We were there to see the space centre museum and have lunch with an astronaut. The centre has had a major upgrade since our last visit and is now an amazing facility that houses one of the three decommissioned shuttles, STS Atlantis.
The group arrived and were welcomed by a new exhibit that replays the count down to the launch of the first manned space mission.
The group then spent the morning exploring the space centre which included another rocket park much like the one at Space Camp. There is an IMAX theatre and many exhibits including angry birds in space for a bit of light entertainment.
The real highlight for many of the students and myself included was the new facility that houses the Space Shuttle Atlantis. This new purpose built facility is one of the best exhibitions we have seen on the trip. You are treated to a brilliant 15 minute video history of the shuttle development. All recreated with actors depicting the major milestones from late 1969 till the first successful engine test and everything in between.
You then enter into a 270 degree theatre that depicts the scenes of the very first shuttle launch. As the film ends the entire back wall rises up and out of the gloom you are treated to the amazing sight of the shuttle Atlantis seemingly suspended in mid air in the centre of the exhibit hall.
There are not many times when I can truly say something has astounded me but the sheer size and beauty of this shuttle was just immense.
The exhibit shows you inside the cargo bay and the two Canada arms one fully extended.
After going through the whole exhibit it was time for lunch with an astronaut. The students were treated to an amazing lunch complete with dessert! The Astronaut was Greg Linteris who has been into space on two shuttle missions as a payload specialist.
He gave us a wonderful talk on food in space and how NASA has developed the nutrition of the astronauts.
He then opened the floor to questions and a few of the students got to ask him their questions about being an Astronaut.
This evening everyone is relaxing at the hotel after a very busy few days.
What an amazing place, Orlando, Florida is. I also love how flexible you all are, changing your plans to stay and watch the light show and fireworks last night. What a treat!
ReplyDeleteAlways something new each time .. the new shuttle exhibit looks amazing.
ReplyDeleteWell done for catching the fireworks.
WOW what an amazing place, the size is incredible!!! Fantastic experience!
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