Scott And Carol Present - The MAVEN Mission Arriving at Mars to Uncover Planet's Mysteries

 

On Monday November 18th 2013 we were lucky to have witnessed the beginning of the MAVEN mission at the Kennedy Space Center, here is the link to that story.

 

 

The mission to Mars is investigate the mystery of how it became the Red Planet, and how it may have looked in the past.  The  Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution—or MAVEN— will end it's ten-month, 442 million miles journey when it enters Mars' orbit Sept. 21.

 

Concept of MAVEN orbiting Mars courtesy of NASA

 

Join NASA scientist on Friday, September 19th from 6 a.m.-11 a.m. EDT to learn more about the Red Planet, including new images showing its transformation.

 

Scott And Carol Present - The Kennedy Space Center VAB Tour Ends Soon

You only have until 2/23/2014 to experience the KSC Up-Close Vehicle Assembly Building Tour. Completed in 1965 for the vertical assembly of the massive Saturn 5 rockets that carried man to the moon, it is still the largest single story building in the world. 525 feet tall, clouds have actually formed inside during high humidity days. These tours are ending as the building is being repurposed from assembling the space shuttle launch stack to the new different spacecraft of the future. It will be the only building that can host several different kinds of rockets and spacecraft simultaneously.

The tour route takes you through the Transfer Aisle, where components are trucked in and then lifted  by any of the five overhead cranes with lifting capacities  from 50 to 325 tons. You can walk through the only building to have assembled rockets that flew humans to the surface of another world. The renovation process will remove 150 miles of lead and copper wire that will be replaced with fiber optic systems. Here are more renovation details

The building has been available for tours until the modifications for the Space Launch System are begun. The new rockets will be larger than the old Saturn V's, so the extensive modifications are required to the high bays. Since the new systems will weigh 25 million pounds versus 18 million pounds of the Saturn V, new floors and foundations are required.

A large and small capacity crane are part of the tour as you walk through the Transfer Aisle of the largest building in the world by volume. At the end of the tour, you definitely will feel it in your neck from looking way up to the roof from inside.

Here is a look up into a high bay. You can see the one of the overhead cranes that can move a suspended part distances from 500 feet to just thousandths of an inch during the rocket mating process.   

Good luck banners adorn the Transfer Aisle, signed by all the members of the mission assembly crew to recognize their efforts in the program and exhort each other.

This is the business end of the largest capacity crane  which is controlled from cab near the ceiling.

Here is the head of the smaller crane, which is small only relative to the larger crane. Some of this infrastructure supporting the cranes will also be updated for the new challenges.

Every component has its own specially designed attachment cradle, to ensure nothing is damaged during assembly. Once various different spacecraft are designed and utilized, many more of these pieces will be required. The design, storage, and use of these cradles will be an extensive project on its own. You never want to have the next item you need stacked way in the back of the room when the parts arrive.

Click here for more information on the VAB tour.

And, click here for information on the Kennedy Space Center's Mega Close Up tour.

These tours were available many years ago but stopped in 1978. They started back up when the shuttle program ended last year. So, if you are going to be in Florida before they close, take advantage of this rare opportunity to experience a huge part of our space programs history. Our thanks to Andrea at the Kennedy Space Center for  giving us the opportunity to take these photos.

Scott & Carol Present - Maven Launch At Kennedy Space Center

 

 

Countdown to MAVEN'S Launch 

 

MAVEN pre-launch explanation

 

 

 

Here the engines have  started and the exhaust is escaping the flame trench. The Atlas V is still firmly attached to earth as the engines are turned up to launch capacity.

 

We have liftoff. The Maven Mission has cleared the gantry but across the causeway the sound is yet to reach us.

 

Several seconds into the launch Maven has cleared the lightning protection system and we can hear the full-bodied roar of the rocket. 

 

This is the last we saw of the rocket, before it entered the clouds. In just 10 months it will orbit Mars and help solve the mystery of the thin atmosphere surrounding the red planet. For the first time ever, when Maven begins its scientific studies scientists will have simulataneous measurements from both the top and bottom of the Martian atmosphere.

Maven left its mark in the sky, and while the smoke was clearing, the sound still echoed across the causeway. Another legacy of Maven is that a project that began 10 years prior to launch came in on time and under budget. That is an island in the foreground, we watched dolphins swimming by looking at the people lining the shore.

 

Video of Maven's Launch Courtesy of NASA

 

Our thanks to Gayle, Manny, and Maggie from NASA, and the crew from United Launch Alliance for all their help with this project, launch rookies like us appreciated the help. We will try to check in on Maven occansionally, the next big event is Oribital Insertion around Mars.

Scott And Carol Present - A Kennedy Space Center Welcome Home To Atlantis

 

 

Space Shuttle Atlantis has begun its final mission, to inspire young minds concerning science, math, and physics, and also to garner public support for continued space exploration. A veteran of 33 space missions, this final mission could be the most important one for this glorious craft, for without funding, our nation will continue to rely on other organizations for the launching of manned space missions on foreign soil.
 

