2009 U.S. Space and Rocket Center

Had a chance this past weekend to get out to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center / Space Camp (http://www.spacecamp.com/) and see what's new with the museum. Author Kimberly Richardson (Tales from a Goth Librarian) was in town and I was fortunate enough to join her for a pilgrimage and all around space geek-out.

It's been a bit over a year now since the Davidson wing housing the Saturn 5 rocket opened, and the USSRC has added quit a bit to the new space. Was great to see everything from mock-ups of the new Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle to a Darth Vader replica costume from The Empire Strikes Back. Also good to know that the new Star Trek movie will be playing on the Imax screen at the space center, as well as the theatres around town. This continues the trend of regular movies like The Dark Knight, Star Wars Episode 2, etc, using the dome screen.

The Orange County Choppers Liberty Bike (made of scrap copper from the Statue of Liberty) was no longer on display, however, the Mir Baseblock exhibit was still around. There were a couple new additions like the Moon Buggy Simulator and large black curtains with fiber optic lights or LEDs near the Space Camp training floor.

For those that didn't already know, the space center is home to some flat rides and amusement park attractions:

• IMAX dome theatre
• 3-D theatre
• Space Shot - S&S Shot Tower
• G-Force - Gravitron
• Energy Depletion Zone - Space themed Soft Play playground with frog hopper for the younglings.
• Mars Mission - Motion Simulator similar to Star Tours
• Mars Climbing Wall

Some new gift shop swag this year, most notable new magnets with the space shuttle on them. Also some 3-D space shuttle and astronaut in an MMU magnets. Either a monkey or lemur in a space suit plushies were everywhere. Best swag was the astronaut or alien souvenir tall cup over in the food court. I got the astronaut filled with cherry Icee and a shrimp basket with fries for about $12. As you can see, I believe tasteful souvenirs and healthy eating.

Like my trip last year with my buddy Jake, Kimberly made for equally entertaining company and I was delighted to have her along for the ride. Was there any major Sci-Fi movie in the past couple decades we DIDN'T reference? Star Wars, Star Trek, Demolition Man, Robocop, and 2001 were just a few examples.

All in all, it was another great visit despite the heavy rains that moved in during the afternoon. Most happy to have the company, and it definitely made the day more enjoyable.