Sunday, August 06, 2006

Kennedy Space Center

Whew, what a busy weekend. Gail and I spent it at the Kennedy Space Center, taking every tour and seeing nearly everything except the IMAX movies and the Astronaut Hall of Fame. Late Saturday we were able to get a slot at SkyVenture Orlando, absolutely one of my favorite things to do. Gail did pretty well, while most of the others flailed around hopelessly.

The historic tour we took on Sunday was especially interesting, since it visited historic sites on Cape Canaveral.


Mercury Redstone
Originally uploaded by klbarrus.
This is where Alan Shepherd launched into space in 1961. The rocket is a replica of the Mercury Redstone which launched him.


We also got the chance to see Space Shuttle Atlantis being prepared for launch later this month.


Atlantis
Originally uploaded by klbarrus.
The external fuel tank and solid rocket booster is visible. The orbiter itself is enclosed by the service platform for protection and for cargo loading.


I checked for tickets and was able to buy one to attend the next shuttle launch, which is scheduled for August 27 at 4:30 pm! The viewing will be at the KSC Visitor Complex which is about 10 miles away from the launch pad. Cool!!

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