George W. S. Abbey Rocket Park

Above, the flight certified Saturn 5 at Rocket Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When our tour of the Astronaut Training Facility ended, we departed the tram at the George W. S. Abbey Rocket Park.

According to the Visit Houston Texas website:

George W.S. Abbey Rocket Park, formerly known as Rocket Park, is located at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC). In December 2021, JSC renamed Rocket Park after its former director, George Abbey, who began his four-decade-long NASA career during the Apollo Program.

At George W.S. Abbey Rocket Park, visitors have the pleasure of viewing four rockets that were used in NASA missions during the 1960s and 70s, including Little Joe II, Mercury-Redstone, the Gemini-Titan, and Saturn V, the tallest, heaviest and most powerful rocket ever flown. 

Mighty and massive, the 30-story tall Saturn V is perhaps the most accomplished of the four with 9 trips into outer space (six of which landed on the Moon) carrying 27 Apollo astronauts. Saturn V also launched Skylab, America’s first space station, into orbit in its final mission. In total, 13 Saturn V rockets were launched into space. When fueled and ready for launch, the rocket can weigh 6.2 million pounds. That is almost the same weight as 39 space shuttle orbiters.

There are only three Saturn V rockets on display in the world. The rocket at NASA Johnson Space Center is the only one comprised of all flight-certified hardware. The other two rockets are made of flight hardware, mock-ups and test components.

Here are some photos taken at the George W. S. Abbey Rocket Park during our visit:

 

Johnson Space Center Mission Control

Above, the Christopher C. Kraft Jr. Mission Control Center building. Whenever
 astronauts are in space, a U.S. flag flies over the center. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A highlight of my trip to Houston, Texas was to visit the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center.

It has been a focal point of the U.S. manned space program almost from the beginning. It opened in September 1963.

From Wikipedia:

The Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (JSC) is NASA's center for human spaceflight in Houston, Texas (originally named the Manned Spacecraft Center), where human spaceflight training, research, and flight control are conducted. It was renamed in honor of the late U.S. president and Texas native, Lyndon B. Johnson, by an act of the United States Senate on February 19, 1973.

JSC consists of a complex of 100 buildings constructed on 1,620 acres (660 ha) in Clear Lake. The center is home to NASA's astronaut corps, and is responsible for training astronauts from both the U.S. and its international partners. It also houses the Christopher C. Kraft Jr. Mission Control Center, which has provided the flight control function for every NASA human spaceflight since Gemini 4 (including Apollo, Skylab, Apollo–Soyuz, Space Shuttle and Artemis). It is popularly known by its radio call signs "Mission Control" and "Houston".

The original Manned Spacecraft Center grew out of the Space Task Group (STG) headed by Robert R. Gilruth that was formed to coordinate the U.S. crewed spaceflight program. The STG was based at the Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, but reported organizationally to the Goddard Space Flight Center just outside Washington, D.C. To meet the growing needs of the US human spaceflight program, plans began in 1961 to expand its staff to its own organization, and move it to a new facility. This was constructed in 1962 and 1963 on land donated by the Humble Oil company through Rice University, and officially opened its doors in September 1963. Today, JSC is one of ten major NASA field centers and the city of Houston's primary cultural footprint, earning it the official nickname "Space City" in 1967.

 

Space Shuttle Enterprise 50 Years

Above, Enterprise in its maintenance hangar at Edwards Air Force Base in 1977. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is hard to believe that the start of construction of the space shuttle test vehicle Enterprise began 50 years ago this month. 

I got to see it and stand under it in its maintenance hangar at Edwards Air Force Base in 1977.

Above, Mitch Geriminsky and I in Enterprise's maintenance hangar.

From NASA's Facebook page:

On June 4, 1974—50 years ago today—construction began on NASA's first space shuttle. Officially designated OV-101, Enterprise received its more common name after a dedicated write-in campaign by fans of the original Star Trek TV series. When Enterprise made its public debut in California on Sept. 17, 1976, several cast members from the show, as well as creator Gene Roddenberry, were on hand to attend.

Enterprise made its first independent flight on Aug. 12, 1977, released from atop a Boeing 747 to test the shuttle's approach and landing capabilities. Built to perform test flights in the atmosphere, Enterprise never reached orbit but paved the way for NASA's next generation of spacecraft. Space shuttle Columbia became the first shuttle to fly into space on April 12, 1981. 

