Florida Tourist Attractions : Kennedy Space Centre, The Space

Title: Florida Tourist Attractions : Kennedy Space Centre, The Space
Coast

Author: Kenneth Ng

Article:
Watching the shuttle blast off into space would be like watching
those first ambitious fish haul themselves up onto dry land,
topped off with the explosive power of the world's most
expensive firework. If you ever need a little inspiration, a
space-shuttle launch will make you appreciate how remarkable
human beings really are.

Begin by contacting the Kenny Space Centre ( 321-867-4636
) too find out if there's a launch during your visit ( you can
also order tickets to view the launch ). If you can't get
tickets to KSC facilities, don't worry - there are plenty of
great places to see shuttles soar. Try the Astronaut Hall of
Fame, Jetty Park Campground, Cherie Down Park, Rotary Riverfront
Park, Space View Park, Coca Beach Pier, Bennet Causeway (Hwy
528) and Brewer Parkway Bridge in Titusville.

Make hotel reservations early, and plan to stay for a while. The
launch i viewed, STS-110, was delayed 3 times due to mechanical
problems and windy weather, a week which culminated with a
nail0biting countdown that had technicians reloading software
onto the space shuttle Atlantis in the final minutes.

Get to your viewing site early and bring binoculars and extra
beer - it's an international tailgate party no matter where you
end up. Vendors sell ice cream, soda and even mission-specific
T-shirts ( from $10; they make great souvenirs ). Tune into
920AM for up-to-the-minute reports and, five minutes before the
big event, the countdown.

At the launch i viewed, the anticipation was thicker than solid
fuel in a pressurized STS-110 tank. I was parked at the Brewer
Parkway Bridge, blocked in by dozens of cars - no one cared, no
one was going anywhere. Folks from all over the world were
taking turns with my friend Linda's telescope, examining
Atlantis from across the bay, imagining it straining against the
launch apparatus, eager to fly. "The wind may by too strong
today." announced one man, his ear to the radio. We had 28
minutes until the launch window opened. Prayers to various
deities ensued. "The shuttle's computers went down,' another
woman yelled. The window would close in nine minutes.

But NASA came through with seconds to spare, and the whole Space
Coast started chanting "Three, two, one - LIFTOFF!" And there
were flames, then clouds of steam, and a silent ascent into the
stratosphere. "Here comes the noise," a father whispered to his
son. Windshields rattled in response to the roar; not one of us
covered out ears. And Atlantis was gone.

International Spare Station Center

This attraction is so cutting edge, you'll think the swishing
automatic doors have transported you straight to the bridge of
the USS Enterprise. Not only can you witness actual components
of the International Space Shuttle being constructed, but a
high-tech observation deck shows the astronauts' cramped living
space - claustrophobias need not apply. You'll only see the
center via the NASA Up Close tour and Astronaut Training
Experience.

Astronaut Training Experience

The Astronaut Training Experience (321-449-4400; per person
including lunch & gear $225) is the closest you'll ever to come
to being an astronaut without all that schooling and training.
This experience puts you through the intense training bona-fide
astronauts endure, including the 1/6 gravitiy chair and a
mission-control countdown. You'll also have a Q&A with former
astronauts as well as exclusive tours of the shuttle launch
pads, International Space Station and NASA press site.
Participants must be at least 14; those under 19 need to be
accompanied by an adult. This program is extremely popular to
call well in advance for reservations.

- NASA Up Close tour

The NASA Up Close (adult/child $52/36) tour includes regular
admission plus a 2-hour tour of 'restricted areas,' where the
space shuttle is refitted after landing and is prepped for
launch. You almost feel like you're really going to see the
alien autopsy room, like Mulder and Scully skulking around a
top-secret warehouse, as you weave between towering buildings
and steel pathways. Plus, you don't have to be an uber space
junkie to appreciate the coolness of this behind-the-scenes look
at NASA facilities. Just that prior to a launch, this tour is
cut short (no refunds).

Author : Lonely Planet, Kenneth Ng

About the author:
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Author Name : Kenneth Ng

Email : touristattractionguide@yahoo.com