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  KSC Visitor Complex: Space Shuttle Atlantis (Page 2)

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Author Topic:   KSC Visitor Complex: Space Shuttle Atlantis
dabolton
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posted 11-16-2012 10:26 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for dabolton     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I love seeing the rigging underneath that will be used to lift her up; she is already quite high off the floor.

GACspaceguy
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posted 11-24-2012 12:44 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for GACspaceguy   Click Here to Email GACspaceguy     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Here is a shot of the roll over from the KSC viewing site. They had us just across the ditch from the road and it was a perfect view. What a grand ship and a great event.

I wish I had know the next day you could go inside the building, I did however drive back the next weekend to see her in her new home under construction.

I have also included a photo showing the final home of the "bennie cap," albeit covered up.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 11-30-2012 09:46 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
collectSPACE
Angling Atlantis: Space shuttle raised and tilted for public display

The countdown to space shuttle Atlantis opening on public display has moved into a "hold" — three stories off the ground. But rather than the clock ticking down T-minus 4, 3, 2, 1 seconds, the shuttle itself was ticked down to an angle of 43.21 degrees.

Workers at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida shrink-wrapped, lifted and then on Monday (Nov. 26), slowly and carefully tilted the 152,700 pound (69,300 kilogram) retired spacecraft, such that they placed Atlantis at an angle only previously seen when it was in space.

SpaceAngel
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posted 12-01-2012 01:04 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SpaceAngel   Click Here to Email SpaceAngel     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
OMG! That must have been some serious stuff to tilt "Atlantis".

MrSpace86
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posted 12-01-2012 01:31 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for MrSpace86   Click Here to Email MrSpace86     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
This display will make the Udvar-Hazy display look boring! I can't wait till this is complete and opened to the public!

GACspaceguy
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posted 12-02-2012 05:17 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for GACspaceguy   Click Here to Email GACspaceguy     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by MrSpace86:
This display will make the Udvar-Hazy display look boring!

I have to say that each new display has its own special feeling. While I can understand that you would consider the Discovery display boring it has features the other will not. I think it is wonderful that each vehicle is being displayed in a different flight configuration and that it will be a treat to see each one.

When I went and saw Discovery, for me it was great, set down on the gear in the landing mode and here I am doing the same walk around the astronauts would (except for getting underneath the vehicle, which is understandable considering the crowds of people the Smithsonian command). Also, as the engineer in me, getting to see the gear, and the mechs that goes with it, was an added bonus and something that I find greatly interesting.

My only concern with the KSC display is the cost associated to go and see the display. While there is a ton of things to see and do at the Space Center, if you have a family of four you are looking at $186 just to get into the facility (that is if they are small children, if older, it would be $210). I know of a couple of families I have talked to recently that where going on a vacation to Florida with the thought of doing KSC only to bypass it due to cost, a real shame for their youngsters.

I am looking forward to the grand opening in July, with great anticipation.

dabolton
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posted 12-02-2012 01:15 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for dabolton     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Is this the final support structure to hold Atlantis up? I have to say I'm a little surprised it is so bulky. I was just at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago and the 700-ton U-505 submarine is supported with much more discrete posts.

I just looked back at the artists rendering and they do show the posts so this must be a temporary structure.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 12-02-2012 01:24 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
The artist's rendering was just a concept; it does not reflect the final display. The beams in place now are the final support structure.

That said, the underside frame structure and struts supporting the steel beams will be removed. The beams themselves will also be trimmed such that they do not extend beyond the orbiter's body and wings.

Zach121k
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From: Fenton, Missouri, USA
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posted 02-07-2013 10:00 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Zach121k   Click Here to Email Zach121k     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I have not been able to find any photos or progress on the Atlantis facility. Anyone who has recently been to the KSC or knows of the current status of the construction? Please let me know.

We are planning a trip down in July for the grand opening as well. And I would like to know if construction of the complex is on track, and if it still matches the concept artwork. Thank you.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 02-07-2013 10:08 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Construction remains on schedule for a July opening (the exact date has yet to be announced).

You can see daily images of the internal construction progress here, courtesy a webcam view on the Visitor Complex's website.

They are also publishing updates on Facebook. Their latest status was shared on Feb. 6 (yesterday):

The new home for space shuttle Atlantis is taking shape inside and out. The color panels of the orange "swish," representing the shuttle's fiery re-entry into earth's atmosphere, are being installed and have a beautiful glimmer, especially in sunlight. Black and gray shapes across the building's exterior surface are being added, reminiscent of the black and grey tiles covering the bottom of the orbiter.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 02-21-2013 12:05 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
collectSPACE
'Space Shuttle Atlantis' exhibit gains logo, official opening date

NASA's final space shuttle to return from Earth orbit will be exhibited to the public in a facility that bears simply the retired orbiter's name, the Florida visitor center that has been entrusted with space shuttle Atlantis' display announced on Thursday (Feb. 21).

NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida also revealed the logo for its new 90,000 square-foot, $100 million "Space Shuttle Atlantis" exhibit, which will be used on monument signage at the entrance and on a variety of retail merchandise, marketing and promotional materials when the building opens to the public on June 29.

"Although the ["Space Shuttle Atlantis"] multimillion-dollar interactive exhibit encompasses much, much more than the display of Atlantis, there is no denying, she is truly the star of the show," Bill Moore, chief operating officer of the visitor complex, said.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 03-06-2013 07:39 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
collectSPACE
Space shuttle Atlantis under wraps as exhibit's boosters begin to rise

With just about four months remaining before its public debut, the "Space Shuttle Atlantis" exhibit at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida is taking shape — both inside and out....

collectSPACE recently has the chance to tour the construction site, where even in its still-under-wraps condition, the space shuttle Atlantis is an impressive sight, as the following photos capture.

SpaceAngel
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posted 03-06-2013 09:33 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for SpaceAngel   Click Here to Email SpaceAngel     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
As seen in the drawing, will there two blue support beams to hold Atlantis?

Robert Pearlman
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posted 03-06-2013 09:41 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
The beams seen in the photos are Atlantis' permanent pedestals. They will be painted (if I recall correctly, black) but they are in their final configuration.

dabolton
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posted 03-06-2013 10:06 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for dabolton     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
That is a one huge building; the volume is tremendous.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 03-06-2013 10:41 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Indeed, it is. It is not too large that Atlantis seems small — to the contrary, its size is jaw-dropping in this setting — but there is plenty of room for the 60 other exhibits that are going to be installed, including the full-size Hubble Space Telescope.

Here is the opening through which the Hubble will span the two floors:

The area around the Hubble will be a amphitheater dedicated to telling the story of the orbiting observatory.

Speaking of theaters, you're only seeing in these photos the main gallery of the building. Before reaching Atlantis, guests will pass through two theaters with pre-shows providing context for the space shuttle program and its history.

The Shuttle Launch Experience is now integrated into the building as well — exiting the simulator you'll be deposited on the ground floor of the Atlantis gallery. And a new dedicated gift shop is positioned before the exit.

JSC01
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posted 03-06-2013 01:46 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for JSC01     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Appreciate the photo-preview. 'Jaw dropping' is the right choice of words... all I can say is... Wow!

Greggy_D
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posted 03-07-2013 09:56 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Greggy_D   Click Here to Email Greggy_D     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
What guarantees were made in regard to the shrink-wrap not damaging Atlantis? We all know how delicate those silica tiles are.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 03-07-2013 10:16 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
The wrap itself is not stretched taught enough to damage the vehicle. It is only meant as a cover from the dust thrown up in the air (of which there is quite a bit).

Robert Pearlman
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posted 03-22-2013 10:15 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has added the name "Atlantis" and American flag to the exterior of the "Space Shuttle Atlantis" exhibit scheduled to open June 29, 2013.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 04-11-2013 01:39 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
The build-up of the solid rocket booster segments at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit is moving along. (NASA)

Robert Pearlman
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posted 04-11-2013 03:14 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Additional photos and video courtesy Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex:
Today, using a 200-foot-tall crane, the Atlantis construction crew successfully installed lower portions of two full-size, high-fidelity solid rocket boosters (SRBs) that, when vertically mated with a high-fidelity model of the external tank (ET), will form a dramatic, 184-foot-tall gateway under which visitors will pass to visit the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction opening June 29, 2013.

GoesTo11
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posted 04-11-2013 04:12 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for GoesTo11   Click Here to Email GoesTo11     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
This is really going to be a spectacular attraction...worthy of the orbiter and the programs's accomplishments. I'm also amazed it's coming together so quickly; I was dubious at first. Glad to be proven wrong.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 04-12-2013 08:39 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
collectSPACE
Replica rocket boosters rising over Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit

Thirty-two years after NASA's first pair of solid rocket boosters (SRBs) launched the space shuttle's maiden mission, a set of the tall twin rockets has again begun rising over Florida's Cape Canaveral horizon. This time however, the towering rockets are serving as the launch pad for visitors touring the retired space shuttle Atlantis.

On Wednesday (April 11), a 200-foot-tall (61 meters) crane continued the erection of two full-size, high-fidelity solid rocket booster replicas, which when vertically mated with a full scale model of an external tank (ET), will form the dramatic, 184-foot-tall (56 meters) gateway to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex's new home for the space shuttle Atlantis.

