|
Author
|
Topic: Spacefest III, June 2011, Tucson, Arizona
|
DChudwin
Member Posts: 1096
From: Lincolnshire IL USA
Registered: Aug 2000
|
posted 08-02-2010 10:24 PM
   
On the Novaspace website devoted to SpaceFest there is now a notation "Watch for SpaceFest III, Summer 2011." This is indeed good news that there will be another SpaceFest. I attended the previous two in Phoenix and San Diego and they were memorable events, with guest astronauts, scientists, and artists. The programming went way beyond just autograph shows (as enjoyable as they can be). Highlights of the last SpaceFest included a reception at the San Diego Air and Space Museum, special movie showings, a great exhibitor area and space art show, and the appearance of astronauts such as Mike Collins who rarely attend such events. It was an incredible amount of effort on the part of Kim and Sally Poor and their staff; I wondered if they would ever be brave enough to sponsor a third Spacefest. This notice on the website is a good sign. |
Gilbert
Member Posts: 1328
From: Carrollton, GA USA
Registered: Jan 2003
|
posted 08-04-2010 03:28 PM
That is great news! |
mjanovec
Member Posts: 3811
From: Midwest, USA
Registered: Jul 2005
|
posted 08-05-2010 12:13 AM
Nice to hear another Spacefest is in the works. I like the fact that Spacefest isn't just an astronaut-themed show, but also concentrates on many other space-related topics. The wider variety ultimately makes for a more interesting program. |
capoetc
Member Posts: 2169
From: McKinney TX (USA)
Registered: Aug 2005
|
posted 08-05-2010 10:11 AM
It would be great to see more of the Apollo and Shuttle era "guys in the trenches" ... the flight directors, engineers, etc, who made the programs happen. |
Spacefest
Member Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009
|
posted 08-05-2010 11:35 AM
ASF is your best bet for that. They're non-profit. |
hlbjr
Member Posts: 475
From: Delray Beach Florida USA
Registered: Mar 2006
|
posted 08-05-2010 03:54 PM
I think McDivitt prefers the Spacefest events. Looks like I'll be making Spacefest III if he (or Young) are on the list. |
AJ
Member Posts: 511
From: Plattsburgh, NY, United States
Registered: Feb 2009
|
posted 08-05-2010 04:11 PM
Ooooh yay! Spacefest was awesome and a big part of that was definitely the fantastic group of guest speakers. I can't wait!  |
Dave Clow
Member Posts: 236
From: South Pasadena, CA 91030
Registered: Nov 2003
|
posted 08-05-2010 06:30 PM
quote:
Originally posted by capoetc:
It would be great to see more of the Apollo and Shuttle era "guys in the trenches" ... the flight directors, engineers, etc, who made the programs happen.
Amen to that. |
capoetc
Member Posts: 2169
From: McKinney TX (USA)
Registered: Aug 2005
|
posted 08-05-2010 07:50 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Spacefest:
ASF is your best bet for that. They're non-profit.
An honest question here since I really don't know: Do you mean that non-astronauts won't generate enough revenue to make their attendance worthwhile? If that's the case, may I suggest a possible option: A list could be posted of possible non-astronaut guests, and collectors could "vote" by pledging to purchase an autograph, etc, ...that might help to gauge interest. (ie, 500 people say they would pay for Flight Controller X, but only 20 people say they will for Engineer Y...). Alternatively, maybe specific tickets for autographs from certain personalities could be sold in advance. If for some reason the purchaser later ends up unable to attend Spacefest, then their signed item could be mailed to them. Just some ideas, all of which would require someone to invest time and energy. Perhaps if there is any merit, volunteers could be solicited herein... |
AJ
Member Posts: 511
From: Plattsburgh, NY, United States
Registered: Feb 2009
|
posted 08-05-2010 08:37 PM
Those are good ideas, but I think an Alan Bean kissing booth is where the money really is! (I'm actually sort of serious, by the way.) |
Spacefest
Member Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009
|
posted 08-06-2010 12:21 AM
quote:
Originally posted by capoetc:
Do you mean that non-astronauts won't generate enough revenue to make their attendance worthwhile?
That's true even of some astronauts. Leonov, for example, demands to be flown first class from Moscow. That's easily $5000 round trip. quote:
A list could be posted of possible non-astronaut guests, and collectors could "vote" by pledging to purchase an autograph, etc...
