We Be Trippin': The Great DIS-nee Road Trip

[madbrad76]

Good to know that Huntsville is so well defended. I'll sleep better at night knowing that.

 

[madbrad76]

MadBrad! You continue to amaze me with all this information.

I had no idea about all this stuff. Thanks so much for sharing - you've done an excellent job!

Thanks Cat! It has turned out to be harder and more time consuming than I thought it was going to be! I know some are anxious for me to finish up so we can move on. Trust me, I'm doing the best I can to hurry up. I just hope everyone has enjoyed it so far!

PS. - I see you've made it to the top. Now I'm just waiting for the BIG jump!

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

PS. - I see you've made it to the top. Now I'm just waiting for the BIG jump!

Ooooooh! (Don't give her any crazy ideas, madbrad!) Or was that part of the overall plan? Refresh my memory: Was hang-gliding (or parachuting) part of Cat's gig?

I'm here, Cat! I'll catch you! (I hope... )

 

[Marshay]

Ooooooh! (Don't give her any crazy ideas, madbrad!) Or was that part of the overall plan? Refresh my memory: Was hang-gliding (or parachuting) part of Cat's gig?

I'm here, Cat! I'll catch you! (I hope... )

I think Cat is going Bungee jumping!!

MadBrad -- you're doing a great job -- I never knew about any of those things in your area! Thanks so much for showing them to us!

 

[catotigger]

Ooooooh! (Don't give her any crazy ideas, madbrad!) Or was that part of the overall plan? Refresh my memory: Was hang-gliding (or parachuting) part of Cat's gig?

I'm here, Cat! I'll catch you! (I hope... )

I think Cat is going Bungee jumping!!

MadBrad -- you're doing a great job -- I never knew about any of those things in your area! Thanks so much for showing them to us!

Marshay is right! I'm going bungee jumping!

Cowabunga!!!!

 

[madbrad76]

United States Space & Rocket Center

Home to Space Camp, Aviation Challenge and X-Camp; The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is recognized as one of the most comprehensive U.S. manned space flight hardware museums in the world. Facilities include Spacedome Theater, Rocket Park, the Education Training Center, which houses NASA's Educator Resource Center, and more.

Visitors to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center will experience Huntsville's role in the making of the moon rocket, the space race, the Apollo missions, learn about the Space Shuttle program, the International Space Station and onto the next beginnings with NASA's Constellation project. Visitors may trace the evolution of humankind's ventures into space and watch as tomorrow's potential engineers, scientists and astronauts train in one of the Space Camp or Aviation Challenge Programs.

The Center is also the resting place of Miss Baker, a squirrel monkey who flew on a suborbital test flight of the Jupiter rocket on May 28, 1959. The beloved Miss Baker lived at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center for many years until she died of kidney failure on November 20, 1984.


For more info:
U.S. Space and Rocket Center official site




Davidson Center for Space Exploration

The newest addition to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center is the Davidson Center for Space Exploration, opened January 31, 2008, built to house the authentic Saturn V rocket (listed on the National Register of Historic Places) and many other space exploration exhibits. The vehicle is suspended from the ceiling with separated stages and engines exposed, so visitors have the opportunity to walk underneath the rocket stages. The Davidson Center also features a new 3D movie theater, in addition to the IMAX Theater in the original museum.

In 2008, Good Morning America named the Saturn V one of the Seven Wonders of America (ranked 5th), and televised a segment honoring the Saturn V from the Davidson Center.




United States Space Camp

Space Camp was founded in 1982 as a camp for children using the United States space program as the basis to excite children in the areas of math and science. The idea for the camp came about as a result of a discussion between Dr. Wernher von Braun and Edward O. Buckbee. During public appearances, Buckbee has stated that the camp was the idea of Dr. von Braun who was touring the U.S. Space & Rocket Center with Buckbee in 1977 when he noticed children studying rockets and making notes. According to Buckbee, von Braun commented "We have band camp, football, cheerleading; why don't we have a science camp?"