Gordon Cooper's Mercury Trivia

 A bit of U.S. manned space flight trivia.

I remember the Mercury flight of Leroy Gordon Cooper in 1963, but I forgot that he piloted his spacecraft to reentry after a failure of the automatic flight control system.

U.S. Space Flight History posted the following on Facebook:

U.S. astronaut L. Gordon Cooper Jr. is extracted from the Faith 7 spacecraft at the conclusion of the Mercury-Atlas 9 mission on May 16, 1963. Cooper, like Wally Schirra during Mercury 8, elected to remain inside the capsule until it was hoisted aboard the recovery aircraft carrier. Mercury 9 was the last Project Mercury mission. Cooper completed 22 Earth orbits in 34 hours and piloted a manual reentry after the automatic flight control system failed. Cooper's famed piloting abilities were demonstrated as he made the most accurate landing of the entire Mercury program while hand flying his spacecraft.

Return To The Moon: First Step Today

Above, Artemis I on the launch pad (39B) this morning. 

The U.S. Space Program is the only worthwhile government program we have. This has been my contention for years.

Am I a fan of the Space Program? You bet, ever since Project Mercury.

If all goes well, the first test flight of Artemus I will take place today. It is unmanned. Right now, there is an unplanned hold due to some rocket engine issues.

From Fox 35 Orlando:

For the first time in nearly 50 years, NASA is preparing for a historic first, launching a new powerful moon rocket, the Space Launch System, on its maiden voyage. 

The last time the space agency conducted a test flight of a moon rocket was the mighty Saturn V in 1967. Two years later, a Saturn V rocket would launch the Apollo 11 mission, sending astronauts to the moon. Now, NASA is preparing to launch the SLS and Orion spacecraft from Kennedy Space Center in Florida under the Artemis program, named for Apollo's twin sister in Greek mythology.  

NASA is targeting Aug. 29 for liftoff sending the Orion spacecraft on the Artemis-1 test flight, a 42-journey orbiting the moon and back. No astronauts will be on board the test flight. However, if it goes well, four astronauts will launch on Artemis-2, orbiting the moon before the Artemis-3 moon landing in 2025.

To see how the SLS compares to the Saturn 5, go here.

UPDATE: Today's launch has been scrubbed due to a faulty hydrogen bleed test that didn't get it to the right temperature. The next availability to launch is September 2.

"Enterprise" Rollout 45 Years Ago

The following was posted yesterday on Facebook:

It is hard to believe that the rollout took place 45 years ago.

I was able to see the Enterprise up close in July 1977 when I visited Mitch Geriminsky at Edwards Air Force Base. He was stationed at Edwards and had clearance to different areas on the base. We went to the hangar where the Enterprise was kept and the photo below was taken during our visit.

The shuttle prototype got its Enterprise name from a petition drive of Star Trek fans. They actually should have waited to have an actual space shuttle be named Enterprise instead.

2024 Eclipse Vacation Ideas

Looking over the path of the 2024 solar eclipse, I noticed that its path will cross over San Antonio and Austin, Texas. It'll also cross over Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas.

Since AccuWeather says that further south during the eclipse, the weather would likely be more cooperative for eclipse viewing. After all, it will be happening in April. 

San Antonio is probably most famous for the Alamo. Since I have never been there, it would be a good place to wander around in (and see if there's a basement in the Alamo). 

Austin is the capital of Texas. As such, a visit to the state capitol building would be something to do as would be a visit to the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library and Museum. Also, west of Austin, is the LBJ Ranch.

While down in south Texas, a possible excursion to Houston could be worth a diversion. It is the home of the Johnson Space Center and Space Center Houston. Since I have been a fan of the U.S. Space Program, I would likely enjoy a visit. Houston is about 165 miles east of Austin.

Well, I do have three years from now to plan a trip. These are something to consider.

Places To Celebrate National Space Day

Above, the space shuttle Endeavour being transported to the California Science
Center through the streets of Inglewood, California in 2012. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It has been my contention over the years that the U.S. Space Program is the most worthwhile government program we have. So, if you are a fan of the Space Program like me, we're in luck!