Not very practical. No one gets 500 requests. quote:
Alternatively, maybe specific tickets for autographs from certain personalities could be sold in advance.
We did that with Frank Borman at Spacefest 1. About 125 requests. quote:
Perhaps if there is any merit, volunteers could be solicited herein...
Good luck. You also assume they would want to come. |
capoetc
Member Posts: 2169
From: McKinney TX (USA)
Registered: Aug 2005
|
posted 08-06-2010 07:08 AM
Geez, I guess I'll just stop making any suggestions now...  |
xlsteve
Member Posts: 391
From: Holbrook MA, USA
Registered: Jul 2008
|
posted 08-06-2010 08:09 AM
I think that Kim's just trying to point out (albeit a bit abrasively) the practical realities of your suggestions, and that they have tried some of them. |
capoetc
Member Posts: 2169
From: McKinney TX (USA)
Registered: Aug 2005
|
posted 08-06-2010 09:30 AM
quote:
Originally posted by xlsteve:
I think that Kim's just trying to point out (albeit a bit abrasively) the practical realities of your suggestions, and that they have tried some of them.
Thanks -- I figured that out, and I accept it and understand it... it was the perceived abrasiveness that led to my comment. Incidentally, I wasn't trying to suggest that anyone would receive 500 requests... it was just a number I threw out that would be bigger than the number it was compared against. I just think it is unfortunate that there have been (to my knowledge) no forums where space enthusiasts can have an opportunity to interact with more members of the team that made Mercury/Gemini/Apollo and the Shuttle program work... it's great having an opportunity to speak with Gene Kranz, Sy Liebergot, Gerry Griffin, et al, but the concept that there might be interest in other members of the team seems to get almost dismissed out of hand. Easy for me to say, though... I don't have to organize it, although I would be willing to help if there were a way to do it. I'll just assume Kim's response was written in haste. |
Spacefest
Member Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009
|
posted 08-06-2010 11:39 AM
John, I'm sorry if I came across too aggressively. I did try to get some of the guys to Spacefest 1 with no luck. Griffin, Lunney, Lee Silver, Farouk el-Baz... Never answered letters or phone calls. Kranz has arthritis in his hands, Kraft is reluctant at 88, Joe Schmidt is also 90+. We've lost a couple hundred thousand dollars at Spacefests, by being extravagant, so I have to look hard at the bottom line this time. (While maintaining the extravagance.) |
AJ
Member Posts: 511
From: Plattsburgh, NY, United States
Registered: Feb 2009
|
posted 08-06-2010 12:47 PM
Are you thinking of keeping the next event closer to home base in Arizona? I think us nerds will travel just about anywhere! And I will say that I'd be happy to help out/volunteer in whatever way possible. I mean, if I'm going to be there anyway I might as well be of some use!! |
E2M Lem Man
Member Posts: 846
From: Los Angeles CA. USA
Registered: Jan 2005
|
posted 08-06-2010 02:38 PM
I have to say that I have posted a few of the times we have had Apollo and shuttle re-unions here at the old NAA-NAR-Boeing plant here in Downey. We have been fortunate to have managers such as Dale Myers and the guys that have done the assembly and checkouts on the Apollo craft here. Other groups such as the North American "Bald Eagles" retirees also meet yearly.We are preparing for a Shuttle wrap up reunion with a date TBD. J M Busby
Aerospace Legacy Foundation |
capoetc
Member Posts: 2169
From: McKinney TX (USA)
Registered: Aug 2005
|
posted 08-06-2010 10:11 PM
Kim - Thanks for the post. I apologize for reacting too strongly as well.I certainly understand the commercial requirement for a huge event such as Spacefest. I'm looking forward to attending next summer. |
ilbasso
Member Posts: 1522
From: Greensboro, NC USA
Registered: Feb 2006
|
posted 08-07-2010 01:31 PM
Kim, my wife and I will be there, too! Spacefest in San Diego was a first-class experience and I enjoyed every minute of it! |
Rizz
Member Posts: 1208
From: Upcountry, Maui, Hawaii
Registered: Mar 2002
|
posted 08-08-2010 01:02 AM
The Hawaiians are coming.Where are we going anyway? |
GACspaceguy
Member Posts: 2476
From: Guyton, GA
Registered: Jan 2006
|
posted 08-08-2010 04:34 AM
You will have at least two Georgians there! Soon as we have the when and where we are making travel arrangements.How about Albuquerque New Mexico, then maybe Harrison Schmitt would come? |
mjanovec
Member Posts: 3811
From: Midwest, USA
Registered: Jul 2005
|
posted 08-09-2010 01:59 AM
quote:
Originally posted by GACspaceguy:
How about Albuquerque New Mexico, then maybe Harrison Schmitt would come?
