Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

[whitethunder]

Question for those of you who have been to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Did you enjoy your time there?

What did you think of the "park" after you left?

Did it make you feel like the space program was still something worth
pursuing?

I ask these questions because I work as an engineer at KSC for the SLS program. We don't get much of an opportunity to hear feedback from people outside this area. Living here on the Space Coast, everyone you talk to works, has a relative, or knows someone that works here. So asking people what they think of the KSCVC is kind of a moot point. I drive by it every single morning on my way into work and always wondered what people thought..

 

[C.FERNIE]

Our Family loves KSC, we go everytime we are in florida. We didnt go last time because i went in a bad mood about the shuttle program being cancelled (only kidding we didnt have a car!). Even though we have probs been like 30 times we always find it very interesting. the tours are well thought out along with the kind shows! KSC is one of the few places outside wdw that we always have a tear in our eye and are always sad to leave. The only downside i would say that the food is not that great! The first time we went to KSC i got to see the shuttle launch from titusville to! (we actually never got to kennedy for that trip but it was just awe inspiring!).:wave:

 

[whitethunder]

Very cool!! Shuttle launches are amazing, if you haven't seen one you'll never understand why people who have, find it amazing.

Of course I've been able to watch most of the launches from my back porch with a beer in my hand, and a hamburger on my plate!!

 

[graphite1326]

I was the in Feb. I enjoyed my time there and would probably go again. However, the similator isn't worth the time.

 

[ScoutN]

I ask these questions because I work as an engineer at KSC for the SLS program. We don't get much of an opportunity to hear feedback from people outside this area. Living here on the Space Coast, everyone you talk to works, has a relative, or knows someone that works here. So asking people what they think of the KSCVC is kind of a moot point. I drive by it every single morning on my way into work and always wondered what people thought..

Were you previously on Constellation? I live right across the river from LRC and was able to see several of Ares 1X's components prior test launch in 2009. A good friend was on the LAS system for it.

Here is a photo or two for you.

As far as the visitor center goes; it is fun. The wide array of experiences offered is sure to please all ages. We usually visit once a year or so, occasionally twice, as I have an obsession of space and enjoy taking friends to the center. I find it is a bit arduous to touch each experience contained within the center as there is so much to do. I have spent two days soaking in the offerings at least once a year.

If you have no noticed, I am a bit shuttle obsessed. Growing up beside Langley and its engineers has corrupted me. Come on Nuke Engineering degree!

 

[whitethunder]

Yes I've worked here from 2004 on. Return to flight of Discovery was the first shuttle launch I ever was an employee for. I have lived in the area here since 1987ish.

I've worked on Shuttle, Constellation, and SLS now. I have tons of photos but am to lazy to use Photobucket at the moment haha..

One of my favorite pics is currently my avatar. This is in the Commander seat of Atlantis the first time I went in..

 

[ScoutN]

Yes I've worked here from 2004 on. Return to flight of Discovery was the first shuttle launch I ever was an employee for. I have lived in the area here since 1987ish.

I've worked on Shuttle, Constellation, and SLS now. I have tons of photos but am to lazy to use Photobucket at the moment haha..

One of my favorite pics is currently my avatar. This is in the Commander seat of Atlantis the first time I went in..

Ravishing news! I saw you post the first time (in my recollection) a few days back and pondered which OV it was in your avatar. I am rather envious of your occasion inside of it. The lady I know here has been inside of Atlantis, as well. Never was able to get a trip with her before the final flight.

What system were in you involved with on Constellation? I was filled with exuberance researching that project, watching developments here, and seeing the LAS system that went up in 2009. I was ecstatic Lockheed kept Orion alive. I would love to see the RS-25 processing facility at KSC eventually (more than likely not until after I finish my Nuke Egr degree). As of right now I am on track for LARSS at Langley next summer.

Excellent to see another space travel junkie around here. As I am sure you can see through my avatar, user title, and signature I am a bit obsessed. Space travel is the way of the future and cannot be replaced nor rivaled. Our manned space program is in a sad state with STS' replacement being canned while retaining STS retirement scheduling. The day we return man to orbit aboard our own craft cannot arrive soon enough.

 

[Master Yoda]

I absolutely love the place. It is a crime that I do not go there more. I have never left the place uninspired. Now do I think the space program is worth it? A billion times yes. I really hope that Tyson's "A penny for NASA" petition gains some traction and we can have a properly funded space program again.