The first Friday in May is National Space Day, where people can visit many venues celebrating the U.S. Space Program. One of them is the California Science Center in Exposition Park in Los Angeles where the space shuttle Endeavour is displayed.

Tripadvisor has a list of nine places in the U.S. where National Space Day celebrants can see actual artifacts from the Space Program.

They begin with:

You don’t have to hop in a spaceship to go intergalactic. Whether practicing your lunar landing on a flight simulator, gazing at a sky full of stars midday at the planetarium, or reliving the glory of NASA’s most important space explorations, you can reach outer space from every corner of the United States. In honor of National Space Day, here are 9 star attractions that promise out-of-this-world experiences.

To read more, go here. 

50th Anniversary of the First Moon Landing

Above, the iconic photo of Edwin Aldrin on the moon with Neil Armstrong seen reflected on his visor. NASA photo.

Today marks the half-century anniversary of the first moon landing by the crew of Apollo 11 on July 20, 1969.

The milestone by astronauts Neil Armstrong, Edwin Aldrin and Mike Collins is arguably mankind's greatest achievement. If not, it certainly ranks in the top five (or top two).

Those were exciting times. I remember them well. I have always been a fan of the U.S. Space Program. We were gathered around the television set at home watching the moonwalk live. Seeing images broadcast from the moon was quite an achievement itself.

Above, Edwin Aldrin climbing down the Lunar Module's ladder. NASA photo.

For the past week and a half, I have watched several documentaries of the mission of Apollo 11. It dawned on me that we were doing this 30 years ago during the 20th anniversary. I remember watching A & E's "Apollo 11: As It Happened", hosted by Edwin Newman with my then-two-year-old daughter Amber on my lap. It is hard to believe it has been 30 years since then.

Today, while watching the new documentaries, I get a feeling of both pride in the achievement, but also a little sense of melancholy when I think of family members who were alive in 1969 but have passed on since. Both of my parents, three of four grandparents and all my aunts, uncles and cousins were alive then. Today, both of my parents, all of my grandparents, three cousins and all aunts and uncles, except for one aunt, are no longer alive. Time has certainly taken its toll.

Above, Apollo 11 Command Module Columbia as seen from the Lunar Module Eagle. NASA photo.

I was 15 in July 1969 and attending high school in Hawthorne, California. I remember audio-taping the July 16, 1969 launch on cassette. I still have it.

As I mentioned in another blog post, a wristwatch depicting the moon landing I got at the time still worked when I wound it today.

Today is the day to savor the 50th anniversary. 

Apollo 11 Souvenirs

Above, Apollo 11 moon landing watch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since tomorrow marks the 50th Anniversary of the moon landing of Apollo 11, I did some digging in my jewelry box and found two souvenirs from that era.

First, was an Apollo moon landing wristwatch depicting the landing of the Lunar Module with the Command Module in orbit. Funny thing, after taking it out of the jewelry box and photographing it, I wound the stem a little and the darn thing still works!

Next, I found a Mission Patch of Apollo 11 by NASA. I forgot I even had it. It is in great shape, despite 50 years.

Above, the Apollo 11 mission patch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I also have books on the Apollo 11 mission and other U.S. Space Program souvenirs.

"American Experience: Chasing The Moon" Part Two

Last night, part two of "American Experience: Chasing The Moon" was shown on PBS.

It picked up where part one left off. It began with the Gemini program what trained astronauts in spacewalks, rendezvous & docking and other necessary things needed for the upcoming Apollo program.

Part two, in my view, was better than part one in that it showed more rocket footage (Gemini-Titan II and Apollo-Saturn V).

The tragedy of the flash fire in Apollo 1 in January 1967 was thoroughly covered (including the chilling last radio transmissions of the Apollo 1 crew during the fire) and its effects on fellow astronauts and their families as well as the whole NASA space program. To this day, I remember that night. It was a Friday night and my parents went to the bank and I stayed home and watched the news coverage until they came home to pick me up to go to dinner.

The silver lining of the Apollo 1 fire is that it exposed the sloppy workmanship of the space vehicles and by the time the Apollo program resumed with all the corrections and modifications, it was a far better spacecraft.

It is interesting that nobody knew what to expect when the first test launch (unmanned) of the Saturn V was made in 1967, especially the shock wave, and the fact that the Apollo 8 mission to the moon was only the second-ever launch of the Saturn V.

