawn chairs and large beach umbrellas are not permitted. For muggy summer launches, you should bring insect repellant and sunscreen. Don’t forget your camera; a shuttle launch is the ultimate photo opportunity. The viewing area is 6 miles away from the shuttle launch pad. Some people bring binoculars, telescopes and tripods, cameras and long-range lenses. Because sound travels slower than light, you will SEE the shuttle launch before you hear it, so watch!

Obviously, that’s a lot to carry. But then, the security section of the instructions document reads as follows:

The following items are NOT permitted at the Visitor Complex

• Firearms of any type (with or without a permit)
• Ammunition (live or spent)
• Pepper/mace sprays
• Knives of any size
• Box cutters or like items
• Nail clippers with knife blades
• Any other sharp/pointed items, including pointed scissors or nail files
• Backpacks, coolers, luggage or other large bags
• Outside food items
• Large Beach umbrellas
• Lawn or folding chairs (blankets are permitted)

All bags, purses and other items will be opened and inspected at the Visitor Complex. If any of the above items are discovered, you will be required to return them to your vehicle. If the items are confiscated for security reasons, they will not be returned.

OK, so I am not permitted to use my backpack to bring things in. But what is a “large bag”? I neither like to end up with my belongings in paper bags nor do I like to be not allowed to bring them in into KSC. To me, it currently is a mystery (maybe a language issue not being a native English speaker – is “large bag” well defined? It all boils down to “what do I need to pack today”?

I’ll inquire at KSC and hope to get an answer. I’ll also try some forums. If you happen to know it, I would also be very grateful if you let me know. This is really a distracting question for me, even though it probably looks funny. And look at my picture above — I have even photographed my bags, so that size can be know. Are they “large bags”? Or is it OK to enter KSC with them on launch day (you may want to click on the picture for a higher resolution one …).

As I have said — feedback is deeply appreciated … When I find something out, I’ll let you know.

Next Friday, I will be flying over to Orlando, from where I will go to the Kennedy Space Center on October, 22nd (with the shuttle launch still scheduled for the 23rd). I’ve yesterday read that space shuttle Discovery’s payload bay doors have been closed for flight (at least I think this was the case).

Today, I’ll hopefully do a similar thing, that is close my luggage “doors”. Next week will be quite busy with all these late-minute things I need to finish up so that I can travel in relative peace of mind. So it is packing time today … Let’s gather all the things needed together. I’ll start with the electronics, which are always a major headache…