 

[Hakunamatata]

Its been years since we have been to KSC. We lived in Houston and went to JSC a number of times and really enjoyed it. From what I recall of KSC it was much more robust than JSC and from my distant memory really enjoyed it. Im sure it has gotten much better over time.

 

[whitethunder]

Ravishing news! I saw you post the first time (in my recollection) a few days back and pondered which OV it was in your avatar. I am rather envious of your occasion inside of it. The lady I know here has been inside of Atlantis, as well. Never was able to get a trip with her before the final flight.

What system were in you involved with on Constellation? I was filled with exuberance researching that project, watching developments here, and seeing the LAS system that went up in 2009. I was ecstatic Lockheed kept Orion alive. I would love to see the RS-25 processing facility at KSC eventually (more than likely not until after I finish my Nuke Egr degree). As of right now I am on track for LARSS at Langley next summer.

Excellent to see another space travel junkie around here. As I am sure you can see through my avatar, user title, and signature I am a bit obsessed. Space travel is the way of the future and cannot be replaced nor rivaled. Our manned space program is in a sad state with STS' replacement being canned while retaining STS retirement scheduling. The day we return man to orbit aboard our own craft cannot arrive soon enough.

I work with Hazardous Gas & Leak Detection systems. We also deal with looking for fires all over the pad, mostly Hydrogen. I contribute more on the command and control computer hardware/software side. Leave the hard work to the chemist and aerospace engineers. I've been here since I started so I've basically done the same thing since shuttle and now to SLS.

I fully agree with you about manned space flight. Hopefully the the goals we are working toward now will be meet and not canned before their time.

I attached a couple pics for you, a few more of my favorites. I was trying to find some from Ares-1x launch, but seem to have lost them.

I absolutely love the place. It is a crime that I do not go there more. I have never left the place uninspired. Now do I think the space program is worth it? A billion times yes. I really hope that Tyson's "A penny for NASA" petition gains some traction and we can have a properly funded space program again.

Glad to hear it. NASA's budget it a drop in the bucket, something less than half of 1% of the total national budget. Going to space is not cheap, I don't care what anyone says. I won't go into where I think we are wasting money, but everyone has their opinion.

Its been years since we have been to KSC. We lived in Houston and went to JSC a number of times and really enjoyed it. From what I recall of KSC it was much more robust than JSC and from my distant memory really enjoyed it. Im sure it has gotten much better over time.

I don't know anything about JSC, but does it have a full bore visitor center?

 

[ScoutN]

I work with Hazardous Gas & Leak Detection systems. We also deal with looking for fires all over the pad, mostly Hydrogen. I contribute more on the command and control computer hardware/software side. Leave the hard work to the chemist and aerospace engineers. I've been here since I started so I've basically done the same thing since shuttle and now to SLS.

That sounds like a fun job, though. Did you have your hands full after 1X? That must be convenient still primarily with LH2 and LO2 for the new system. It really is a bummer that it is still so far away. Did the similarities in the two systems help for career rollovers?

I fully agree with you about manned space flight. Hopefully the the goals we are working toward now will be meet and not canned before their time.

What Russia did for the Suyoz price shows enough of what they think of our currently lack luster space program. I see it more of an ego as someone trying to build a legacy of "X" created and ordered SLS to leave yet another bogus mark on history.

I attached a couple pics for you, a few more of my favorites. I was trying to find some from Ares-1x launch, but seem to have lost them.

Jealousy is on high. My dream is to one day fly on the Langley Jet to kennedy for a system.

Glad to hear it. NASA's budget it a drop in the bucket, something less than half of 1% of the total national budget. Going to space is not cheap, I don't care what anyone says. I won't go into where I think we are wasting money, but everyone has their opinion.

I don't know anything about JSC, but does it have a full bore visitor center?

The budget is pathetic when you analyze how much other programs are obtaining.... and companies for gains. Wait... There's an actual budget?

I wish LRC would get a full bore center. With the windtunnels and history inside of there it is a shame we only have Va Air and Space Museum

Did you get a chance to see the 39B damage from 1X?

 

[whitethunder]

That sounds like a fun job, though. Did you have your hands full after 1X? That must be convenient still primarily with LH2 and LO2 for the new system. It really is a bummer that it is still so far away. Did the similarities in the two systems help for career rollovers?