The camp offers numerous programs for various ages and durations of visit. The majority of attendees visit during the summer, though spring and fall often see many school group visits, parent and child bonding camps, and adult or corporate programs.

Space Camp
Space Camp is offered for children between 9 and 11 years old, and typically runs from three to six days in length. The curriculum is designed to balance a strong emphasis on education with a spirit of fun. Children enrolling in Space Camp have the option to choose from one of three tracks, each with its own unique activities and areas of study: space, aviation and robotics.

Space Camp was the first of the camp programs offered, which is why it is used as the umbrella organization name. From the small groups that attended in 1982 it has grown to more than 500,000 graduates in week long programs.

Space Academy
Space Academy is a program intended for ages 12-14, offered in both six- and eight-day sessions. Trainees (campers) may select from two different tracks: the "new" track, for those who have not previously attended the camp, and "alumni," for children who have. It builds on campers' previous experiences.

Advanced Space Academy
Advanced Space Academy is designed for young adults aged 15-18 years. There are three tracks offered: Pilot track, Payload Specialist, and Mission Specialist.

Parent/Child Space Camp
The Parent/Child Space Camp program allows parents or guardians the opportunity to attend Space Camp with their child aged 7-12 years. The program is three to four days in length and includes activities in which the adult and child work together.

Parent/Child also has an Aviation Challenge option. Pilot/Co-Pilot is designed for the young fighter pilots and their adult heroes. Offered during the summer months.

Aviation Challenge
Aviation Challenge, or AC, is another umbrella branding for a set of aviation oriented camps at Space Camp. It consists of three main programs for children from ages 9-18. As an aviation oriented camp the fundamental teaching aid are computer based flight simulators, which are used in training attendees to fly, act, and think like United States Air Force, Navy or Marine fighter pilots.

Mach I Mach I is the AC program for children from 9-11. Campers learn basic flying skills, such as taking off and landing, dog-fighting, and ground munitions delivery. Campers also participate in survival training on both land and water.

Mach II Mach II is designed for young teens from the ages of 12-14. In Mach II the basic flying skills from Mach I are expanded upon, culminating at the end of the week in a "TopGun" competition, to determine the week's best pilot. While flying campers also learn land and water survival skills and culminate the week in a NAVY SEAL Search and Rescue (SAR) mission during the day, and an escape and evasion activity that night.

Mach III Mach III is the final stage of AC, designed for young adults aged 15-18. Flying in Mach III becomes even more difficult, using full sized simulators, communications, the pairing of a pilot and RIO (Radar Intercept Officer) to work together, and daily missions that are scored. Mach III campers once again learn land and water survival, using equipment such as the "helo-dunker" and a zip line to simulate a parachute landing. Culminating the week is an extensive Navy SEAL Ops mission and very challenging escape and evasion activity.

Notable Space Camp attendees and guests:
1. Chelsea Clinton attended U.S. Space Camp during Bill Clinton's first term.
2. Recently, one of Tom Hanks' sons attended camp, and he was present for graduation. (The elder Hanks had brunch with former Apollo astronauts while in Huntsville.)
3. The elder President Bush visited during his term as president, and subsequently was used on the U.S. Space and Rocket Center brochure for a period thereafter.
4. Dan Quayle visited during his term as Vice President.
5. Al Gore visited during his term as Vice President
6. Kris Kristofferson attended along with his son Jesse at Parent/Child Space Camp in the summer of 1991.
7. The cast and crew of Apollo 13 visited Space Camp during pre-production.
8. Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen attended U.S. Space Camp during production of The Adventures of Mary-Kate & Ashley.


For more info on Space Camp:
Space Camp And Aviation Challenge

 

[catotigger]

Parent/Child Space Camp
The Parent/Child Space Camp program allows parents or guardians the opportunity to attend Space Camp with their child aged 7-12 years. The program is three to four days in length and includes activities in which the adult and child work together.

