The Independent Parent: Your questions answered

How can I arrange for my son to see a space shuttle launch?

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QMy son is studying for a Masters degree in aerospace engineering. For his 21st birthday, I would like to organise a trip for him to witness a shuttle launch. I have contacted Nasa, but as yet have had no reply. He can't drive, so I was hoping you could advise me about transport from his hotel to the launch site. I would be grateful for ideas.

D Lindsay, via email

AShuttle launches are spectacular events to witness. While blast-off takes no more than a minute, it would definitely be a memorable birthday present for your son. As the shuttle takes off, the sky is illuminated with bright flashes of red and orange, and the ground trembles underfoot.

All the Nasa shuttle and rocket launches take place on an island close to The Kennedy Space Center (001 321 449 4444; www.kennedyspacecenter.com) around one hour from Orlando in Florida. Visitors who have secured tickets for the launch are taken to a waterside viewing site, located six miles from the launch pad, where they have an unobstructed view of the shuttle taking off.

The next scheduled launch is that of the space shuttle Atlantis, on 2 October between 2pm and 6pm, which will be departing for a 10-day mission to service the International Space Station. Following that is the Endeavour launch scheduled for 2 November and the Columbia launch, which is projected to take off after 16 January, with no dates confirmed as yet. Launches for 2003 will be confirmed closer to the time.

However, I must issue a word of warning. Travelling all the way to Florida with your heart set on seeing a launch is risky. Launches occur infrequently, and even when a date has been confirmed (usually around two weeks before lift-off) this can still be subject to last-minute postponement or cancellation, often due to technical problems or adverse weather conditions.

While the launch dates I have listed above have been announced, Nasa only confirms the date two weeks prior to departure and actual blast-off times are only confirmed the day before. For details visit www.ksc.nasa.gov and for up-to-date launch information telephone Nasa on 001 321 867 4636.

Tickets for the Atlantis launch are now available and cost £34. They can be purchased online at www.kennedyspacecentre.com or by telephoning 001 321 449 4400. Tickets include admission to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and transport to the launch-viewing site. Taking your son's circumstances into consideration, I think the best solution is to book a package, which includes accommodation and transfers.

Wild Wings (0117 937 5686, www.wildwings.co.uk) is a UK-based company offering special VIP launch packages organised by the American company Space Adventures (www.spaceadventures.com). Space Adventures arranged the shuttle flight taken by the world's first space tourist, civilian Denis Tito in 2001. It offers a three-night "Shuttle Launch Tour" costing £795 which includes accommodation at The Inn Hotel on Cocoa Beach near the launch site, all ground transport, the launch itself and some activities. Also included is a VIP tour of the Kennedy launch facilities, accompanied by a Nasa astronaut, with access to places not open to casual tourists. There is also a standard tour in the Kennedy Space Center which offers many scientific attractions that your son might find interesting, such as original launch footage of the first Apollo 8 moon landing and a 363ft Saturn V moon rocket.

The highlight of the trip is undoubtedly the shuttle launch, which takes place on the third day of the tour. The group is taken to the observation site and has the added bonus of an astronaut on hand to answer any questions about the launch.

Booking a package also affords your son a certain amount of security, as should the launch date be altered or postponed, Wild Wings usually tries to change the itinerary to fit in with the new date or reschedules it completely. However it recommends that flexibility is key. The price does not include flights to Orlando from the UK (around £490 at the beginning of October). For an information pack about Florida's Space Coast telephone 01293 449 145 or visit www.spacecoast.com.