 

Over forty astronauts, representing all thirty-three of Atlantis’s missions were in attendance, and their differences in age showed how long the program carried the aspirations of low earth orbit spaceflight. In addition to those who were physically in attendance, a special message was downloaded from the International Space Station to mark the occasion.
 

The entrance to the exhibit is framed by a full-sized replica of the fuel tank with the solid rocket boosters attached that stands 184 feet tall. After much celebration, the countdown commenced, the igniters fired, and smoke billowed from the base of the boosters and the several hundred people in attendance clapped and cheered.

 

While the crowd surged towards the entrance after the smoke cleared, a special photo opportunity was taking place inside the exhibit. All of the astronauts in attendance gathered toward the nose of the craft, and a group photo was taken. After they left the scene, the media waited to see the reaction of the first public visitors to the unveiling. For the media itself on the day before, once the presentation was complete there was hushed silence followed by applause while a staff member motioned us forward to see the craft. Would the public like Space Shuttle Atlantis?

 

All day long the rounds of applause filled the gallery as each new group finished the movie and gazed upon Atlantis as only astronauts had previously seen her, because here on Earth she always was level to the  ground with other mechanical supports for the cargo bay doors. Now, she is tilted at a 43.21 degree angle and her doors are open with the Robotic Arm extended like she is back in space. This is the only one of the Space Shuttles not displayed in a horizontal position.

 

A special visitor, Mark from Celebration, Florida graciously let us follow him through the exhibit. He flies model rockets and radio control planes of his own and has been looking forward to the opening for some time. Mark is an Autistic young man with a speech impediment, who likes anything that flies, and enjoys drawing pictures in his spare time. He was all smiles as he stood beside Atlantis after the unveiling 

 

 

A walkway takes visitors along the length of the shuttle, towards the tail, and the scars of her storied space exploits are evident, and she remains like she landed, complete with impact scars and space dust. Above the tail section is a giant 400K screen which depicts sunrise and sunset where the shuttle appears to float in space. The lighting system in the gallery which changes along with sunrise and sunset as the shuttle would be orbiting the earth.

 

The shuttle appears to be working on the Hubble Telescope, the most advanced camera deployed in space. This full-sized model brings new vision to the term, “big science,” for it is nearly as big as a school bus. A side gallery of the accomplishments of the Hubble program, including some spectacular pictures, is just off the nose of Atlantis.

 

Mark was able to check out  the a mock-up of the shuttles cockpit and view some of the simulations,  before he descended a corridor with the fiery red glow of reentry, which turns to blue as the temperature decreases due to the reduction in speed. Daring adventurers can create a sonic boom and go down a slide, after mimicking the “S” curve of a shuttle landing.

 

 

Once on the bottom floor, there are simulators for landing, docking, extending the robot arm, and many other exhibits. Everything is modeled after the actual consoles used by the astronauts for training.

 

Following Mark, along with his family through, the exhibits we couldn’t help but notice all the support technology that allows humans to thrive in the isolation of space. As guests participate in the many interactive parts of Space Shuttle Atlantis, NASA displays the many adaptions required for human space exploration.

 

Autism affects 1 in 88 children here in the United States. Imagine how many lives could be changed if the applicable technology from space exploration could be utilized to provide these children and their families with leading edge technology to help them overcome their challenges and lead more fruitful lives. This could be another legacy of NASA research.

 

 

The venting “Beanie Cap,” from Pad 39B is the center piece of the Space Shuttle Processing Area. One of the simulators here allows guests to attempt to prepare the shuttle for launch, by mating the orbiter with the shuttle stack. Another allows them to simulate the experience of mixing the fuel components prior to countdown.
 

Various other exhibits like used shuttle tires, and the actual model plane that started the program are included. Everything is historically accurate and extraordinarily well done. NASA has chosen very wisely in allowing the Kennedy Space Visitor Center be the curator of this rare artifact, the last Space Shuttle flown by the United States, beginning and ending its flight program at the Kennedy Space Center. Space Shuttle Atlantis is just beginning it educational mission just miles away from its final launch and touchdown.

Our thanks to Mark, Andrea, all the astronauts, and everyone else at the Kennedy Space Visitor Center for their hospitality on this momentous occasion, for now Space Shuttle Atlantis will continue to fly in the minds of everyone who visits her.

Scott And Carol Present - A Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Update

On Thursday, Dec. 27, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex unveiled the first phase of improvements designed to dramatically enhance the guest experience. The brand new $16 million entry is part of the 10-year Master Plan developed by Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex concessioner, Delaware North Companies Parks and Resorts, in partnership with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

The new entry includes a grand plaza and fountain; ticket stations and self-service kiosks; will call, guest services and information stations; a retail shop; and a restaurant. And those visiting during the holiday season will be among the very first to experience the brand new entry.

