Another introduction...

[mike_j]

Greetings,
Please allow me a moment to introduce myself as well. I'm Mike, and I'm new to the group. I'm married, have an awesome 11 month old little girl, and have a cat named Apollo (it was actually my wife that named him!).

Some of my earliest memories were of watching the Apollo moonshots - I've been a space addict ever since, reading everything I could lay my hands on, building all sorts of models, and even launching my own model rockets. My hobbies include astronomy, music, kayaking, and model-building.

I've been to KSC three times. The first was in '79 (I still recall seeing the Saturn V launch umbilical tower disassembled as the prep work for Columbia's first flight was underway), the second in February of '86, and my last trip was in March of '03. I think I enjoyed the '03 trip most, because I got to play tour guide to my wife. I have not had an opportunity to witness any large rocket launches. A few years ago, there was a NASA sponsored launch of a sounding rocket in my area (Rhode Island) to study micrometeorites. If I recall correctly, the rocket was not successfully recovered.

I think the two things that have fascinated me most about the space program have been the spirit of exploring the unknown, and all this amazing technology that we've developed. I'm always trying to learn more about both…

Thanks,
Mike

[Rick]

Mike,
Thanks very much for sharing, and joining the growing community here.

We hope you enjoy your time here. :)

[Spacenut]

Hi Mike! Welcome!! :cool:

[Andrew]

I've been to KSC three times. The first was in '79 (I still recall seeing the Saturn V launch umbilical tower disassembled as the prep work for Columbia's first flight was underway), the second in February of '86, and my last trip was in March of '03. I think I enjoyed the '03 trip most, because I got to play tour guide to my wife. I have not had an opportunity to witness any large rocket launches. A few years ago, there was a NASA sponsored launch of a sounding rocket in my area (Rhode Island) to study micrometeorites. If I recall correctly, the rocket was not successfully recovered.

Mike:

Any plans to make it down for one of the last STS launches? They are definitely worth it!

-Andrew

[mike_j]

Thanks.

As much as I'd love to see one of the STS launches in person, that doesn't really seem to be in the cards. :-( About the closest I get is to watch the video feed on NASA TV, and try to spot the shuttle (and ISS) as they pass overhead. Maybe someday I'll get luck and be able to catch a glimpse of either through my 14" telescope.

With a bit of luck, maybe the family can be down there for a crewed Ares flight...

Mike

[Rick]

Mike, where abouts do you live?

[mike_j]

Rick,

I reside in northern Rhode Island. A little too far to see a shuttle launch unless they're aiming for a polar orbit. :-)

Mike

[Rick]

Ahh.. :cool:

Yes, heh, maybe a bit too far away. Listen, if you're every going to be down in this area, feel free to let me know.

There's alot to see.

[mike_j]

Thanks, Rick.

When I made my last trip down, it was shortly after STS-107. Seeing all the flowers, cards, and well wishes at the entry to the visitors area of KSC was very moving. My wife and I took one of the tours to go out to the VAB & LC39, etc.. It's too bad that we couldn't go inside the VAB or get closer to the pad... But it was still a lot of fun to guide her around the rocket garden and explain how a lot of the hardware worked.

To me, KSC is a lot like the Air and Space museum in DC - I could easily spend weeks just exploring the place.

Mike

[Rick]

Thanks, Rick.

When I made my last trip down, it was shortly after STS-107. Seeing all the flowers, cards, and well wishes at the entry to the visitors area of KSC was very moving. My wife and I took one of the tours to go out to the VAB & LC39, etc.. It's too bad that we couldn't go inside the VAB or get closer to the pad... But it was still a lot of fun to guide her around the rocket garden and explain how a lot of the hardware worked.

To me, KSC is a lot like the Air and Space museum in DC - I could easily spend weeks just exploring the place.

Mike

Yes, that was difficult. Having been part of the process, I was involved in it personally.

One can spend hours visiting the Saturn V Center. I ponder quite a bit when I am there.