Absolutely! We're a homeschoolin' family. We love to find learning everywhere we can. Even before we started this homeschooling adventure, soaking up interesting stuff we didn't already know was always fun for us. Everything you said is soooo true. Yep, NASA has been a very integral part of the lives of most people although very few stop to think about it. Plus, the historic significance of the accomplishments that were made. Astronauts (for the most part) are true heros! Especially the early guys... read this article and it totally lends a whole new perspective. People should go to KSC and to Johnson (aka Space Center Houston). Go see where the launches happened! Come see the actual Mission Control and training facilities! Just a few months ago I was driving past Ellington Field on Hwy 3 (not far from Johnson Space Center) and spotted NASA's Guppy sitting out. Talk about a freak-out! I was afraid my youngest & I would get jacked by security for driving all over the place in circles trying to get a good picture of the real life Vomit Comet! LOL!
Hubby read that there was a delay in the Endeavor heading west (something to do with weather). He's been watching the bulletins and things for air traffic coming up this week. It's looking like she'll be arriving on Tuesday and only staying overnight. I'm sure we'll drive over to Ellington several times between Tuesday & Wednesday to get pics. Ideally we'd like to actually see the 747 fly in & out w/Endeavor piggy-backin'. I'll try to get pics if we manage to figure out the exact timing.
Definitely makes me want to plan a day-trip to KSC next time we're sailing out of PC next year with the family.
It's impact on history is not realized by this generation of so called social issues (as far politically as I will go). The real things and accomplisments are lost in time. I live near a few astronauts (under ten miles from Langley) and they are some of the most interesting people that I know. They are my driving force behind acquiring my degree. Being in the Hampton Roads area History is an integral apart of society and public private education. I have seen launches at Wallops and watched launches from Pearl Young center at Langley with current engineers and retired from STS-1; all the way to one guy who was Mercury.
Good for you being able to see it. I remember one time when I was young (10 maybe?) when Atlantis (see user title and avatar and quote) was being piggy backed they touched down in Hampton. Amazing site, make sure you see it as there is nothing like it!