|
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
How to spend a day at KSC?
DELURK
On an upcoming work trip to Orlando, it appears that I will have commitments on Sunday evening and then Tuesday, with a "dead" day in between. As a modest space history fan (who has appreciated book recommendations and other nuggets on this forum), I thought I would take that Monday to drive to KSC, where I have never been. So, with just 1 day to work with (maybe just 3/4 of a day, since I will need to begin and end in Orlando), how should I spend my time (and money, which I wouldn't mind spending for this cause) to see the most neat stuff? Preferably technical and historical stuff? It looks like they have a variety of different tours and tickets to choose from. Any pointers like "be sure to look for this neat artifact in such-and-such corner on this tour" would also be appreciated. Related question: Is the Astronaut HOF worth spending part of my day on, or should I stick just to things at KSC? Allan the mostly lurker |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
Neil Armstrong's first act after stepping on the Moon was to open a
pocket in his pants and fill it with a "contingency sample" of lunar soil. That way, if he and Buzz had to leave immediately, at least he'd have something to show for the trip. Your "contingency sample" at KSC should be the Rocket Garden and the Saturn V Center. Work everything else around those two destinations. Make sure you get to stand under the business end of the Saturn V's first stage. That's worth the whole trip. |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
Jim's advice is right on target. See the Apollo presentations. The Saturn V
Center is the best part of the three main tour stops, the other two being the launch pad observation platform and the space station center. I think the Rocket Garden is the last free exhibit, and much of it is real hardware. If you decide to do just one premium package, I recommend the NASA Up Close Tour: it gets you closest to the Saturn/Shuttle Pad 39 complex, and a number of the working portions of the center. I found the AHOF to be very enjoyable because of all the astronaut's personal artifacts, but I'd save it for a return visit if KSC main is your primary target. Enjoy your trip. JW Whizzospace.com |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
John Whisenhunt wrote:
Jim's advice is right on target. See the Apollo presentations. The Saturn V Center is the best part of the three main tour stops, the other two being the launch pad observation platform and the space station center. I think the Rocket Garden is the last free exhibit, and much of it is real hardware. The rocket garden isn't free anymore, unless you don't mind looking at rockets from a distance through a fence next to a security post. A few years ago, the outfit that runs the place threw up a perimeter fence/gate around the entire Visitors Center, so that you have to pay to get in - even if you just want to go to the book store. - Ed Kyle |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
"Ed Kyle" wrote in message oups.com... The rocket garden isn't free anymore, unless you don't mind looking at rockets from a distance through a fence next to a security post. A few years ago, the outfit that runs the place threw up a perimeter fence/gate around the entire Visitors Center, so that you have to pay to get in - even if you just want to go to the book store. RATS! |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
John Whisenhunt wrote: . The rocket garden isn't free anymore, unless you don't mind looking at rockets from a distance through a fence next to a security post. A few years ago, the outfit that runs the place threw up a perimeter fence/gate around the entire Visitors Center, so that you have to pay to get in - even if you just want to go to the book store. RATS! Considering that the rockets in the rocket garden were paid for with taxpayer dollars (and a hell of a lot of them at that) that really sucks. Pat |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
"Pat Flannery" wrote in message ... Considering that the rockets in the rocket garden were paid for with taxpayer dollars (and a hell of a lot of them at that) that really sucks. Gee, and to think I was mildly abused for suggesting that same thing sometime back. |
#8
|
|||
|
|||
"Pat Flannery" wrote in message ... Considering that the rockets in the rocket garden were paid for with taxpayer dollars (and a hell of a lot of them at that) that really sucks. Originally paid for. Upkeep is another issue. Personally, on one hand, I think the fact that Deleware North is charging sucks, but on the other hand, for the most part, the quality of the exhibits, etc. HAS gone up. I think honestly at this point I wouldn't mind paying, if it weren't quite so expensive. http://www.ksctickets.com/ for moer details. (if you plan on going more than once in the year.. go for the 12-month Pass). Also, if you show up after noon, ask about a 1/2 day discount. they don't advertise it, but they do offer it if you ask around. Pat |
#9
|
|||
|
|||
On Mon, 3 Oct 2005 21:21:09 -0400, "Scott Hedrick"
wrote: "Pat Flannery" wrote in message ... Considering that the rockets in the rocket garden were paid for with taxpayer dollars (and a hell of a lot of them at that) that really sucks. Gee, and to think I was mildly abused for suggesting that same thing sometime back. ....Were you? I can't recall that one, although I personally agree with Pat with regards to the rocket garden. The sole exception, of course, has been the Saturn V restorations. I've no problem with paying to see them once they've been reworked and giftwrapped, but at the same time whoever's running the show doesn't need to get greedy, either. A dollar is the proper price for admission, with extra donations always being a welcome option. It's worked for decades for the Battleship Texas, and they don't even *have* a minimum admission. ....Speaking of Saturn restorations, has anyone heard anything on the progress of the JSC one? The e-mail address I had for the guy in charge no longer works(*), and the last time I was at JSC a few weeks ago, *nobody* had a clue and were curious themselves. (*) Not that it matters. The guy was a total jerk, and after the first curt reply to my query on status - "well make an announcement when we're ready." - he refused to respond to *any* queries. OM -- "Try Andre Dead Duck Canadian Champagne! | http://www.io.com/~o_m Rated the lamest of the cheapest deported | Sergeant-At-Arms brands by the Condemned in Killfile Hell!" | Human O-Ring Society |
#10
|
|||
|
|||
OM wrote: ...Speaking of Saturn restorations, has anyone heard anything on the progress of the JSC one? The e-mail address I had for the guy in charge no longer works(*), and the last time I was at JSC a few weeks ago, *nobody* had a clue and were curious themselves. Oh-oh...sounds like the the contributors might have gotten "their peckers cut off with a razor blade that was so sharp that they didn't even feel it." as LBJ would put it. :-) Pat |
|
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Republican Victories & Space Exploration | Joel | Policy | 16 | December 31st 04 10:12 PM |
$US 5,000 to spend | Stephen Bolton | Amateur Astronomy | 8 | February 10th 04 02:09 PM |
£200 to spend on a telescope. ideas please | Richard | UK Astronomy | 14 | November 10th 03 08:26 PM |
Spend My money..first equipment | Scribe2b | Amateur Astronomy | 1 | August 6th 03 05:39 PM |