NASA Kennedy Space Centre…This was an intense two days of learning, exploring and answering questions about all the amazing strides Man has made.I was a little concerned that the kids were to young for this endeavor, my fears were put to rest when they wanted to go back to make sure we saw everything. It was exhausting but worth it all.
Day 1… When we arrived the parking lot was quite empty so we had the place to ourselves. To my ignorance we arrived on the sad Anniversary of the Challenger Space Shutter Disaster that happened Jan 28. 1986. Also in memory The Columbia Space Shuttle Disaster where all crew members died during re-entry on Feb 1. 2003.Each of us were presented with a flower to place at the large Memorial Site in honor of all the men and woman who gave their life for the exploration of Man. It is amazing the intense curiosity we are naturally born with and how there is no limits to achieve this.
(We are here at NASA… pretty cool)
The Space Mirror Memorial, designated as a national memorial by Congress and President George Bush, was dedicated in 1991. The Astronaut Memorial honors the 24 U.S. astronauts who gave their lives for space exploration. The names of the fallen astronauts from the Space Shuttle Columbia, the Space Shuttle Challenger and Apollo 1, as well as the astronauts from training and commercial airplane accidents are emblazoned on the monument’s 42-1/2-foot-high-by-50-foot-wide black granite surface as if to be projected into the heavens.
It was pretty magnificent!
(It was an amazing site to see a Space shuttle. We were able to walk inside a little bit to get a feel for structure)
We met a REAL Astronaut!
Many experiments were conducted and the scientist finally concluded that for an astronaut to maintain their muscle mass while in space they needed to exercise 1 and a half hours per day. If they did any less than that the muscle loss was significant. It was a great interview.
(Mr. Carr looks fantastic and has the honor of saying his is one of the select few who has ventured into Space… how cool is that!)
(The astronauts act as craftsmen, mechanics, spacewalkers. An interesting job description)
Mad Madness…
(here is Trent who reluctantly volunteered to come up and help these mad scientist with an experiment. The Mad Madness show was a hilarious comedy geared towards kids with the intent of teaching all about the solar system. The show did a fantastic job making learning fun and funny while helping the kids retain so much amazing information. I am not sure why but Trent always seems to stand out in a crowd and get picked to volunteer. :- ))
NASA Rocket Garden
(us crazies at the NASA Rocket Garden where we experienced the very same Redstone, Atlas and Titan rockets that first put NASA astronauts in space, & climbed aboard Mercury, Gemini and Apollo capsules – WOW those are very cramped quarters America’s astronaut pioneers endured. Some capsules they could not even stretch their legs our for weeks)
One of my favorite presentations was called ““Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon 3-D” IMAX. It was narrated by Tom Hanks, featuring rarely seen NASA footage with live-action renditions of the lunar landscape. It was an amazing account of what is nearly a quarter-million miles above the Earth’s surface. I found it so moving that it brought tears to my eyes. Truly out of this world stuff.
Day 2…
Day 2 consisted of a tour to the launch tower or Observation Gantry, the International Space station as well as the Apollo/Saturn V Center. A very full day and the kids did fantastic. I am such a proud Mommy to have these remarkable kids who have a thirst for adventure and who love to explore together.
(If you look closely you can see the orange tip sticking out. This is the Space Shuttle and it was to be launched during our stay in Florida. Unfortunately for us the launch was pushed back and we were unable to see lift off. One day we will be back to watch, Emma really is interested in it all. Here I stood on the observation tower and was able to get a nice clear picture. It was pretty amazing to be so close to history)
When a launch happens there is a 3 1/2 mile safety zone. That is the closest anyone is to the shuttle in the final count down except of course the astronauts who are shooting up to what most of us read in comic books.
Apollo/Saturn V Center
(the NASA Kennedy Space Centre has perfected how to maximize your learning experience to get the most of your visit. Here Trent and the kids are standing underneath the Fire Engines of Apollo Explorer. All the Apollo missions were sent to the Moon. To actually see the size of this enormous structure makes you see how amazing the dream of John F. Kennedy was…. to send a man to the moon. Looking at this gives a restored sense of how “Nothing is Impossible”
(oh look at the tourists… :- )
(here is a great visual of the extent of these machines. Remember you can click on the pictures to enlarge them)
(Some interesting facts… Click on the picture and you will be able to read what is on the sign)
(my cute space walkers. There is just something about Trent having such a short little body, it looks funny)
(hello my monkeys. You guys were troopers listening so well and asking alot of questions)
Next to the Space Shuttle Explorer is the Launch Status Center, where we heard live briefings of a NASA launch and space flight activity. Puts everything into perspective and gave me goosebumps thinking how nervous and excited everyone must be during that last minute of count down.
The Kennedy Space Centre is a great place to remind yourself that we all live on Planet Earth. It is so big yet so small and how very important it is to respect and take care of it for future generations. It is exciting to see what will occur in the next 50yrs to see where Man will land and what will be discovered.
A trip to Mars is on the books and it will take a team of Astronauts 2 1/2 years to complete the mission. Over 2yrs. from earth to mars back to earth… Wow those will be exciting times.
The Favorites…
–Everett … loved the IMAX
–Easton… The launch simulator, the raw feeling of the last two minutes of count down… pretty cool.
–Emma… Mad Madness show, it really was excellent for kids. That is how all learning should be, fun and imformative.
–Jody– The IMAX show and Jerry Carr’s interview about his 84 days in Space.
–Trent-Again the amazing interview with Mr. Carr.
I hope again you were able to learn something you didn’t know 10 minutes ago. Have a great week and for all my Alberta loved ones I am glad that the sub-freezing weather looks like it is moving out.
Remember NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE!
(our trip to the Kennedy Space Center left us flying high!)
All our love
Trent. Jody. Em. East & Ev
1 Comment
MAMA
March 19, 2009 at 1:03 amJody ,
How informative thank you for that.
Dad and I were there years back but I dont recall learning half that information.Great job Honey.
Sooo who is going to be the astronaut? Emmy, Easty or Evy? I will bet on Easty.
Great blog once again Jode.
So whats it like to be at home again all settled in and back to the grind?
Always look forward to your blogs honey.
Have a great night!
Love Mom