The next stop was Playalinda Beach, in the shadow of Launch Complex 39, where all of the Apollo and Shuttle launches took place. As the sun set, we were treated to a spectacular display of color and clouds.
Thanksgiving Day was spent at the Visitors Complex. About a third of the Tweeps attended "Lunch with an Astronaut" hosted by J O Creighton, 3-time shuttle astronaut. Creighton shared a description of the shuttle training flow and shared reflections from his missions. Later in the afternoon, I had an opportunity to ask him why he thought it was important for human space exploration to continue. He responded, "There a lot of reasons, but I think that the human desire to explore is one of the biggest reasons. So much [spin off] has come from the space program. It inspired an entire generation to explore science, math and engineering. And not just by those like myself who went on to become astronauts, or to work directly in the space program, but countless others who pursued careers in math, science and engineering." He concluded, "The robotic missins are learning a lot, but there is another dimension added when a human being is experiencing it directly."
I took a ride on the "Shuttle Launch Experience," a simulation of a shuttle launch. It was a lot of fun, and gave a great impression of what the launch might feel like.
After the simulation concludes, you exit down a spiraling ramp. Along the rail are plaques for each of the STS missions from 1 through 135. Each plaque featured a photograph of the crew, their names, and mission patch. It was a very moving exhibit, raising emotions, especially as you approached the Challenger and Columbia missions.
I also saw a full scale models of Curiosity and the Orion capsule, took part in a Lego build, and shared the day with some great people who all share my interest and passion for space exploration.
Now, it's time to get some rest before the official TweetUp begins tomorrow morning.
Happy Thanksgiving from Kennedy Space Center!
Curiosity Rover (