The Space Shuttle Atlantis
Even if you have never had the inclination to strap into a rocket or live in zero gravity, no trip to Florida would be complete without a visit to the Kennedy Space Center’s Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, where a full day can be spent experiencing the educational and emotional life and history of the American space shuttle program.
More than a mere exhibit, the Space Shuttle Atlantis defies stereotypes with a hands-on approach that enables you to not only see and hear, but also touch and feel, so that you experience rather than observe. There are no fingerprint-covered glass cases separating you from getting up close and personal with the symbolic passageways, 60-plus interactive displays, games, simulators, and even a slide to get you back to the ground level (adults are allowed). The Atlantis shuttle, complete with tile damage from the heat of reentry, never fails to amaze visitors who see it as only astronauts have before. The walk-through replicas of the shuttle’s living quarters help visitors understand life on the shuttle. The Atlantis exhibit has an open atmosphere with an enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff that brings out the inner astronaut in everyone.
The Experience
The Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit is easily located from the moment you enter the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex; the 184-foot life-size replica of the twin rocket boosters and massive orange fuel tank used to transport the shuttle into orbit are displayed just outside the main entry. The Shuttle Launch Experience begins with a dual-theater screening that showcases the history of the shuttle development. The motion-picturesque films provide a background and understanding of the necessity and evolution of the shuttle program. Passing through the theater and onto the upper level reveals Atlantis, appearing to float, as if in space, with cargo doors open and robotic Canada arm extended.
Even for the space novice, it is easy to see the amount of thought, planning, and insight that went into the design and construction of the Atlantis facility, not to mention the engineering and transportation challenges overcome in order to display a real-life shuttle. Rotated 43.21 degrees and almost close enough to touch, this experience is the closest that many non-astronauts will ever come to something that has actually been into space. The staff gladly answer any questions and provide an array of information regarding the facility, design, and interactive displays available for use. Touring Atlantis is an exploration in and of itself.
Activities
The interactive games and displays are fun for children and parents alike, sometimes sparking fierce competition. Try your hand on the shuttle crane simulator and experience the complex task of attaching the Shuttle Atlantis to the 58,500-pound fuel tank. Features like this shed light on the often unheard engineering and physical obstacles encountered and conquered in order to prepare a shuttle for safe transport to the launch pad.
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to experience a shuttle liftoff, look no further. The Shuttle Launch Experience is the only place on Earth (and perhaps the galaxy) allowing non-astronauts to partake in a thrill only a select few Americans have known. After a series of informative videos, future astronauts are guided into the mock shuttle.
Once your safety belts have been fastened, the motion-based platform comes alive with specialized, interactive seating and high-fidelity video and audio to amaze the visitors with what astronauts call the most realistic simulation of a launch. After pushing through the high G-forces and separating from the rocket boosters and fuel tank, the simulation climaxes with a sense of weightlessness, along with a breathtaking view of the distant planet Earth.
