Become an Astronaut for a Day
Edited by Jennifer L. Price
 At a time when the U.S. space program is receiving
unprecedented exposure for the successful Mars Rover mission and the new vision
for furthering space exploration, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is making
some news of its own with ATXSM-Astronaut Training ExperienceSM.
The facility’s most interactive guest program to date, ATX
offers participants a true taste of the space flight experience. Developed with
input from veteran NASA astronauts, the hands-on, heads-engaged day-long program
includes an orientation and mission briefing by a member of the U.S. astronaut
corps, true-to-training simulator exercises, access into rarely-seen areas of
the Kennedy Space Center and the culmination of the training: A team-oriented
Space Shuttle “mission.”
After a mission briefing by the astronaut, crew members, as
all participants are called, embark upon a variety of exercises that prepare
astronauts for the rigors of space flight, including the 1/6th gravity chair and
the multi-axis trainer.
The 1/6th gravity chair incorporates springs and pulleys to
create the true-to-life feeling of walking on the moon. For those interested in
the sensation of hurtling through space, ATX offers the MAT, or multi-axis
trainer simulator, a centrifuge-like device that randomly spins and twirls its
occupant in multiple directions and through 360º revolutions.
ATX participants receive an exclusive, behind-the-scenes
tour into the heart of Kennedy Space Center, including visits to the NASA press
site, the International Space Station Center and to an area surrounding the
Space Shuttle launch pads.
 The day concludes with the main event: A simulated Space
Shuttle mission in which participants work as a team to execute a high-earth
orbit to rendezvous, dock with and perform critical repair work on the
International Space Station. Each crew member is
assigned a specific role by program trainers (mission commander, pilot, mission
specialist, mission control officer, and so forth) and based on the assignment,
proceeds to a full-scale Space Shuttle mock-up or takes the helm in a
realistically outfitted mission control room. At the Zero-G wall, mission
specialists are outfitted with harnesses and customized weights, which allow
them to climb and descend the wall in an almost effortless state as they work on
the International Space Station.
From countdown to liftoff to mission, the intensity of the
exercise is palpable and offers a realistic look at what astronauts and mission
control achieve together every time NASA launches a manned mission. A number of
additional perks complete the ATX package including a Kennedy Space Center
Visitor Complex Commander’s Club Annual Pass, an exclusive ATX shirt, a class
photo with an astronaut, lunch and a graduation “ceremony” where participants
are presented with a diploma for successfully completing the program. Cost is
$250 per person.
Due to the program’s highly interactive nature, ATX crews
are small and advance reservations are required. ATX crew members must be 14 or
older, and some height and weight restrictions apply on select simulators. For
additional information on ATX, call Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex at
321-449-4400 or visit
www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.
About Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens at 9 a.m.
Closing times vary according to season. The Visitor Complex is open daily except
December 25 and certain launch days. Admission includes the new Shuttle Launch
Experience, Kennedy Space Center Tour, 3D IMAX® space films, Astronaut
Encounter, all exhibits, and the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®, featuring
historic spacecraft, simulator rides and the world's largest collection of
personal astronaut mementos. Admission is $38 + tax for adults and $28 + tax for
children ages 3-11. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Commander’s Club
Annual Pass is $50 + tax for adults and $35 + tax for children ages 3-11. For
more information, call 321-449-4444 or visit
www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. |
