r/ArtemisProgram • u/Beginning-Use7258 • 2d ago
Discussion Artemis IV
I know it’s really really early to be talking about Artemis IV but i really need help.
When i’ve completed my GCSES ((summer 2028)) mg nana said she’d take me on a trip of my choice. Me being a space nerd, I said how about we go watch Artemis IV launch. We live in the UK and i’ve already worked out the travel times, i just don’t know where we can watch it launch. Google isn’t exactly helping on where we can watch since about 5 places come up. I’d prefer the place to be as cheap as possible. I’m just looking for advice on where to watch?
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u/heathersaur 2d ago
https://www.launchphotography.com/Launch_Viewing_Guide.html
Best free viewing is in Titusville along the Indian River Lagoon.
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u/ProwlingWumpus 2d ago
There are actually two completely separate Artemis IV launches. SLS will launch with the crew, and that might be in Florida again. The SpaceX Starship, the actual moon lander, will launch (without crew), also possibly in Florida. It might depend on which of these you're more interested in seeing, but since they won't happen at the exact same time, it's plausible you might be able to go to both.
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u/ConanOToole 2d ago
As others have said, viewing spots should be the least of your concern since you can pretty easily find a good spot in places like Titusville to see it for free.
Launch dates should be the thing to focus on since they will almost definitely slip. Have you talked to your Nana about going on your trip later in the year or even in early 2029? It's just better to cover all your bases before committing to the summertime when it might not even launch then.
I'd say your best course of action is to first discuss with your Nana what the latest you can go on this trip is. I'm sure if it gets delayed to sometime around Christmas then going during the holidays wouldn't be too much of a concern, but even then going during the academic year would still be worth it in my opinion, but it's best to see if your Nana sees it that way as well.
It's early yet so you have plenty of time to sort things out. Best of luck on your GCSE's next year, and if you do end up seeing it I hope you enjoy the launch!
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u/Beginning-Use7258 2d ago
I did just message her saying it could be delayed. We have 2 years to decide on a trip anyway. Thank you for the advice btw!
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u/mfb- 1d ago
The later you book, the better your chances that it actually launches during your trip. If you are a UK citizen then you don't need a visa, booking things a few weeks before a planned launch date is feasible. Ideally the lander is already in space at that point, then it's just a matter of SLS being ready.
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u/Pashto96 2d ago
Unless you buy tickets to watch from KSC, virtually everywhere else will be free to watch from. Any of the parks along the water in Titusville should give a good view. I watched Artemis 1 from the Max Brewer Bridge and Artemis 2 from Space View Park. If you're worried about pricing, stay in Orlando and drive in the day of (hours early of course). Lodging around the cape will quickly sell out and be overpriced.
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u/SomeRandomScientist 2d ago
Just an FYI it’s extremely unlikely that Artemis IV launches in summer of 2028. If somehow Artemis IV does launch in 2028, it likely means that it was changed to no longer be a lunar landing.
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u/Beginning-Use7258 2d ago
I did keep that in mind while discussing it with my nana. Artemis 3 was cancled as a moon landing so i wouldn’t be surprised if artemis IV was the same. I do hope it launches on schedule tho
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u/king_of_grandhotel 2d ago
Keep in mind those launch dates almost certainly will move around too. If you’ve never been either, KSC Visitor Center a must visit