The Rocket's Red Glare

Well, I suppose the glare was more orange than red. Even so, it was the first time Elizabeth had seen a live rocket launch. I, however, have seen many a shipboard guided missile firing and several missile target launches. Watching Cape Canaveral launches in movies or seeing them on TV, we never imagined that we would get to one. 

Elizabeth and a Space Cadet

We made it to Kennedy Space Center on a day when Spacex was launching a Falcon 9 rocket.  The launch was successful with no delays. We did have a good chuckle when the video feed on the jumbotron screen experienced a buffering delay, and the first voice we heard was that of a quality assurance Spacex employee.

Up, Up and away

The visitor center is one of the pricier places we've visited since it's entirely visitor funded. It was definitely worth it, especially on a launch day. Plus, they don't nickel and dime you for every "experience." There were a few extras, but a nice number of activities were included in the admission.

Space Shuttle Atlantis which made 33 trips to space.

We enjoyed the Shuttle Launch Experience® and the Apollo/Saturn V Center as my Father worked on it. My siblings and I would listen to Dad's stories about the program.  I have a fond memory of being introduced to some of the astronauts and shaking their hands. On that day all three of us kids were placed in one of the the Apollo Command Module trainers and we pushed and pulled on the controls....

Apollo command and service module 110 which flew on Apollo 14

Business end of a Saturn V  

BTW the Falcon 9 that we saw launch produced 7,600 kN while the Saturn V made 35,100 kN of thrust at sea level which is 4.61 times the thrust.  I can only dream about the sound produced by a Saturn V.

Where Are We Going Next?