> The less great part about moving more launches there is that the options for public viewing are way worse.
Is this a concern for them? The article also says, "They chose Vandenberg to lighten the load off of Kennedy and allow West Coasters to experience an inter-planetary launch."
If they want to encourage public viewing, it seems odd that they schedule the launch for 4:05am…
Launch times are determined by the Earth's position around the Sun, and the overall transfer window is only a month long due to Mars' and Earth's relative positions. Unfortunately, they don't have much choice in the matter.
I'm not sure it is for anyone. I'm simply stating facts about the geography and public viewing spaces.
It's amazing if you work there though. There are these sketchy rusty bleachers you can go chill at that are distressingly close to the launch site. Everyone has to wear inner and outer ear protection, no kids allowed. Pretty epic, but only for contractors and airforce staff.
Is this a concern for them? The article also says, "They chose Vandenberg to lighten the load off of Kennedy and allow West Coasters to experience an inter-planetary launch."
If they want to encourage public viewing, it seems odd that they schedule the launch for 4:05am…