GeoTagged, [N28.37249, E81.51563]Kennedy Space Center is one of the awesomest places on Earth.
After a short cab mix up we caught a tour bus out to Cape Canaveral. We checked out the astronaut hall of fame and then drove to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center.
The first thing we did was the Space Shuttle Launch Experience. You sit down and buckle up inside a shuttle payload bay simulation, get tilted 90 degrees so you're on your back and then experience something like a shuttle launch. Apparently its a good approximation but without the Gs. Good fun.
Then we checked out a retired shuttle and some other ace stuff.
Lunch was with an astronaut. Essentially a good feed with a guy who, before going up on 3 shuttle missions was a Vietnam war fighter ace and the navy's chief test pilot. He described himself as lucky. Very modest but fascinating to listen to.
On the bus for a tour which took in a stack of interesting sites including the Vehicle Assembly Building where they attach the shuttle to the boosters and fuel tank. We were also lucky that there is a shuttle on the launch pad in preparation for a November 1 launch. We got as close as allowed. Picture above.
The tour became totally more awesomer when we were dropped off at the Saturn V exhibit.
The Saturn V rocket is in a really long building. First you see a movie, then a view of the original Apollo launch control room complete with lights and audio in time with a launching rocket movie.
Nothing can prepare you for waking through the next door to stand underneath the Saturn V engines. They are huge!
The Saturn V is on it's side and sitting in a cradle. It has been disassembled into the 3 stages plus the command/service module and the lander.
The thing is 363 feet long and must stand as one of the greatest feats of human engineering achievement.
We were unfortunately a bit short of time so I couldn't stand with my mouth open all day. We watched the movie of the landing (I won't spoil the surprises) and then caught a bus back to KSC, grabbed some souvenirs and then headed back to Orlando.
Because 13 hours wasn't enough of a day we grabbed some dinner at the Rainforest Cafe and then hit the shops of Downtown Disney for some serious credit card damage.
There is one Disney shop which has 12 different stores inside - but no bookmarks. Jackie and I resisted the $37000 crystal castle. (no misprint).
The weather today was a little cooler and tomorrow should be more of the same - about 32c. Perfect for Typhoon Lagoon.
And maybe some more shopping...