Parent/Child also has an Aviation Challenge option. Pilot/Co-Pilot is designed for the young fighter pilots and their adult heroes. Offered during the summer months.

Okay, who is going to lend me their 7-12 year old, so I can go to Parent/Child Space Camp?

 

[madbrad76]

MadBrad -- you're doing a great job -- I never knew about any of those things in your area! Thanks so much for showing them to us!

Thanks Marshay! I grew up in Huntsville, so the US Space program means a lot to me. My grandfather worked on Redstone Aresnal when they were testing with nerve gas there. My father also worked there too. He handled testing the liquid nitrogen and oxygen systems for NASA. He used to take me and let me see them test some of the big rockets on the test stands. He also at one time painted all of the origional rockets and planes and other items on display at the Space and Rocket Center.

In doing research for my part of the road trip, I found it neat that I was able to find a connection between Birmingham, AL and Disney (the Mickey Mouse Club). Guess what? I found a connection between Disney and Huntsville, AL too!

MORE TO COME...

 

[madbrad76]

Okay, who is going to lend me their 7-12 year old, so I can go to Parent/Child Space Camp?

I might be older then 12, but I do act like a big baby some times. If that wouldn't work, I have a kid that you could borrow. She hasen't been out of school for the summer yet and she is already bored to death! What I would give to be a kid again.

I never had the opportunity to go to Space Camp. My parents never had enough $$$$. I have been to the Space and Rocket Center lots of times. Some of the displays they have are amazing!

 

[Marshay]

Parent/Child Space Camp
The Parent/Child Space Camp program allows parents or guardians the opportunity to attend Space Camp with their child aged 7-12 years. The program is three to four days in length and includes activities in which the adult and child work together.

Parent/Child also has an Aviation Challenge option. Pilot/Co-Pilot is designed for the young fighter pilots and their adult heroes. Offered during the summer months.

Woo Hoo!!!! I still have a chance to go with my DD!!!!

 

[Marshay]

I never had the opportunity to go to Space Camp. My parents never had enough $$$$. I have been to the Space and Rocket Center lots of times. Some of the displays they have are amazing!

Oh, I must have missed how $$$$$ Space Camp is...are we talking a home equity loan here???

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

Marshay is right! I'm going bungee jumping!

Cowabunga!!!!

Rock on! (That's great, Cat! 'Love the animation!)

 

[madbrad76]

Oh, I must have missed how $$$$$ Space Camp is...are we talking a home equity loan here???

The prices don't look all that bad. I don't know if you're like me but all of my non-Disney trips are compared to Disney trip prices. That's one reason why I can't bring myself to take a trip to the beach. If it's going to cost me more to go to the beach only to get a sunburn, stung by jelly fish, and sand all in my swim trunks, then why not just go to WDW instead. Afterall, have you ever seen Mickey Mouse at the beach?

Check out this page of their brochure. It gives additional info and some prices. It is actually the Space Camp's entire brochure, so you can find out more about their other programs as well.

Parent/Child Space Camp

 

[madbrad76]

NASA Marshall Space Flight Center National Historic Landmarks

The NASA Marshall Space Flight Center announced on January 22, 1986, that the U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Park Service had designated four Marshall Center facilities as National Historic Landmarks. On July 15, 1987, a fifth designation was announced. The first four facilities are the Redstone Test Stand, Propulsion and Structural Test Facility, Saturn V dynamic Test Stand, and Neutral Buoyancy Simulator. The Saturn V on display at the United States Space and Rocket Center represents the fifth designation.


Historic Redstone Test Stand

The Redstone Test Stand was used during the 1950’s in early development of the Redstone missile propulsion system. This was the test stand where the modified Redstone missile that launched the first American into space, Alan Shepard, was static tested as the last step before the flight occurred. The Propulsion and Structural Test facility, developed in support of Jupiter missile development, was modified and used for testing on the first clustered engine stage in the American space program, the S-IB stage of the Saturn I launch vehicle. It was also used as the primary test stand for the development of the F–1 engine, the largest liquid rocket engine ever developed. The F–1 generated 1.5 million pounds of thrust.


