Space Shuttle Watchers Face Detour in Getting Into Base

Space shuttle watchers planning to show up for the Sunday landing of Discovery at Edwards Air Force Base will face a longer journey and possibly more traffic congestion due to a detour caused by road construction, NASA and Air Force officials said Friday.

The Air Force has closed the southern entrance to the base, normally used by the public, because Mercury Boulevard on the base is being rebuilt. The 10,000 to 20,000 people expected for Sunday’s landing will have to use another entrance on the remote northern side of the complex, officials said.

NASA officials said the detour could add an extra hour and as much as 45 miles to the trip to Edwards. People coming from the south will have to travel to Mojave in Kern County before turning back south to the base. The detour uses narrower roads, which will also add to travel time.

The landing site is in the Mojave Desert about 90 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles.

Discovery’s return is set for 6:49 a.m. But visitors need to be on the base no later than 5:45 a.m. because the Air Force closes the base an hour before the landing to prevent last-minute disruptions. NASA officials are urging the public to arrive early.

NASA officials said an approaching storm Sunday could cause gusty winds at Edwards that might delay the landing. A delay could be announced any time up to an hour before the scheduled landing.

Nancy Lovato, a National Aeronautics and Space Administration spokeswoman at Edwards, said it usually takes about 2 1/2 hours to get to Edwards from Los Angeles. On Sunday the trip might take an hour longer, she said.

As an alternative, officials suggest that shuttle watchers camp out at Edwards Saturday night. The Air Force plans to open the shuttle’s public viewing area 24 hours before the landing. Campers are permitted, but open fires and alcoholic beverages are not, officials said.

To get to Edwards from the south, take the Antelope Valley Freeway north to Mojave in Kern County, then head east on California 58. Get off at the Gephart Road exit and head south to 20 Mule Team Road. Then turn east and head to Rocket Site Road. Turn south and follow that route onto the base.

NASA has a recorded phone message--(805) 258-3520--for directions and reports on any changes in the anticipated landing time.