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Author Topic:   Status of astronaut encounters at Kennedy
spaceman
Member

Posts: 1154
From: Walsall, West Midlands, UK
Registered: Dec 2002

posted 10-31-2021 03:16 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for spaceman   Click Here to Email spaceman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Does anyone know if the Astronaut Encounter or Dine With an Astronaut type events have started or are set to start at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex?

I understand that Covid-19 is still a real and present danger. Dine With an Astronaut events have been up and running at Space Center Houston for a while now. Not sure what restrictions are in place there.

Robert Pearlman
Editor

Posts: 47544
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 10-31-2021 05:03 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
With the exception of some one-off astronaut events (like a recent talk and book signing with Nicole Stott for World Space Week), the daily astronaut appearances at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex are still on hold and no date for their resumption has been announced.

When new events are scheduled, they will be listed here on the visitor complex's website.

Dhb
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Posts: 20
From: Elk, Wa., USA
Registered: Jan 2015

posted 10-31-2021 05:09 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Dhb     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I was at Kennedy all day yesterday (Oct. 30) and didn't see anything listing times for Dine with Astronauts. I have the daily schedule flyer for yesterday that I'm looking at now, and nothing is listed for Dine or even the lectures the astronauts have done in the past.

Everything else including, IMAX Theater, Mission Control movie, Rocket Garden, Atlantis Tour and 3D Presentation are all running. Nothing about the Dine with Astronauts. Bus ride to Saturn V Center is on pre-reservation only.

All in all, everything seemed normal. People are required to wear masks indoors but not outdoors. Kinda slow yesterday compared to the several other times I have been there in the past. Funny thing that we noticed however were the black birds that are congregating around the KSC Cafe. There must have been a hundred birds perched on the roof and coming down to get food from people's leftovers or spillage while sitting outside.

My wife had a bird fly at her and tried to take a chicken tender right out of her hand. There were couple of other people who were having trouble keeping the birds away from their food as well.

spaceman
Member

Posts: 1154
From: Walsall, West Midlands, UK
Registered: Dec 2002

posted 10-31-2021 06:26 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for spaceman   Click Here to Email spaceman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Thank you both for the updates. Our Florida hols have been cancelled for a third time by the holiday company. Will not be over until early New Year. Just wondered how things were shaping up.

Robert Pearlman
Editor

Posts: 47544
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 10-31-2021 08:27 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Just to explain the differences between Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and Space Center Houston: the earlier is owned by NASA and is located on federal property and therefore goes by the precautions set by the federal government. The latter is on private property and is run by a non-profit, thus can operate separately from rules governing Johnson Space Center.

MarylandSpace
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posted 12-02-2021 08:14 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for MarylandSpace   Click Here to Email MarylandSpace     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I am glad to see that the astronauts are back giving presentations at the KSC Visitor Center.

Robert Pearlman
Editor

Posts: 47544
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 12-13-2021 01:39 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex release
Chat with an Astronaut at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

New and improved astronaut experiences arrive to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex December 13

Beginning Monday, December 13, guests at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex can kick back with a cocktail and have a conversation with an astronaut through a series of new and improved astronaut experiences at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Every day, guests will have the chance to meet face-to-face with space pioneers during the new Chat With An Astronaut and the relaunched Astronaut Encounter.

"Our programs, events and attractions at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex are designed to bring our guests as close to space as possible, without ever leaving Earth," said Therrin Protze, chief operating officer, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. "Inviting astronauts to share their memorable and inspiring stories with our guests is one way we do that. There are so many experiences that are unique to us at the visitor complex, and one of the most special is the opportunity to engage directly with our national space heroes."

Chat With An Astronaut

The new Chat With An Astronaut will feature a sit down with the Astronaut of the Day in an intimate, small-group setting. The astronaut will answer guests' most-pressing questions as they all enjoy food and drinks together. Replacing the former Dine with an Astronaut program, Chat With An Astronaut will be offered twice daily at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. ET.

This add-on experience includes a continental breakfast in the morning, or chef's choice of culinary samplings in the afternoon, one alcoholic drink per adult ticket (more available for purchase), a commemorative gift and signed portrait of the astronaut. Tickets are $50 per adult, and $35 per child (in addition to daily admission; price is per person, plus tax).

This experience is indoors with social distancing practices in place. For everyone's health and safety, astronauts will not pose for photos with guests.

Astronaut Encounter

Included with admission, the beloved Astronaut Encounter presentations will return to the Universe Theater beginning December 13. During this 40-minute experience, guests have the rare opportunity to meet veteran NASA astronauts and learn about their experiences in space as commanders, pilots, and mission and payload specialists.

The December Astronauts of the Day schedule includes:

  • Don Thomas | December 13 - 14
  • Mike Baker | December 15 - 18
  • Ken Cameron | December 19 - 22
  • Norm Thagard | December 23 - 28
  • Tony Antonelli | December 29 - January 2
Bruce Melnick, veteran astronaut and director of operational excellence at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is responsible for overseeing the Astronaut Encounter program.

"The opportunity to be part of the important mission to educate the next generation of space explorers is the perfect next phase of my career," said Melnick. "I'm looking forward to sharing my passion for adventure and my experiences in space – and on Earth – with our guests as we bring exciting new programs to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex."

Melnick spent more than 300 hours in space, orbiting Earth 207 times aboard space shuttle missions in 1990 and 1992. Between 1992 and 2007 Bruce held various positions of increasing responsibility with Lockheed Martin, United Space Alliance, McDonnell Douglas and the Boeing Company. He most recently served as Vice President of The Boeing Company, Space Coast Operations Division, where he was responsible for supporting many of the programs throughout Florida, including International Space Station, space shuttle and the Delta rocket family.

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