NASA – Kennedy Space Centre, Cape Canaveral

Missile and Rocket "garden"

We had been really looking forward to visiting NASA and it didn’t disappoint.  It was amazing to rock up and see all those rockets (Leo was more than impressed), learn more about what Astronauts go through, see those launching pads and try out sitting in the re-entry capsules that are tiny.  We sat in the same one that Jim Lovell and his colleague sat in for 14 days while waiting to be picked up out of the sea (Apollo 13 mission, the one depicted by Tom Hanks movie).  We saw Neil Armstrong’s space suit, mission control, the Rover (unmanned robot that landed on Mars), the Endeavour and the Explorer  space shuttle and intercontinental ballistic missiles meant for Russia during the cold war and repurposed for the space programme.

Rover

Justin outside the Orion Crew Capsule

Checking out the dimensions

Jupiter

Junior astronauts

Mmmm...water

Leo on original bridge to shuttle

Leo and Daddy assume the position

With the final manned space mission landing on July 8^th this year and no more planned under Obama’s presidency you can certainly feel how NASA are seeking a new purpose.  They are trying to find their feet on a new mission and that seems to be conquering Mars.  The next (unmanned) launch is scheduled for 5^th September and this is a probe to photograph and take readings through the clouds of Jupiter to search for water and make-up of gases at the planet surface.  They will only have results in about 33 year’s time….work that one out!

We found the Centre very child friendly, it had interactive activities and a great “Junior Astronaut” playground that our kids just loved.  It cost $48 for adult entry and $33 for kids between 3-11 years.  We politely pointed out that Leo had only recently turned 3 and luckily for us the ticket officer gave Leo free entry for his birthday present.  Thanks NASA, that is at least one nights accommodation or 3 days food for us.  If you want to have a guided tour you can add about $20 to those prices.

Neil Armstrong's moon walk suit

Moon buggy ride!

Mission Control

Greetings Earthlings

There was a Star Trek exhibition on so we got so sit on the Enterprise Bridge which was hilarious and we took a photo with a young Captain Kirk and Spock, who told us to “Live long and prosper”.   Leo was mesmerised by all of this while Spencer just loved all the flashing buttons within reach.  There was a moon buggy to play on and also an exhibition on NASA and the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge that they own.  This is all of the restricted area around the centre.  Animals thrive there because there is a lack of human interference i.e. no boats allowed, limited cars, restricted airspace.  We saw bald eagle nests as big as a king sized bed.  We didn’t see the eagle that lived there but it must be huge.

Captain Kirk wannabe ;o)

The kids did really well despite the heat and all the walking.  You definitely need at least 4 hours to do it all properly.  There was a simulator you could go on but our kids weren’t big enough and there were quite a few movie features on interviews with astronauts (we didn’t sit through these with the kids).  You could also have lunch with an experienced Astronaut, they have a different there each day.  It was actually a very inspirational day, these people that are willing to strap themselves into a rocket with a 20% chance of returning to earth really are something.

Launch pad 32B being prepared for Sept launch

NASA Mission Control and Space Shuttle Assembly Centre

Kath and Kids outside Explorer space shuttle (you can also go inside)

Team Wright at NASA

We visited the memorial to those that have sacrificed their lives for the cause.   Most of the casualties came from the Challenger tragedy and the Discovery incident.  “Those astronauts who lost their lives serve as an inspiration for us all.  None of them would have wanted to give her or his life in vain.  None would have wanted us to stop striving for the stars.  If anything we must continue to preserve their dreams (Doug Fulmer, AD ADSTRA, 1991).