Photo courtesy of Kennedy Space Center

 Entering from the parking lot visitors encounter the grand plaza, featuring the first-ever 3D representation of NASA's insignia that spans 13 feet in diameter. To the right of the globe stands a majestic 75-foot long fountain that pays homage to the dreams of late President John F. Kennedy, for whom NASA’s Kennedy Space Center is named. Kennedy’s face, along with a quote from his famous 1962 “moon speech” at Rice University, are laser etched onto a skyward-reaching arch of blue granite that stands 30-feet at its highest point. 

The 5,000-gallon fountain is spectacularly lit in the evenings with LED lights and features 26 jets of water that can be programmed to create inspiring light shows for guests as they exit the complex or during evening special events or exhibitions.

 Photo courtesy of Kennedy Space Center

The changes to the entrance and ticket plaza, are just the initial elements in a start of the Center's comprehensive plan. Space shuttle Atlantis, still covered in 16,000 square feet of shrink wrap, is  in the middle of a construction zone. The new shuttle $100 million, 90,000-square foot exhibit showcasing the shuttle and celebrating the 30-year space shuttle program is slated to open in July of 2013.

The Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB in NASA terminology, is now open to the public for tours for the first time since it became operational. For those of you who remember the original trips to the moon, during that time it was called the Vertical Assembly Building, since they various parts of the rockets were stacked bottom to top as they were assembled for launch. There was no public access while rockets with dangerous chemicals were on site.

This look up the transfer aisle shows the tallest  vertical enclosed space in the world. This building is so large, the 4th largest building in the world by volume, that under proper conditions it can even create its own rainstorm inside. Massive cranes with the ability to move heavy loads in the tiniest fractions of an inch picked up the parts here and moved them into the proper assembly bay.

 

Everything that come in this building has to be lifted over 160 feet up to the open bays and then lowered down to the transporter on top of the crawler, which is 50 feet high by itself. You to can take a peek inside one of the iconic structures of the Kennedy Space Center by signing up for the Up Close Tour. 

 

Our thanks to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for the update, July cannot get here quick enough!

Scott And Carol Present - An Enormous Gift from the Kennedy Space Center

Photo courtesy of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex 

Santa's elves have been doing a lot of wrapping at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, but this is a gift that will not be opened until well after Christmas. With what has to be one of the most expensive presents ever wrapped, Space Shuttle Atlantis, the last orbitor to fly in space, will be the centerpiece of the new exhibit scheduled to open during summer 2013. The elves did forget the bow, but they made up for their mistake.

Santa's elves do have a special gift for good boys and girls of all ages. For the first time in 45 years the Visitor Center Complex will be open on Christmas Day and will be offering a special holiday gift to visitors, free  admission for one child age 11 and under with the purchase of a paid adult admission December 17,  2012 through January 7, 2012. What a unique way to escape the family after feast slumber party during the holidays.

Thanks to Santa's elves at Kennedy Space Center,  we wish you Happy Holidays and a prosperous New Year!

Scott and Carol Present - Kennedy Space Center's Farewell To Discovery

On April 17th the Space Shuttle discovery will leave Kennedy Space Center for the last time, this time on top of a Boeing 747. The orbiter will be placed on top of the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft and flown to its new destination at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. In celebration of the fly-out, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will be hosting four days worth of activities.


On April 14 and 15 there will be a special "Discovery" tour. Guests will have the opportunity to view Discovery as it is placed on top of the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft.

On April 16 there will be appearances by crews from inaugural and final missions, STS 41-D and STS-133

And, on April 17th, a limited number of guests will even have the opportunity to witness the departure of Discovery from the Shuttle Landing Facility.

Visit Kennedy Space Center's website for more details.

Scott And Carol Present - Kennedy Space Center Opens A New Attraction Over Thirty Years In The Making.

With the Space Shuttle program's mission completed the very large building which once housed the shuttles, the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) will now be open to the public, for a limited time to a limited number of Visitor Complex guests per day as part of KSC Up-Close, a new two-hour, guided special interest tour. Beginning Nov. 1, the tour will be offered eight times daily for $25 for adults and $19 for children ages 3-11, plus the cost of admission which is $43 + tax for adults and $33 + tax for children ages 3-11.


Making this an even more special opportunity, guests may get to see a real space shuttle orbiter, since all four of the remaining shuttles are currently being prepared for display in their new homes. If you have taken a bus tour at Kennedy Space Center, you have ridden past the 525-foot tall VAB. The Saturn V rocket was assembled in the VAB in the Sixties and the all the shuttles were assembled here, including the very last shuttle, STS-135 Atlantis, earlier this year.


The VAB tour stop is just part of the KSC Up-Close tour, guests will have also have the opportunity to view many other Kennedy Space Center landmarks. For more information, call 877-313-2610 or visit http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/.

Having seen a shuttle launch in person, we are very excited about this tour and are already planning on enjoying the experience.