The country was in deep turmoil in 1968 and the Apollo 8 mission at least ended the year on a bright note.

Part three will be shown tonight.

"American Experience: Chasing The Moon" Part One

Over the years, I have always said that the U.S. Space Program is the only worthwhile government program. I still do.

As part of the commemoration this month of the fiftieth (hard to believe it's has been that long) anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, PBS is broadcasting "American Experience: Chasing The Moon". Part one was on last night. It was directed by Robert Stone.

The first part details the start of NASA, Sputnik and the selection of the first 7 Mercury astronauts. It brought back a lot of memories. As part of my Cub Scout projects, I made a scrapbook of newspaper clipping of all Mercury missions. Unfortunately, the scrapbook got trashed. How I'd love to have it now!

The PBS synopsis:

“Chasing the Moon,” a film by Robert Stone, reimagines the race to the moon for a new generation, upending much of the conventional mythology surrounding the effort. The series recasts the Space Age as a fascinating stew of scientific innovation, political calculation, media spectacle, visionary impulses and personal drama. Utilizing a visual feast of previously overlooked and lost archival material — much of which has never before been seen by the public — the film features a diverse cast of characters who played key roles in these historic events. Among those included are astronauts Buzz Aldrin, Frank Borman and Bill Anders; Sergei Khrushchev, son of the former Soviet premier and a leading Soviet rocket engineer; Poppy Northcutt, a 25-year old “mathematics whiz” who gained worldwide attention as the first woman to serve in the all-male bastion of NASA’s Mission Control; and Ed Dwight, the Air Force pilot selected by the Kennedy administration to train as America’s first black astronaut.

My only quibbles about the first part was the lack of good Mercury-Redstone and Mercury-Atlas launch footage. I know there's some great footage available (they were used in the movie, The Right Stuff).  And, another quibble, the "screw job" of America's almost first black astronaut, Ed Dwight by Southern Democrats (they were in charge of the space program's purse strings in congress). They hint at it, but don't come right out and say it. Ever wonder why most of the space program's facilities are in the Deep South? At least that was pointed out.

It did cover well the heady times of the early space program and how it captured the imaginations of Americans.

Tonight, part two of "Chasing The Moon" will be broadcast. Part three will be broadcast tomorrow night.

To read about "American Experience: Chasing The Moon", go here.

Apollo 1 Crew Remembered

Above, Gus Grissom, Ed White and Roger Chaffee.

While it does seem like 50 years ago, it also seems unreal at the same time as I still remember the news bulletins on television. My parents went to the bank and I stayed home to watch the news.

Tomorrow marks the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 1 launch pad fire that took the lives of astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White and Roger Chaffee.

The anniversary was commemorated today by family members of the astronauts.

According to The Japan Times:

CAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA – Moonwalkers and dozens of others who took part in NASA’s Apollo program are paying tribute to the three astronauts killed in a fire 50 years ago. 

On the eve of the Apollo 1 anniversary, hundreds gathered at Florida’s Kennedy Space Center on Thursday to honor Gus Grissom, Ed White and Roger Chaffee. They died at the launchpad, inside their burning spacecraft, on Jan. 27, 1967.

There is also an exhibit on the Apollo 1 fire that is set to open tomorrow.

To read more, go here. 

John Glenn

Above, President Kennedy and Glenn examine Glenn's Mercury capsule following his orbital mission.

There were seven men chosen to be America's first astronauts. They were called "The Original Seven". Now they are all gone.

The Columbus Dispatch reported:

His legend is otherworldly and now, at age 95, so is John Glenn. 

An authentic hero and genuine American icon, Glenn died this afternoon surrounded by family at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus after a remarkably healthy life spent almost from the cradle with Annie, his beloved wife of 73 years, who survives. 

He, along with fellow aviators Orville and Wilbur Wright and moon-walker Neil Armstrong, truly made Ohio first in flight.

Glenn was a test pilot, the first American to orbit the Earth, the oldest man to fly into space (at age 77) and a U.S. Senator (he'd be considered a conservative Democrat by today's standards).

He definitely had a good run.

To read more, go here.

Trump and The Space Program

Above, the shuttle Endeavour being towed in the streets of Inglewood, California in 2012. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since President Obama gutted the space shuttle program before we had a replacement vehicle to service the International Space Station, we've had to rely on the Russians to supply and man the ISS.

