READY FOR TAKE OFF LAUNCH INTO THE KENNEDY SPACE CENTER VISITOR COMPLEX
By Neala Schwartzberg McCarten
It was a gorgeous blue-sky day in Florida as I joined the stream of people heading to the entrance of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex—about an hour east of the glitz of Orlando’s theme parks. Even if there hadn’t been a line to follow, it still would have been easy to find the entrance—just head toward the full-size 184-foot replica of the rockets that powered the space shuttle Atlantis, which rises like a beckoning beacon. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is both a NASA launch site and the home of the Visitor Complex. The combination provides a hybrid; something that must be one of the world’s only space science theme parks. And it works on both levels—immensely entertaining, along with an inspiring dose of science (or what they call STEM: science, technology, engineering and mathematics). The highlight is the jaw-dropping experience orchestrated around the space shuttle Atlantis exhibit, which made its debut in June 2013. Far more than simply plopping it on a stage, KSC showcased the shuttle in a way that brought tears of pride to the eyes of visitors—many of whom literally burst into applause.
Huge video screens recreated the challenges scientists faced in the development of the space shuttles, followed by actual footage that documented the triumph achieved when Atlantis was successfully launched. And then, huge doors open to reveal the Atlantis, battered by the many missions and miles flown, but still beautiful, hanging in simulated space. Experiencing this hard-won achievement and actually seeing the shuttle was the reason I came, and it did not disappoint. But there was even more—a whole floor of exhibits and simulators that lured adults, teens, and children. Other buildings and sections of the complex offered more to see and experience. Want to walk under the largest rocket ever built? Crowds thronged the Apollo Saturn Five center that showcased the Saturn Five rocket stretching 363 feet, taking up much of the floor of the sprawling building. Visitors can also touch a moon rock, see artifacts and actual space suits from the missions, and visit the Lunar Theater. There’s also plenty of kid-friendly exhibits sophisticated enough to beguile adults. Learn about the crucial role of
Apollo Saturn V Center houses the largest rocket ever made—the mighty Saturn V.
NASA World welcomes visitors into Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
The actual Atlantis space shuttle is revealed at Space Shuttle Atlantis.
18 COAST TO COAST FALL 2015
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