Planning a trip to Florida's Space Coast some time soon? Want to see a launch as close as possible? Here are some tips from the experts at SPACE.com and FLORIDA TODAY.

And in the coming months, we'll expand this page to include tips on visiting space centers around the world, many based on e-mail you're invited to send to us.

Where should I park to see a launch?
Depending on the weather conditions and the time of launch, you can see any launch from anywhere along the Space Coast. But for the best view, it's helpful to get as close to the launch pad as possible. That means for shuttle and Titan launches you want to stay to the north, while Atlas and Delta launches are best seen on the southern end of the Cape.

But don't guess. Click on the FLORIDA TODAY map at right to see where to park for each type of rocket, while also learning where the nearest freeway, attraction or hospital is.

Can I get a special pass from NASA or buy a ticket to see a launch?
For unmanned rocket launches the answer is no. But for NASA's space shuttle launches there are at least two good ways to get an up close, front seat view of a launch. The first way is to write NASA and request a car pass. Details and the address are right here. The other way is to buy a ticket from the folks who operate the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and that information is right here.

Can I pick up anything on my scanner?
If you have a scanner that receives Ham and aviation frequencies, here are the only two frequencies you need to hear 90 percent of what's going on before every launch:

• 146.94 Mhz
  A Ham repeater on Merritt Island broadcasts NASA TV audio, and from time to time the audio from commercial and Air Force launches from the Cape.

• 126.65 Mhz
  One of the air-to-ground frequencies used by NASA's Shuttle Training Aircraft to monitor weather before launch and landing. The same frequency is used during commercial launches by the weather aircraft.

A rocket streaks away from Florida's Space Coast on its way into orbit.

Which local radio or TV stations cover launches from the Cape?
Almost every local broadcast station on radio and television offer some kind of update on countdowns for shuttle launches, but for shuttle and unmanned rocket launches tune to WMMB-1240 and 1350 AM. This nostalgia-format station has partnered with SPACE.com to provide live commentary of every launch from Cape Canaveral Air Station and Kennedy Space Center.

Published under license from FLORIDA TODAY. Copyright © 2000 FLORIDA TODAY. No portion of this material may be reproduced in any way without the written consent of FLORIDA TODAY.