TechnoTourist Visits the Kennedy Space Center

I visited the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) just before the February 7, 2008 launch of the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Although I didn't get to see the shuttle take off, you can see Atlantis in this this picture, sitting right on launch pad 39A. This image is taken from one of the viewing stops on the "NASA Up-Close Tour", a bus tour around the launch pads, the Apollo/Saturn V Center, and the Space Station component final check-out center. This tour takes you closer to the inner workings of NASA than any of the other tours. As close as we got, I still wish we could have gotten even closer; however, I do

understand why we couldn't in this post- 9/11 era. Still, there is a lot to do and see at KSC. I had only planned to visit for one day, but wound up going back for another half-day to see more. Still, I didn't see or do everything - even though I must admit I didn't have any kids in tow and this was a vacation. So, I took my time to actually look and read the information associated with many of the exhibits. If you do want to go back for a second day, they'll validate your admission ticket and you can do the second day for free. That was a pleasant surprise. My tour took 3 hours and if you do both tours (the other being "Cape Canaveral: Then & Now"), you could easily use up 6 hours without even seeing the main exhibit area.

On the tour, you visit the Apollo/Saturn V Center, which has an original Saturn V rocket. You can get close to it and it is huge. Even though I understand the physics (or maybe because I do) it is still amazing to think that the Saturn V actually got of the ground. This is a must-see if you visit KSC. They have lunch facilities there, so it's a nice place to sit and just look at the hardware. Or, you can got out back and view the launch pads from where the press and astronauts' families view the launches. In the main exhibit area, you can examine the early rockets and see up-close the Saturn V and other rocket engines. There is also an early history exhibit hall, which is behind the rockets in the picture, where you can see and read about the early space flights.

They also have the original Apollo Gantry, which you can walk down to a replica of an Apollo capsule. That is fun to do and imagine what it must have been like. Another must-do at KSC is going on the Disney-like ride which simulates the launch of the Space Shuttle. They strap you in the seats, tilt you vertically (you're not really vertical but it seems like it, since they need to leave some leeway for the simulation effects) and then off you go with all the shaking, rattling and rolling of a shuttle launch. I understand that they had shuttle astronauts help with the ride, so it is actually quite realistic. Last but not least, you should see at least one of the IMAX 3D movies they have in the twin IMAX theaters. I saw the one about building the space station ("Space Station 3D"), which was very cool. The other is about walking on the moon ("Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon 3D"), which I didn't get a chance to see because I simply ran out of time. So my bottom-line is this: if you get the chance, stop in and see the Kennedy Space Center. There's lots to do and see, and it's well worth the trip. I also recommend touring around Cocoa Beach a bit. The beach is long and wide. It has nice sand and is great for an early morning stroll. Down by the pier, you can eat, drink, enjoy a little beach volleyball; go swimming, surfing, or fishing; or just hang out and talk to the locals. You never hear much about Cocoa Beach and Port Canaveral as a vacation spot, but I found lots to do there without it being too crazy busy. Enjoy!