the next day i watched three imax movies. the first called “magnificent desolation” was about the mission to the moon, what it was like, what it took. it was amazing to see the history of what it took to get men there. it was fascinating to see footage (in 3-d) of activities on the moon. the movie also postulated what might happen if there had been problems on a moon mission. intentions to return to the moon in the coming years was communicated as a goal that nasa has.
the second movie (”space station 3-d”) was about the construction of the international space station. from the beginning pieces constructed to the second crew who lived on the station, we heard from the astronauts about their experiences of living on the space station. the movie is not current as many more pieces have been added in the past ten years.
next, i got to experience what it was like to be in the shuttle on a launch. with the absence of the g-forces, it was exactly like a launch. well, no, i don’t know that for certain as i’ve never been in a real shuttle launch. they rotate you until you are sitting on your back facing upwards. when you launch, they simulate the shaking and rumbling of the cabin. it was a fun experience, even the last bit that leaves you feeling weightless.
i also visited a museum of the early years of the work to achieve the goal of putting man on the moon. the mercury and gemini programs were the testing grounds for the aapollo missions. each mission was progress toward the ultimate goal of what the apollo 7 mission finally reached.
i walked through the rocket garden of the titan rockets.
the final imax movie i saw on imax was the latest star trek movie. it seemed so appropriate to see that movie at ksc. that was the best conclusion i could have to three days of a space related vacation this has been.
