Space Shuttle Atlantis

The exhibition hall for Space Shuttle Atlantis is now open out at Kennedy Space Center.  Opening ceremony was really great, with astronauts from multiple programs all on stage for the opening comments, very cool to be at a large gathering of astronauts like that.

The main attraction, Space Shuttle Atlantis, is displayed inside with respect and attention to detail.  The orbiter is the only one displayed in the attitude of work - on angle, cargo doors open wide, projection of earth rotating behind her as if she was in orbit, the arm deployed, really well done. 

The lead up to seeing her is also executed quite well.  Short pre-show film covering the ideas and challenges in developing the re-usable glider features and aspects, opening to an awesome launch from alligator-eye level in the swamps of the launch pad area. After a short montage of shuttles in action, you are admitted to the viewing area for the orbiter and the way they introduce you to the first view is done extremely well, I'm talking goosebumps or tears.....  Then to be right up close and personal, and see the actual condition of the ship after being at work for all those missions, very cool. 

The display is heavily populated with ancillary exhibits and hands-on experiences everywhere you look.  You can participate in a variety of hands on experiences, or just wander around and take it all in.  I especially enjoyed the candid photographs throughout the hall featuring everyday workers in their work environment doing cool space stuff, from walking the crawler along to monitoring a computer display,  Candid shots, well done, showing the folks that spend their time and attention on the space program.

Stephen Colbert's portrait is placed in a position near the orbiter and the C.O.L.B.E.R.T.  has a prominent placard explaining the state of the art treadmill on the ISS..

After seeing the orbiter and exhibits, the hall has the entrance to the super-awesome Shuttle Launch Experience right there (and lockers for your stuff are inside as well). 

The ORION program is underway and there are many exhibits already up throughout KSC showcasing the new mission, great to see the descriptions and mock-ups now and get excited for test launches soon.

The annual pass for KSC was already a great deal.  With the addition of the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, it's almost mandatory to come see the space center and get into our history up close and personal.  You gotta go!

Here's a link to the Atlantis exhibit website:  http://tinyurl.com/ntpbvz7