Day Four

COCOA BEACH, Fla. – As far as tours and opportunities are concerned, today has been the capstone of the week. Not only did we tour many buildings, we also got to watch part of the Space Shuttle’s trip from the Vertical Assembly Building (VAB) to the Space Launch Complex 39 A, where it will take off in a few weeks. In addition, we entered the VAB, which is one of the largest in the world.

The Space Shuttle is mounted on a Mobile Launch Pad, all of which is propelled by the Crawler. The Shuttle alone weighs 3 million lbs. without fuel, the Crawler weighs 6 million, and the Mobil Launch Pad weighs a whopping 9.25 million. Together, these three structures weigh 18.5 million lbs. in all. In spite of this enormous weight, it still manages to move at 1 mph, making the trip from the VAB to the launch complex in just under 8 hrs.

The Shuttle's slow speed suited us just fine. We took pictures with a once-in-a-lifetime background and enjoyed the opportunity.

At each facility we toured, we were amazed with the complexity and precision with which each part had been made or was being manufactured:

• At the SRB RS Facility, we watched Mr. Bob Monroe and Greg Frost test parachute straps (one of which finally snapped at 16,421 lbs.).

• At the Orbiter Processing Facility we walked underneath the Space Shuttle Atlantis while it was being repaired and inspected for its next mission.

• At the Space Shuttle Main Engine Facility (SSME), we got to see the enormous Pratt & Whitney engines up close and in detail.

• And at the Mate/Demate Device, we got to see how the Orbiter is removed from the 747 that flies it back from its landing point to Kennedy Space Center, right next to Patrick Air Force Base and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

• At the ISS Processing Facility we got to see up close many of the Space Station's future components that were being prepared for launch. Our guide for that building, Project Manager Shirish Patel, talked to us about the origin, history, and purpose of the specific components. “It’s amazing to think that this class is going to be one of the last to see Space Station hardware,” said Assistant Activity Director 1st Lt. Christina Stoddard.

• In the Flight Crew Systems Facility, Mr. Ron Woods showed us how the cargo is stored in the orbiter before launch. Each piece has a pre-determined spot, and has to be inspected, stamped and approved before it leaves the building. “We keep track of every piece of hardware and equipment the astronauts use in space,” Mr. Woods mentioned. “It’s one of the most important jobs in the space program.”

• Finally, we visited the Vertical Assembly Building. We almost were denied access because an External Tank was being staged on the floor, but luckily we were granted permission. Over 500 ft. tall, the VAB is the fifth largest building in the world in volume. The remains of the Columbia Shuttle, several External Tanks, and many other rocket components are stored in its cavernous interior. Cadet 1st Lt. Bryan Lewis walked in and said, in awe, ”What beautiful engineering.” We all agreed.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

[1] Cadet Col. Joshua Hester and Cadet Lt. Col. Josue Rivera. [2] Cadet Tech. Sgt. Matthew Anderson. [3] Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Rachel Petro. [4] Cadet Capt. Reifscheider in a spare Space Shuttle Seat.  [5] Cadets of the Air Force Space Command Familiarization Course in the Vertical Assembly Building in front of an External Tank. [6] A stunning view, from floor to roof, of the Vertical Assembly Building. (Photo #5, 1st Lt. Christina Stoddard; All others, Cadet 2nd Lt. Christian Nelson)

This evening, Mr. Ron Caswell gave a fascinating presentation on the Columbia Shuttle and Challenger Shuttle accidents. We were mesmerized; the slide show and speech were so good. “It was a very informative and involving,” said Cadet 1st Lt. Michael Chickvary. “I learned a lot about exactly how complex the search for the parts was, and how one piece of foam could destroy a Shuttle.”

The cadets are able to do and see amazing things that are nearly impossible for other organizations to access, and are enjoying the activity thoroughly.