JSC01
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posted 04-12-2013 10:48 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for JSC01     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
This may be incredibly naive, but since all the SRBs fell into the ocean and were recovered and reused, where are all the 'real' SRBs? Are they suitable for display in a rocket-garden setting?

Hart Sastrowardoyo
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posted 04-12-2013 11:36 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Hart Sastrowardoyo   Click Here to Email Hart Sastrowardoyo     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
All except two sets were recovered and reused: STS-4 and 51L.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 04-12-2013 11:49 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
The flown segments are being kept in flight-ready condition at ATK in Utah for use with the Space Launch System and the company's own Liberty launch vehicle.

MrSpace86
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posted 04-12-2013 01:02 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for MrSpace86   Click Here to Email MrSpace86     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
And critics said the Space Shuttle was not reusable

I agree with everyone though that is quite the display. Both this and the Saturn V center they have are insane. Are there plans to display Shuttle memorabilia around it, similar to Endeavour?

Robert Pearlman
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posted 04-12-2013 04:05 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by MrSpace86:
Are there plans to display Shuttle memorabilia around it, similar to Endeavour?
There will be more than 60 related exhibits surrounding Atlantis, including the gaseous oxygen arm ("beanie cap") from Pad 39B, a full-scale, high-fidelity replica of the Hubble Space Telescope and numerous other artifacts from Atlantis' 33-mission history.

SpaceDust
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posted 04-25-2013 12:42 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SpaceDust     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Looks like Atlantis is getting unwrapped today.

p51
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posted 04-25-2013 05:55 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for p51   Click Here to Email p51     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
If there was ever a place where one of the swing arms would look at home, it would be here. Such a shame they can't incorporate one into the display somehow...

Robert Pearlman
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posted 04-25-2013 06:07 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
The gaseous oxygen vent arm ("beanie cap") from Launch Pad 39B is part of the exhibit (photo from last year, soon after its installation):

Robert Pearlman
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posted 04-25-2013 07:18 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
collectSPACE
Revealing Atlantis: Shrink-wrapped space shuttle uncovered for display

How do you un-shrink-wrap a space shuttle?

As workers at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex learned Thursday (April 25), very slowly and very carefully.

NASA's retired space shuttle Atlantis, which since November has been covered in 16,000 square feet (1,486 square meters) of white plastic was partially revealed Thursday at the Florida spaceport's visitor center. The planned day-long process to unwrap the orbiter stretched into two — work will pick up again Friday morning — and required cherry pickers, vacuum cleaners, box cutters and patience.

"This is the very first step in unveiling Atlantis," said Tim Macy, director of project development and construction for Delaware North Parks and Resorts, which runs the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for NASA. "She has been in a plastic 16-millimeter-thick cocoon."

Hart Sastrowardoyo
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posted 04-25-2013 07:31 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Hart Sastrowardoyo   Click Here to Email Hart Sastrowardoyo     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Will the covers over the windows be removed? If so, and depending on the viewers angle, might be nice to illuminate the aft deck so people can look down into the overhead windows....

Robert Pearlman
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posted 04-25-2013 07:43 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
The window covers will be removed, but the interior of the crew cabin will not be lit. Adding any such interior lighting requires they also install a fire suppression system.

onesmallstep
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posted 04-26-2013 11:36 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for onesmallstep   Click Here to Email onesmallstep     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Perhaps they can have an interactive feature like Google Streets to show a 360-degree view of the flight deck and crew cabin areas as those will be out of sight, unlike the cargo bay. Call it Google Shuttle

Robert Pearlman
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posted 04-26-2013 11:45 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
There will indeed be an immersive and interactive experience to let visitors explore the flight deck (virtually).

Robert Pearlman
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posted 04-26-2013 01:32 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
collectSPACE
Atlantis exposed: Space shuttle now fully unwrapped for NASA exhibit

Space shuttle Atlantis is ready for its spotlight — well, almost.

The retired NASA orbiter, which is set to go on public display June 29 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, was fully revealed Friday (April 26) after workers spent two days peeling off its protective shrink-wrap cover of the past five months.

"It looks fantastic," Tim Macy, director of project development and construction for Delaware North Parks and Resorts, which runs the visitor complex for NASA, said after seeing Atlantis unwrapped. "It looks better than I thought it was going to look."

"It looks completely different with the plastic on it than the plastic off," Macy told collectSPACE.com. "But this is the way it is supposed to look. It looks so much like the [exhibit's conceptual] drawings."

Ronpur
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posted 04-26-2013 05:06 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Ronpur   Click Here to Email Ronpur     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
This is gonna be amazing!!

Robert Pearlman
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posted 04-27-2013 07:11 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
NASA photographer Cory Huston captured some great shots of the fully unwrapped Atlantis from the building's catwalk and first floor.


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