If that's what it would take to attract Schmitt to one of these events, it wouldn't be a bad idea to bring the show to him. Of the three living moonwalkers who don't normally do these types of autograph appearances (Armstrong, Young, and Schmitt), he's the most likely possibility...though I suspect it's still a long shot. (From what I saw of Young at the first Spacefest, I suspect it's highly unlikely he'd ever do an in-person signing. He just looked WAY too uncomfortable around his adoring admirers.) Also, since Spacefest invites both test pilots and astronauts to be guests, one guest who I think would be terrific would be Joe Engle. Think about it...he's a famed X-15 pilot, an Apollo astronaut, an ALT test pilot, a space shuttle astronaut, a wonderful public speaker and storyteller, and an all around nice guy. Engle isn't a big fan of the money-for-autographs scene, so it might be hard to talk him into attending...but perhaps he could be lured if the money from his signing went to fund the Flight Test Historical Foundation's effort to re-locate their museum at Edwards AFB. (He has signed items to raise funds for them in the past.) |
Gilbert
Member Posts: 1328
From: Carrollton, GA USA
Registered: Jan 2003
|
posted 08-09-2010 09:24 AM
Engle would indeed be a desirable guest, although unlikely I fear. |
albatron
Member Posts: 2732
From: Stuart, Florida
Registered: Jun 2000
|
posted 08-09-2010 10:54 AM
quote:
Originally posted by mjanovec:
Also, since Spacefest invites both test pilots and astronauts to be guests, one guest who I think would be terrific would be Joe Engle.
Engle would be top notch, but I've tried. Won't happen, but I'm still plugging. |
Spacefest
Member Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009
|
posted 08-09-2010 04:04 PM
Al Halloquist has agreed to be our "Astronaut Wrangler "again at SF3, he has the credibility and easygoing temperment I lack.Yeah, Engle and Mattingly don't respond, no matter what angle we try. Schmitt tells everyone at his appearances he only signs for us, but we can't pin him down (4 years now.) Anyone here ever heard of Kirby Chambliss, the champion air racer? I will not announce new BIG guests until just before SF3 to avoid the type of Borman /McDivitt cancellations of 2007. |
DChudwin
Member Posts: 1096
From: Lincolnshire IL USA
Registered: Aug 2000
|
posted 08-13-2010 11:20 PM
Kim Poor, in a post on Facebook, announced that Spacefest III will be June 2-5, 2011 in Tucson, but that all other information will be released in November.My speculation is that Kim does not want to interfere with the ASF event happening that month.
|
Playalinda
Member Posts: 152
From: Peoria, AZ, USA
Registered: Oct 2009
|
posted 08-13-2010 11:33 PM
Great news. This way Kim does not have to travel and I don't have to travel far either. This is going to be one fantastic show.
|
mjanovec
Member Posts: 3811
From: Midwest, USA
Registered: Jul 2005
|
posted 08-14-2010 01:45 AM
I'm perfectly happy with Tucson...and look forward to visiting that area once again. I'll take any chance I can to hang around the Saguaro National Park.  |
AJ
Member Posts: 511
From: Plattsburgh, NY, United States
Registered: Feb 2009
|
posted 08-14-2010 11:43 AM
I DO have to travel, but I'm plotting ways to make it a fun trip. If I can get my boytoy to go with me (which I'm working on!), we'll either drive or take the train, as he's a devout non-flyer. I personally love the train and the route through the southwest, so I'm hoping to make it one big, grand adventure! |
DChudwin
Member Posts: 1096
From: Lincolnshire IL USA
Registered: Aug 2000
|
posted 08-14-2010 03:50 PM
I forgot to mention that Kim Poor's Facebook post about Spacefest III did reveal the hotel -- the Starr Pass Resort & Spa, a Marriott property just west of Tucson. |
Spacefest
Member Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009
|
posted 08-16-2010 12:40 AM
Mark, Starr Pass is in the shadow of Cat Back Mountain, as seen in your photo. The grounds are surrounded by a Saguaro forest. The western side of the national park is down the road. Tucson Mtn. Park surrounds the resort. |
mjanovec
Member Posts: 3811
From: Midwest, USA
Registered: Jul 2005
|
posted 08-16-2010 01:45 AM
