posted 06-20-2006 06:24 PM            

The whole Titan is coming down to be fully assessed for structural issues and then to be preserved, repaired or replaced. The booster itself is actually made up of two first stage sections of Titan missiles, so having a more accurate portrayal of the Titan II would be welcome to this space enthusiast.

Yesterday, work began by removing the Gemini mockup from the top of the stack. Next will come the missile stages. The hope is that at the very least the engine cluster will be preserved, with the possibility the body of the rocket will be replaced with a free standing pylon (no wires) that can withstand the weather. This work is being down now, before the hurricane season really gets into gear, to avoid any potential concerns.

posted 06-21-2006 07:15 AM               

Thanks for the great pictures and report. If the pylon would replace the wires-would the rocket "body" (hollowed out)be lowered over the pylon? Also will they do the same with the remaining displays?

posted 06-21-2006 02:01 PM            

Why not just display the vehicles horizontally . Would be better viwed that way as visitors could see the Gemini or Mercury capsule close-up.

I've been several times to the Visitor Center and whenever I've been there 'most' (not all) visitors seem to 'ignore' these items (perhaps just gazing at the base but then move on - usually to the engines or back to restaurant!

posted 06-23-2006 09:59 AM            

The pylon approach was used at the Kansas Cosmosphere http://aesp.nasa.okstate.edu/fieldguide/pages/booster/gt-kcsc.html and at the NY Hall of Science http://aesp.nasa.okstate.edu/fieldguide/pages/booster/gt-nyhos.html

See how nice those look, compared to the cabled down images? Of course, those places don't have to plan for 150 mph hurricane force winds!

The Garden sure feels different now-

Jim