Neutral Buoyancy Simulator

This structure was built in 1955 to provide a simulated zero-gravity environment in which engineers, designers, and astronauts could perform the various phases of research needed to gain firsthand knowledge concerning design and operation problems associated with working in the space. It contributed significantly to the United States space program, especially Project Gemini, the Apollo program, Skylab, and the Space Shuttle.

Dynamic Test Stand

The Saturn V Dynamic Test Stand was used in 1966–67 for ground vibration testing of the Saturn V launch vehicle and the Apollo spacecraft. Completion of this program was the final step prior to the launch of Apollo 11, the first manned lunar landing mission. In 1972–73 the stand was used for tests involving the Skylab Space Station, and in 1978–79 for ground vibration testing of the complete Space Shuttle vehicle.

Propulsion and Structural Test Facility

This site was built in 1957 by the Army Ballistic Missile Agency and was the primary center responsible for the development of large vehicles and rocket propulsion systems. The Saturn Family of launch vehicles was developed here under the direction of Wernher von Braun. The Saturn V remains the most powerful launch vehicle ever brought to operational status, from a height, weight and payload standpoint.

Saturn V Display

The Saturn V on display at the United States Space and Rocket Center is the actual test rocket that was used in dynamic testing of the Saturn facilities at Marshall. The stages of the rocket were used to check out all the Saturn facilities at Huntsville. Although the rocket was not intended to be flown, it was a working vehicle that prepared the way for the Apollo expeditions to the moon. Officials from the Department of the Interior referred to the vehicle as "a unique engineering masterpiece that formed the key link in the chain that enabled Americans to travel to the moon. The success of the Saturn V made possible the success of the American space program." The Saturn V at the United States Space and Rocket Center was delivered by Marshall in 1969 after all three stages were taken from the Center’s Dynamic Test Stand.

 

[madbrad76]

Wernher von Braun

Dr. von Braun stands by the five F-1 engines of the Saturn V launch vehicle. This Saturn V vehicle is an actual test vehicle which has been displayed at the U.S. Space Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Designed and developed by Rocketdyne under the direction of the Marshall Space Flight Center, a cluster of five F-1 engines was mounted on the Saturn V S-IC (first) stage. The engines measured 19-feet tall by 12.5-feet at the nozzle exit and burned 15 tons of liquid oxygen and kerosene each second to produce 7,500,000 pounds of thrust. The S-IC stage is the first stage, or booster, of a 364-foot long rocket that ultimately took astronauts to the Moon.

Dr. Wernher Magnus Maximilian Freiherr ('Baron') von Braun (March 23, 1912 – June 16, 1977), a German physicist and astronautics engineer, became one of the leading figures in the development of rocket technology in Germany and the United States. Wernher von Braun is sometimes said to be the preeminent rocket scientist of the 20th century.

In his 20s and early 30s, von Braun was the central figure in Germany's pre-war rocket development program, responsible for the design and realization of the V-2 combat rocket during World War II. After the war, he and some of his rocket team were brought to the United States as part of the then secret Operation Overcast. In 1955, ten years after entering the country, von Braun became a naturalized U.S. citizen.

Von Braun worked on the American intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) program before joining NASA, where he served as director of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and the chief architect of the Saturn V launch vehicle, the superbooster that propelled the Apollo spacecraft to the Moon. He is generally regarded as the father of the United States space program, both for his technical and organizational skills, and for his public relations efforts on behalf of space flight. He received the 1975 National Medal of Science.


For more info:
Wernher von Braun Biography
Remembering Wernher von Braun
Wernher von Braun Wikipedia page

 

[Marshay]

Hey Cat!! Look at the additional information I found from what MadBrad posted --- there is an adult, non-corporate version!!!!