I believe I took the previously posted photo from the entrance road to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in the early evening. I then drove into the park to watch sunset and stay to watch the moon hang over the cactus. It's a pretty magical place.  The next night I returned to watch thunderstorms roll in, which was equally as beautiful. Anyone who goes to Tucson and doesn't visit the Saguaro National Park has really missed out. (Note: The Park is split into two sections...one on each side of Tucson. I prefer the western park over the eastern one...but both are great.) |
space1
Member Posts: 853
From: Danville, Ohio
Registered: Dec 2002
|
posted 08-16-2010 05:59 AM
Stunning photos! |
paul prendergast
Member Posts: 429
From: crawley west sussex UK
Registered: Apr 2004
|
posted 08-16-2010 11:46 AM
I could not make the lat one, but I am sure going to try and make next year. I presume there will a few of us from the UK there. |
Spacefest
Member Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009
|
posted 08-16-2010 01:08 PM
What time of year were you there, Mark? |
Jay Chladek
Member Posts: 2272
From: Bellevue, NE, USA
Registered: Aug 2007
|
posted 08-16-2010 02:36 PM
Any idea on the dates for the show? Reason being is the IPMS USA Nationals (model contest) take place during the first week of August. Hopefully Spacefest won't conflict with that. Besides, I've got plans to get a 1/72 full stack model of Columbia from STS-1 done for next year and would love to display it at both Nationals AND Spacefest (in the art room).Plus I had so much fun volunteering in San Diego I would love to do so again. |
mjanovec
Member Posts: 3811
From: Midwest, USA
Registered: Jul 2005
|
posted 08-16-2010 03:38 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Spacefest:
What time of year were you there, Mark?
I was there the two days before the very first Spacefest, in August 2007. Even though Spacefest was being held in Phoenix that year, I made a special trip to Tucson just to enjoy visiting the desert again.It rained both days I was there, but they were just the brief storms that rose up in the early evening, then passed on through. I ended up taking a few hundred photos in the desert, of sunsets, night scenes, lightning strikes, rainbows over the cactus, sun rays streaking through clouds, etc. Shortly before I took the photo of the moon above the Saguaro, the border patrol stopped by to make sure I wasn't an illegal alien. My only regret that night was not having a tripod with me, so long exposures were extremely difficult. (I ended up using the roof of the rental car to hold the camera still.) Photographing lightning the following night made for an even greater adventure (and challenge)!  Any excuse to return to Tucson is welcome as far as I'm concerned. Aviation enthusiasts also have ready access to the nearby Pima Air and Space Museum, the Titan Missile Museum, AMARC, etc. Any fans of the early space program would be well advised to visit the Titan Missile Museum, as you'll see Titan II missile which is basically identical to the ones that launched the Gemini program... just with a different payload at the top. When I visited back in 2001, I also attended the Nightly Observing Program at nearby Kitt Peak Observatory. If you have any interest in astronomy, I highly recommend going there... either for the tours in the daytime or the observing in the nighttime. It's a good 80 minute drive west of Tucson, but completely worth it! |
Spacefest
Member Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009
|
posted 08-16-2010 04:09 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Jay Chladek:
Plus I had so much fun volunteering in San Diego I would love to do so again.
Jay - June 2-5 2011. You were a lifesaver last time! See above for more details. quote:
Originally posted by mjanovec:
I was there the two days before the very first Spacefest, in August 2007.
Mark, you should enjoy June, then. All the cacti are in bloom with large waxy flowers. July and August is our Monsoon season (brought to you by Monscene Susan) and we have spectacular cloud buildups, but also 60% humidity. Nighttime is magic. |
ilbasso
Member Posts: 1522
From: Greensboro, NC USA
Registered: Feb 2006
|
posted 08-17-2010 02:36 PM
The program is well-timed for nighttime observing, too. New Moon is June 1, so there will essentially be no moonlight to brighten the skies that week! |
Rob Joyner
Member Posts: 1308
From: GA, USA
Registered: Jan 2004
|
posted 08-18-2010 11:57 AM
To get off topic for just a moment, has anyone been to Tombstone? It looks like it's about a 70 mile drive from Tucson. Being an Old West buff, it's a place I've always wanted to visit. Please email me off site if you'd like to talk about your visit there.Thanks! |
advertisement