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Spaceport USA a "must see" For Residents and Visitors Alike

first appeared in 1992
Sebastian Sun

"Spektakulare," "stupende," "spectacular!" Whether it be in German, Italian or English, Cape Canaveral's Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is a point of interest "not to be missed."

In 1991 alone, 2.6 million people passed through the gates to Spaceport USA.
Residents and visitors alike now have the opportunity to walk through an actual-size model of NASA's space shuttle orbiter, located alongside the rocket garden at the visitor center.

Numbered "heat-resistant tiles" shield the underside of the display orbiter's wings and fuselage, creating a shady entrance to the craft itself.

The working, silicon-based version of these "display" tiles has been designed to withstand temperatures of up to 1,260 degrees Celsius (2,300 degrees Fahrenheit). The material sheds heat so quickly that one side can be held in bare hands while the opposite side is red-hot.

A gradual staircase affords easy entry into the payload bay, and the lower section of the two-level forward cabin designed for shuttle crews of two to eight persons. The entire 60-foot long payload bay can be viewed from here, complete with a mock satellite ready for "launching" into its orbit.

The entire orbiter, with its wingspan of 78 feet and overall length of 122 feet, can weigh from 168,000 to 175,000 pounds empty. Size and weight varies slightly from one orbiter to another, depending on current design needs and specifications.

KSC will have the rented model, "Ambassador" on display through January 1993, at which time it will be relocated elsewhere.

According to Tom Blair, marketing supervisor with TW Recreational Services Inc. (the organization responsible for operations at KSC Spaceport USA), a permanent model of the orbiter will be constructed to take its place.

Easily approachable from Interstate 95, the Beeline Expressway, and U.S. 1, the NASA Parkway, just north of Cocoa, leads directly to the center's parking facility. Many features of the center are offered free of charge besides the parking facility, including at least four films and live demonstrations, an art gallery, outdoor exhibits, student activities, event schedules, a 140,000-acre wildlife exhibit, and a live "spaceman," available for photo opportunities.

An indoor museum gives the visitor a chance to touch a section of track used on the monstrous 6 million-pound crawler that transports spacecraft from the assembly building to the launch pad at a creeping one-mile-an-hour.

Also on display is an actual sample of moon rock, encased in plexiglas, sparkling under the lights.

Two hour bus tours are available with continuous departures from 9:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. The red tour visits the space shuttle launch area, and the blue tour takes its passengers to the Cape's own historic Air Force Station. Prices for adults are $7 each, and children 3 to11 years old are $4.

The IMAX Theatre features two films with posted show times, each lasting from 37 to 42 minutes. Tickets for these are $4 for adults, and $2 for children 3 to 11.

As lunchtime approaches, the crowd flocks to the "Lunch Pad," "Orbit Cafeteria," and "Snackport." A quick bite may also be had at outdoor food spots, featuring ice cream, pizza and hot dogs. Prices at all locations are moderate.

And finally, the Gift Gantry floods the shopper with multitudes of choices between photographic supplies, clothing, space food, jewelry, post cards, laser prints and more.
Spaceport USA is open from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., every day except Christmas. Hours are subject to change due to Space Shuttle launch and landing operations.

Cameras and wheelchairs are available for use on the grounds, free of charge, and kennels are located at the main building's east end for the family pet at no cost as well.
Further information may be gained by calling the center at (407) 452-2121.

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BL Corcoran