While I was pleased with Donald Trump's acceptance speech last night, I was disappointed that he did not mention NASA or the space program.

A few years ago, Trump Tweeted:

Since then, he has expressed that we should put our priorities onto the nation's infrastructure before spending on space. I disagree. I feel that we should be able to do both. I stand with President Kennedy's statement on space: "We mean to be a part of it. We mean to lead it!"

I have always contended that the space program was the only worthwhile government program we have. I still feel that way.

I have Tweeted to Trump that he needs to revive the space program and issue a detailed policy statement.

Shuttle Endeavour To Be Joined By Last External Fuel Tank

Above, the space shuttle Endeavour in Inglewood, California in 2012. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2012, I joined throngs of people on the streets of Inglewood, California to view the transporting of space shuttle Endeavour during the early morning hours as it made its way to the California Science Center in Exposition Park in Los Angeles.

The space shuttle has been a big draw for visitors and soon it will be joined by the last remaining external fuel tank.

The Los Angeles Times reported:

When the space shuttle Endeavour crawled through the streets of Los Angeles to the California Science Center in 2012, it was missing something: the giant external fuel tank on which it rode piggyback into space. 

There was a good reason. The external tanks, which attached to shuttles' bellies, detached and burned up in the atmosphere shortly after liftoff. Museum officials figured they'd have to settle for a fake in their exhibit. Then, last year, NASA agreed to donate the last one in existence. 

But the tank was in New Orleans and was about as tall as a 15-story building. Getting it to L.A. wouldn't be easy.

It will be interesting to see the transport of the tank as it goes through the streets as the space shuttle did. The operation to transport the shuttle was tricky enough, but the external tank is bigger and a lot more fragile. It is expected to hit the streets on May 21.

To read more, go here. 

January 28, 1986

Above, STS-51-L crew: (front row) Michael J. Smith, Dick Scobee, Ronald McNair;
(back row) Ellison Onizuka, Christa McAuliffe, Gregory Jarvis, Judith Resnik.

Thirty years ago tomorrow morning, I was at my desk at Maryland Casualty Company when my mom called me. She never called me at work before.

She called to tell me that the space shuttle Challenger exploded during launch (mission STS-51) and that all of the crew were lost. 

Above, the Challenger memorial in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

 Yes, tomorrow marks 30 years since the Challenger Disaster. I remember it like it was yesterday.

NASA To Attempt Launch of Orion Today

Above, Orion on the launch pad early this morning.

NASA will try again this morning to launch the first flight of the new Orion spacecraft from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, weather permitting.

According to Fox News:

After disruptive conditions and outside factors prompted NASA to delay the launch of the Orion space shuttle Thursday morning, the next chance for the unmanned aircraft to begin its orbit is set for 7:05 a.m. EST Friday, Dec. 5, and weather could interfere with the launch.

The launch will be carried live on NASA Television via UStream. To watch the launch, go here. 

Maiden Launch of Orion This Morning

Above, the Orion spacecraft on the pad this morning at the John F. Kennedy Space Center.

NASA's next generation spacecraft, Orion, is set to launch at 7:05 a.m. ET today from Cape Canaveral, Florida for its maiden test flight.

The flight will be unmanned and will last about four and a half hours to test its systems. It has been reported that manned flights aboard Orion will take place in about seven years from now.

The launch can be seen on NASA Television by going here.

The Orion spacecraft has been described as looking like "an Apollo capsule on steroids."

UPDATE (12/4/14):

Due to technical problems with the rocket's hydrogen and oxygen drain valve doors, they will try again tomorrow.

Japan Plans To Launch "Military Space Force," Report Says

Above, Space Battleship Yamato (2010).

There are thousands of pieces of space junk floating in orbit that threatens operating satellites and the International Space Station.

Japan is planning to launch a "military space force" to deal with this problem.

JapanToday reported:

Tokyo (AFP) —Japan is planning to launch a military space force by 2019 that would initially be tasked with protecting satellites from dangerous debris orbiting the Earth, a report said. 

The move is aimed at strengthening Japan-US cooperation in space, and comes after the countries pledged to boost joint work on monitoring space debris, Kyodo news agency said Sunday.

 To read more, go here.