•Admit it! You’ve always wondered how it would feel to train like an astronaut or a fighter pilot. Here is your chance! Both Space Camp® and Aviation Challenge® are offered to adults in the late summer/fall.

Adult Programs/Corporate Programs
6-day/5-night program, $899/Person OR 8-day/7-night program, $1,299/
Person

• Aviation Challenge for Adults: weekend program, $399/Person, $50 registration fee applies.

• Space Academy for Adults: weekend program, $399/Person

• Advanced Space Academy for Adults:

 

[madbrad76]

Wernher von Braun and Walt Disney

In the hope that its involvement would bring about greater public interest in the future of the space program, von Braun also began working with Walt Disney and the Disney studios as a technical director, initially for three television films about space exploration. The initial broadcast devoted to space exploration was Man in Space, which first went on air on March 9, 1955.

Man In Space aired on March 9, 1955 and directed by legendary Disney animator Ward Kimball. Later, it was edited into a featurette to play in theaters, accompanying Davy Crockett and the River Pirates. This Disneyland episode (set in Tomorrowland), narrated partly by Kimball and by such famed scientists as Dr. Willy Ley, Dr. Heinz Haber and Dr. Wernher Von Braun, and also by Dick Tufeld of Lost in Space fame, talks briefly about the lighthearted history of rockets and is followed by discussions of satellites, a practical look (through humorous animation) at what spacemen will have to face in a rocket (both physically and psychologically, such as momentum, weightlessness, radiation, even space sickness) and a rocket takeoff into space.

Man and the Moon, originally aired on December 28, 1955 and directed by Ward Kimball, depicts all about the Moon. It begins with a humorous look with Man's fascination with the Moon through animation. This segment features the Moon's usage in everything from William Shakespeare and children's nursery rhymes to lunar superstitions and scientific research. Then Kimball comes on with some information on the moon, supplemented by graphics. Kimball then introduces Dr. Wernher Von Braun, who discusses plans for a trip around the moon.

Finally, a live action simulation from inside and outside the manned Lunar Reconn Ship RM-1 dramatizes what such an expedition might be like, including an almost-disastrous hit by a very small meteor. This episode later reaired in 1959 under a new title: Tomorrow the Moon.

Mars and Beyond is an episode of Disneyland which aired on December 4, 1957. It was directed by Ward Kimball and narrated by Paul Frees. This episode discusses the possibility of life on other planets, especially Mars. It begins with an introduction of Walt Disney and his robot friend Garco, who provide a brief overview. It continues with an animated presentation about mankind seeking to understand the world in which he lives, first noticing patterns in the stars, and developing certain beliefs regarding the celestial bodies. Theories from scientists and philosophers are discussed, including Ptolemy's inaccurate, but formerly-accepted theories, as well as those of Copernicus. Life on other planets is considered, soon focusing on Mars. Ideas from science-fiction authors H.G. Wells and Edgar Rice Burroughs are brought to life with more colorful animation. Pulp science fiction comics of the time are parodied in the same straightforward tone as everything else (this segment features Kimball's comic tone and there's even a cameo appearance by Donald Duck).

After this, the program adopts a serious tone as it profiles each of the planets in the solar system, from the perspective of what would happen to a man on them. The program claims that whereas most of the planets are either too cold or too hot for life as we know it, life on Mars could almost be normal, something that is of increasing importance for the future. Dr. E.C. Slipher then discusses the Red Planet and the possibility that life is already there. More animation speculates what the conditions on Mars might be like. This section is filled with striking, inventive and decidedly atypical Disney animation.

