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Path: utzoo!linus!decvax!tektronix!tekred!normb
From: normb@tekred.UUCP (Norm Babcock )
Newsgroups: net.columbia
Subject: VAFB Shuttle watching
Message-ID: <121@tekred.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 27-Aug-84 13:53:39 EDT
Article-I.D.: tekred.121
Posted: Mon Aug 27 13:53:39 1984
Date-Received: Thu, 30-Aug-84 20:24:58 EDT
Organization: Tektronix, Redmond OR
Lines: 18

When I worked at VAFB some years ago, the Air Force launched
quite a number of "secret" payloads. The nearest town, Lompoc,
had a front row seat to most of these, (and also watched a
number of interesting destructs), despite the classified nature
of the shots. It got to point that the local barmaid could tell
you the launch time, window, the pad, etc. Because of the spread
out nature of the base, people were starting to climb fences
to get a closer look at the fun, and some were getting as close
as a mile or so.
The Air Force was getting nervous at the thought of someone getting
hurt, (and I'm sure the liability angle was also of concern)
and as a result, established viewing areas, complete with a 
sound system. Because of the "progress for peace" nature of the
shuttle, I'm sure people will be allowed to watch the launch from
these areas. If the the complex is the one we used to call SLC-10,
there are off-base ares that are good. If anyone is interested,
send a mail item, and I'll provide detailed directions, rather
than use net time.