Today we visited Kennedy Space Center. It had been many years since we were here with the kids and it is totally transformed. We are thinking maybe 1993 or 1994. A lot has changed in the space program since then.
They recommend tickets and parking be purchased in advance. From the parking lot size and the configuration of lines at the entrance and the venues, they obviously have huge crowds at times here. Luckily today was fairly calm. No line coming into parking, and moderate lines at the entrance.
We were in line about 15 minutes and they opened the gates. We processed through security, ticket scan and headed into the compound. Our first stop was Journey to Mars, a very interesting display on the Mars exploration missions, especially since we have landed on Mars and have seen the helicopter in action..
Exiting the Mars venue we were greeted by an astronaut for a picture opportunity!
Next stop, the IMAX Theater, but we were a bit early for the next showing, so we headed into "Nasa Now". This display showed what Nasa is doing currently and also the various contractors that are involved in the space program such as ULA, Space X, etc
Finishing there we entered the IMAX theater. 3D glasses were issued and we decided to get some popcorn and soda as we were going to miss lunch today.
They show various IMAX movies here but today was called "Asteroid Hunters". It was a very interesting movie on everything "asteroids". It was interesting on the preparations they are taking to detect and react to asteroids headed for Earth. Of course being an IMAX film it was 3D so we had asteroids and pieces of asteroids coming at us from all directions!
Next we walked over to the Space Shuttle Atlantis display. On the way they had the two solid rocket boosters and the main fuel tank out front.
Many of the displays here start with a video or two before you proceed into the actual display. This was no different. The video was very dynamic, multi-screen with appropriate sound effects.
Then all of a sudden the screens part, the wall opens, the lights come up and there is the space shuttle Atlantis - the ACTUAL space shuttle. WOW! So awesome. It is really hard to describe. Such an awesome display and presentation. The shuttle with it's payload doors open and complete except they had removed the wheels, but they were in the building so you could see them. We had a great narrator who was a NASA employee for many years, so he knew his subject matter.
Some pictures:
They also had various displays on the cockpit, the latrine, the workout area, sleeping quarters, the galley, etc. This was the best display of the entire Kennedy Space Center, in my humble estimation.
Lastly, they had a memorial area on the lives that were lost on the two shuttle accidents.
We were starting to run short on time so we made our way to the rocket garden area where they had each of the various rockets on display (only one was not an actual rocket) .
Our last stop was the "Heroes and Legends" building where they honored the astronauts and those who had been inducted into the astronaut hall of fame.
In amongst all that we also stopped at the gift shop and Doreen picked up her souvenirs.
Back at the campground we took another stroll on the beach and the wind continues to scream. The seaweed piles up on the beach and there are not many sea shells to pick.
Cubs visit the Cardinals tonight and a margarita seemed most appropriate!
No huge plans for the weekend. We might do a little shopping and spend some more time on the beach. Sunday laundry day and make preparations to bug out Monday and head north to Jacksonville!
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