posted 06-15-2002 11:42 AM               

Truth be told, I had a few more ideas when I made my initial post but decided to hold them back until I knew I was at least on the right track. As it appears I was, let's discuss a few more details.

Location

There are of course, the usual suspects: the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC; Kennedy Space Center Visitor's Complex in Florida; Space Center Houston in Texas; etc..

Wouldn't it be nice however, to go somewhere very few of us have been before? So, I started to think of locations where unless you had a reason to go, you were most likely to have not visited.

For me, the choice was obvious: the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center in Hutchinson, KS. The nation's second largest space museum (with a space collection that rivals the Air and Space), it was also the facility responsible for the restoration of the Apollo 13 Command Module "Odyssey" and Gus Grissom's Liberty Bell 7, not to mention the prop house for "Apollo 13" and "From the Earth to the Moon."

Had the Cosmosphere not been in such an out-of-the-way location, I am sure each and every one of us would have been there by now -- but its in Kansas.

I've spoken with the Cosmosphere, and they were very open to the idea of a collector's gathering. The Cosmosphere also has several astronaut "friends" who might be encouraged to make an appearance.

Furthermore, Johnson Space Center is only a quick (and relatively inexpensive) plane trip away -- and if there was enough interest, we could possibly arrange a subsequent VIP tour of the center...

So, what do you think?

(Let's tackle that and then I'll introduce the next detail...)

posted 06-15-2002 12:29 PM               

From The Last Frontier.........

posted 06-15-2002 02:48 PM               

A VIP tour of JSC is very enticing, as is meeting current astros. Don't forget that lots of retired astros still live in the Houston area...

Airfare and hotel rooms would be pretty cheap.

Anyone can go to the Cosmosphere any day, but to get a VIP tour of JSC is rare.

posted 06-15-2002 03:01 PM               

From The Last Frontier..........

Mike

posted 06-15-2002 03:05 PM               

I have been to the Cosmosphere and I would go back again in a minute. The JSC trip would be a great bonus.

The Cosmosphere has Cernan's collection which includes the fender from the LRV.

Is there a chance that we can use the space camp facilities that are on the second floor?
They include a centrafuge, CM and shuttle mockups.

This is a great idea.

posted 06-15-2002 03:08 PM               

Being in the middle of the country makes it a little cheaper on air fare versus going cross country. Plus, the side trip to JSC would be nice.

------------------
Warm Regards

Douglas Henry

posted 06-15-2002 03:54 PM               

What a great idea this is. I am very excited about the possibilities. I would prefer to have the first such event at JSC and then visit other related facilities in future gatherings. Thanks again for the great idea!

posted 06-15-2002 05:21 PM               

I'm for either of those, as I have family who live in Florida I now generally go there twice a year for a couple of weeks - but it's great to have a reason to visit a new place. Although if this becomes a regular occurance a VIP trip of KSC and the cape would be an idea for the future.

Do you have an idea of when this might be, as flight (and room) costs are usually higher during vacation time. Although both places suggested aren't usually on the tip of people's tongues as where to spend your hols! *g* Also although I know the whole of the states is air conditioned I understand that the height of summer in Houston pretty uncomfortable.

BTW for those thinking of coming from the UK and just did a quick scan for the end of sept on expedia. Unsurprisingly enough Houston's cheaper - and not only that but 2 airlines fly there direct (BA - ugh and Continental), whereas Kansas City seems to be indirect (even worse then BA) only.

It's definitely a Go here Robert.

Thanks for suggesting and organsing this.

posted 06-15-2002 06:32 PM               

Would you like my credit card number? :)

Count me in!

posted 06-15-2002 08:49 PM              

Secondly, as a member and guide as Cosmosphere, I'm awe struck at such a group coming here. Such an honor.

posted 06-18-2002 11:38 AM               

I'm in!

posted 06-30-2002 07:31 AM               

Houston, Texas
TBA - Eugene Cernan (Gemini 9, Apollo 10, Apollo 17)
Eugene Kranz (Flight Director)
Harrison Schmitt (Apollo 17)

30th Anniversary of Apollo 17 celebration
Space Center Houston

Robert,

December sounds like a good time of year to go to Houston! Maybe, you could arrange for us to buy these fine fellows lunch! ;)

Noah

posted 06-30-2002 09:30 AM               

JSC would be a great start. Actually if I don't have military duties that I have to attend I would go to this anywhere in the Continental USA.

posted 07-16-2002 01:52 PM               

can the trip be plan somewhere like Sept. to Nov.? I have a chance of free time then.

I have visited Cosmosphere 3 years ago. It is a small musuem. The average tour is 2 hours. Add on are Imax theatre and Goddard's lab.

The musuem does a have spare room where they rent it out for weeding reception. One was forming while I was there.

I Think this can be a room where we can gather.

They have a space camp for kids.

posted 07-24-2002 09:08 AM               

Any chance of doing this in at the same time of the Apollo 17 30 year gathering at JSC in December or maybe at the Novaspace Apollo 17 signing in Tucson(if it happens)? It would be nice to meet Harrison Schmitt. Just an idea.