The program wraps up with what a trip to Mars would entail for a space crew and its vessels. Contributor/spacecraft designer Ernst Stuhlinger presents his design and details regarding a unique umbrella-shaped MarsShip: The top portion would be a revolving outer quarters ring providing artificial gravity for the crew of 20, under 'parasol' coolant tubes. At the other end would be a sodium-potassium reactor to provide power to the midsection electric/ion drive. Attached upright would be a chemically-fueled winged tail-lander. The mission shown involves six MarsShips, ultimately reaching 100,000 mph, taking a 400 day, spiral course to Mars. There, they would spend 412 days on the surface before returning.




For more info:
"The Disney-Von Braun Collaboration and Its Influence on Space Exploration"



All of these Disneyland episodes can be found on a Walt Disney's Treasures DVD set titled Tomorrwland: Disney in Space and Beyond. Here's some info on this DVD.

Walt Disney was a true visionary, and his most far-reaching vision examined the future. During the 1950s, his investigation into space exploration and the wondrous opportunities and challenges of space travel not only came alive in several Disneyland TV shows, but helped create strong public support for The United States space program. Go back in time to the beginning of the future and enjoy four episodes and a theatrical short that delve into the mysteries of the universe and space travel -- "Man In Space," "Man And The Moon," "Mars And Beyond," "Eyes In Outer Space," and "Our Friend The Atom." You'll also get a rare look at Walt's last film, "EPCOT," in which he reveals his concepts and plans for the Disney World and EPCOT projects. Other not-to-be-missed features include a special interview with noted futurist and author Ray Bradbury. Featuring exclusive introductions by film historian Leonard Maltin, this is a timeless collection from generations past for generations to come.

 

[madbrad76]

Hey Cat!! Look at the additional information I found from what MadBrad posted --- there is an adult, non-corporate version!!!!

Hey, sign me up too! Although I've never been to any of these before, I've heard that they are a lot of fun!

 

[catotigger]

Hey Cat!! Look at the additional information I found from what MadBrad posted --- there is an adult, non-corporate version!!!!


•Admit it! You’ve always wondered how it would feel to train like an astronaut or a fighter pilot. Here is your chance! Both Space Camp® and Aviation Challenge® are offered to adults in the late summer/fall.

Adult Programs/Corporate Programs
6-day/5-night program, $899/Person OR 8-day/7-night program, $1,299/
Person

• Aviation Challenge for Adults: weekend program, $399/Person, $50 registration fee applies.

• Space Academy for Adults: weekend program, $399/Person

• Advanced Space Academy for Adults:

Hey - that's too cool!

Let's all go together - on the way to our Grand Gathering!

 

[catotigger]

Wernher von Braun and Walt Disney

In the hope that its involvement would bring about greater public interest in the future of the space program, von Braun also began working with Walt Disney and the Disney studios as a technical director, initially for three television films about space exploration. The initial broadcast devoted to space exploration was Man in Space, which first went on air on March 9, 1955.

All of these Disneyland episodes can be found on a Walt Disney's Treasures DVD set titled Tomorrwland: Disney in Space and Beyond. Here's some info on this DVD.

Walt Disney was a true visionary, and his most far-reaching vision examined the future. During the 1950s, his investigation into space exploration and the wondrous opportunities and challenges of space travel not only came alive in several Disneyland TV shows, but helped create strong public support for The United States space program. Go back in time to the beginning of the future and enjoy four episodes and a theatrical short that delve into the mysteries of the universe and space travel -- "Man In Space," "Man And The Moon," "Mars And Beyond," "Eyes In Outer Space," and "Our Friend The Atom." You'll also get a rare look at Walt's last film, "EPCOT," in which he reveals his concepts and plans for the Disney World and EPCOT projects. Other not-to-be-missed features include a special interview with noted futurist and author Ray Bradbury. Featuring exclusive introductions by film historian Leonard Maltin, this is a timeless collection from generations past for generations to come.

This is such a great tie-in! Wow! I had no idea.

I have vague memories of seeing these as a child - they were probably re-run in the 60's. I think I'll have to buy this DVD!

Thanks, MadBrad!