Actually no we didn't. This is going to seem bad, but I honestly can't remember what level of support we gave for Ares 1X. Now you've made me curious and I'm going to have to check what systems they had. There's a good chance we used a shuttle system. I took a tour of Ares, and am trying to find the pics ..

Jealousy is on high. My dream is to one day fly on the Langley Jet to kennedy for a system.

Better stop by!

Did you get a chance to see the 39B damage from 1X?

Well I actually helped to upgrade the code for the SRB skirt analyzer machine (forgot the "scientific" name for it, this was years ago), to be able to check for cracks in the Orion reusable heat shield. We actually worked in the same office as the team that developed the laser analyses machine which showed the damage from STS-124. They were able to model what it should of looked like, and the damage it sustained, and how deep the actual damage was. So no I never saw the damage, but I suspect the same methods were used here.

http://www.spaceflightnow.com/shuttle/sts124/080601pad/damage.html

One of my good friends worked safety for USA, he told me one of the 400lb sewer drains that lies around the pad was found about 150yds from its original location. Took a segment of fence out all by itself.

 

[ScoutN]

Actually no we didn't. This is going to seem bad, but I honestly can't remember what level of support we gave for Ares 1X. Now you've made me curious and I'm going to have to check what systems they had. There's a good chance we used a shuttle system. I took a tour of Ares, and am trying to find the pics ..

I know IX was an interesting launch. As I said before, I know the project manager of the LAS for it very well. She and her coworkers went into pretty heavy detail about the launch, the excitement, and success (minus pad damage :lookaroun ) Photos of Ares would be awesome. It was so majestic witnessing it launch.

Better stop by!

I hope so! Considering it is the career path I am praying to take!

Well I actually helped to upgrade the code for the SRB skirt analyzer machine (forgot the "scientific" name for it, this was years ago), to be able to check for cracks in the Orion reusable heat shield. We actually worked in the same office as the team that developed the laser analyses machine which showed the damage from STS-124. They were able to model what it should of looked like, and the damage it sustained, and how deep the actual damage was. So no I never saw the damage, but I suspect the same methods were used here.

SO you were on the numbers end of it, eh? There are so many aspects of Constellation that were great. IE non human rated heavy lift system! As I said before, I am thrilled Lockheed kept Orion alive and it is now the SLS cornerstone (persay).

Excellent link, thanks!!! I have forgotten all about 124's pad damage.

On top of the sewer drain (which I DIDNT hear about so thanks!), the tower damage, welded shut doors, etc. It was something. From what I remember her saying the thrusters kicked the tail a bit too much (or was it over corrected?) on launch and acted as a giant welding torch.

 

[MattC]

Was recently at KSC and had a great time. I look forward to going again once all the construction is complete. But the Shuttle Simulator is something I can give or take.

As far as your question about the space program and pursuing it. YES!!! If it were up to me we would still be sending people to the moon. As well as a Shuttle program and everything else you guys do. Like you I will not get into the politics of where our money is going, but I feel that exploration and the sciences that support it should be one of the last things cut, not first.

 

[Steve-B]

I've been to KSC a few times, visits spaced out so that there were pretty major changes between visits (also to JSC a few times). Each time I have enjoyed every minute of it.
Of course, I'm something of a space nerd . . . I watched the live TV feed from the very first moon landing (and walk) and have been hooked since then.
Actually was hooked since the first launch I watched on TV (one of the Gemini's).

 

[Contrast]

Loved my time there, always had an interest for Space so I was always planning on going there but I didn't really know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised with it, I can't wait to go back there next month. The tour was brilliant, I thought. I hear that there has been a new attraction added too since my last visit in 2010. Sadly never got to see a Shuttle launch but I'm sure that it would be an unforgettable experience.

 

[Disneyboy17]

Were you previously on Constellation? I live right across the river from LRC and was able to see several of Ares 1X's components prior test launch in 2009. A good friend was on the LAS system for it.

U live in Brevard? Just sold my home in Cocoa village on river drive...

Here is a photo or two for you.

As far as the visitor center goes; it is fun. The wide array of experiences offered is sure to please all ages. We usually visit once a year or so, occasionally twice, as I have an obsession of space and enjoy taking friends to the center. I find it is a bit arduous to touch each experience contained within the center as there is so much to do. I have spent two days soaking in the offerings at least once a year.

If you have no noticed, I am a bit shuttle obsessed. Growing up beside Langley and its engineers has corrupted me. Come on Nuke Engineering degree!