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

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.

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

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

"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!

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

"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.

"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

"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.

Where've you been? KSC's visitor's center was turned into "Spaceport
Disney" many years ago. For us taxpayers who would like to see the
artifacts, it stinks. But for the vast majority of Americans, they don't
have to use their tax dollars preserving space junk that they don't care
about. The Saturn V at KSC got it's building due to this deal, so it isn't
all bad. At least it's not rotting away outside anymore.

Jeff
--
Remove icky phrase from email address to get a valid address.

I'm from Australia, so apologies if I'm a little out of touch. Yep, we
had to pay to see the rocket garden, though I thought that it had always
been part of the whole visitors centre. It was the first time I'd ever
been there.

I thought it was well worth the money, and the exchange rate is shocking
(I still remember when US$1=AUS$1.12).

Don't forget that they'll give a military discount, though I think you
have to go down to the AFB south of the Cape (Patrick AFB?) to get it.
I didn't bother.