Space Center, Houston

Another check off of our "Things to do while living in Houston" list this past weekend. On Saturday we ventured to the Johnson Space Center. We weren't really sure what to expect but we had a great time and learned a lot! Those who know Glenn know that he loves to know a lot about a lot of different things. He and I both added a lot of random facts to our brains this weekend.
For instance: Did you know that as astronauts bodies are adjusting to being in space their spines expand anywhere from two and a half to four inches in the first 48 hours? Well they do.

Did you know that the space station is orbiting the earth so fast that they complete a rotation every 90 minutes? That means they see 16 sunrises and 16 sunsets every day.

Did you know that during a mission only one person in mission control can speak to the crew in space? That person's job is called CAPCOM (capsule communication) and that person is always an astronaut. Just to make things easier.

Yep, lots of random facts were accumulated.

I really enjoy seeing "stuff". The artifacts that they have there were super cool. They have original Apollo and Mercury capsules, they're TINY. I was claustrophobic just looking at them. They have a lot of moon sand and rocks, space boots, gloves, helmets, and other fun stuff worn by people such as John Glenn and Neil Armstrong. It was neat.

I think our favorite part may have been seeing this HUGE Saturn V rocket. It's the same rocket model used in all of the Apollo missions. It's just a left over one that they built but didn't have the money to use it in a mission so here it is. Amazing how much it takes to put one of these monsters together and how many things have to be working just perfectly to make a successful flight.

Me, at the "butt" of the beast. Seriously, can you believe the size of this thing?

Glenn and little man looking at where one section connects to another and wondering, "Do you think we can build one of these at home?"Little Tate was a trooper even though he was super tired all day.
They had flight simulators where you could try to land the space shuttle or dock with the space station. Glenn had to try of course. He did much better than I would have. Interesting how boys seems to have a 6th sense for these things.

They have themed exhibits that change from time to time in the middle of the space center and right now there's an exhibit all about George Lucas and his movies. There were original notes of his from the Star Wars films from screenings and notes on original scripts too and fun "stuff" from Indiana Jones, Star Wars, and Willow. Here I am with some of the helmets from Willow. Oh the memories.

Very cool place. Check.