The Fugitive. Voyager's New Summer Story 2011

Perhaps the most dangerous man in the known galaxy has escaped from a high security Telosian prison. Secured tightly in his mind is information and knowledge that could cause death to billions of intelligent life forms and the collapse of our Earth Federation.

Standing between him and the darkness of oblivion lies the crew of the USS Voyager.
Are you up to the challenge? Do you hear destiny calling?

Join us. Sign up today for one of the Space Center's Summer Camps of 2011. The EdVentures Await!

Oh the Humanity!

Hello Troops,
We are out of night light bulbs again. You'd think the world was coming to an end.

"Mr. Williamson, do we have any bulbs for the red rotating lights," a supervisor asked me as I sat at my desk a few minutes ago.

"Nope we're out," I answered. His face contorted. The look seemed panicked yet resigned to fate. Probably the same look the last Roman Emperor had on his face when he heard the sounds of the German barbarians ransacking Rome under his balcony window.

"I buy those bulbs all the time, what's happening to them?" I reminded more than questioned him.

"The staff leave them on after their landing parties. It's all their fault they keep burning out. Gosh! Geez! Darn It." Other words fought to find release but he held them at bay with tightened lips.

I took pen and pop up note in hand and wrote a note to myself reminding me to buy every night light bulb in the Lindon Walmart when I pick up donuts in the morning.

"I'll buy more in the morning."

"The morning?"

"Its that time of day when that bright shiny object in the sky rises above the mountains."

"What are we suppose to do about tonight?" His face turned crimson. "I have instructions to return with bulbs in hand. If I go back without them there is no telling what they'll do to me."

I took pen and pop up note in hand and wrote a note,

"Please excusing him from the beating he surely deserves for returning empty handed, but we don't have bulbs. I'll get them in the morning. P.S. leave his fingernails attached to his fingers. That punishment is leaving stains the custodian can't get out of the carpet."

He took the note and slithered away.

Moments later my attention was drawn to the fact that our Magic Medicine (M&M's) was in short supply.

"Where are the M&M's?" a young volunteers wearing one of our doctor's smocks asked while standing rather disappointingly over the empty desk drawer where the Space Center's Magic Medicine was kept.

"We're out." I answered.

"Out?" he replied.

"Out." I answered again.

"Is there another bag somewhere?"

"We're out."

"Totally out?"

"Completely and totally out."

"Maybe there are some in the candy cabinet?"

My patience evaporated with each question. Something had to be said.

"OK, you've got me. I keep a secret stash of M&M's that I never share with anybody in a secret locker at the end of the first grade hallway. There, my secret is out. You forced it out of me. I tell you what, If you can find the locker you can keep the entire bag. Go for it."
He scampered off leaving me alone with my music and my thoughts.

And so here we are in the throws of another overnight camp. It's a whirlwind around my desk. The buzz of children neck deep in over written melodrama permeates the air with sight and sound.

How has your Friday been?

Mr. W.

Fifty Years Ago: Freedom 7 Launches First American in Space!

Freedom 7 lifts off of Pad 5.

Congratulations, America, you've had astronauts in space for fifty years!

By Mark Daymont
Space Center Educator

On May 5, 1961, astronaut Alan Shepard donned his spacesuit for a second attempt at launching into a suborbital flight over the Atlantic Ocean. Once placed in his spacecraft, there was another long hold while NASA worked to clear the flight for blast off. The long wait was excruciating for a man who'd had perhaps too many cups of coffee before putting on the suit. After all, the flight was only supposed to last 15 minutes. Finally the GO was given, the countdown resumed, and the rocket blasted off. Many thousands of onlookers watched from the roads around Cape Canaveral, and Americans and people around the world watched on television. The highest point of the launch reached an altitude of 116 miles. During the flight, Shepard was able to test the attitude controls and make observations of Earth. Coming back through re-entry, Shepard had to endure over 11 G's of force as the capsule plunged to Earth. The parachutes deployed, and the craft landed in the ocean near the Bahamas islands. The US Navy was ready to pick up Shepard and the capsule. Later inspection showed the craft is in remarkably good shape and actually could have been used again. Today, the capsule is on display at the Naval Academy. Shepard later was awarded the Distinguished Cross by President John F. Kennedy at the White House.

Suit preparation.

Entering the Cleanroom.

Preparing to board.

View of Shepard in the capsule.

Dr. Von Braun (left) and Gordon Cooper (CAPCOM) in the launch blockhouse at LC-5.

As Capsule Communicator, Cooper had direct communications link to Shepard.

Blast Off! Freedom 7 is on its way!

Shepard during the flight.

View from the capsule.

Carrier USS Lake Champlain awaiting splashdown.

SHepard hoisted aboard the rescue helicopter. Capsule below.

2nd Helicopter recovers the capsule.

Shepard on deck of the carrier.

During the quick voyage back to the Cape.

Huntsville, Alabama celebrates. The rockets were built in Huntsville.

White House celebration. Shepard receives the Distinguished Cross from President Kennedy.

50 YA: Preparing for Freedom 7

Redstone rocket with Mercury capsule at pad 6.

Fifty years ago, space enthusiasts across America were on pins and needles waiting for the first US astronaut to fly into space. We had been stunned by the record-setting firsts made by the Soviet space program, and our reputation as a technological leader was in jeopardy. Then on April 12, 1961 the Soviets shocked the world with the launch of the first human in space, Yuri Gagarin. Meanwhile, NASA stumbled with problems in the control systems and finalizing safety equipment.

Finally it was time.

Evolution of the man-rated Redstone.

NASA prepared for the launch of it's first manned flight. The Redstone rocket at Launch Complex 5 was prepared with Mercury spacecraft #7 perched on top. The Redstone would not have enough thrust to propel the capsule into orbit around the Earth. We would need the Atlas rocket for that, but it was not ready. This flight was therefore planned as a sub-orbital mission, to send a man into space, and recover the spacecraft and astronaut in the Atlantic Ocean. US Naval vessels spread out into the downrange recovery area, awaiting the launch.

But who would ride the first rocket?

Mr. Daymont,
Space Center Educator

My Monday. How was Yours?

Hello Troops,
I waited all day for the 3:00 P.M. Phoenix private mission. I was excited to see the first use of the newly installed 'transporter' door. The time was at hand. The group arrived and paid. Nate met them in the lobby, bathroomed them, and brought them in for loading.

"Step right into the transporter," he said as he opened the side door, completely bypassing the new transporter. He shut the door and came around the closet to open the sliding door to let them into the bridge.

I was glad Jon and Kyle were not at hand to see what I saw. They worked from 5:00 P.M. Saturday to 3:00 A.M. Sunday installing the dark room door. How was their dedication rewarded? Nate bypassed the new transporter and opted for the traditional way of loading a Phoenix crew. Nate chicken out :)

"Nate why didn't you load through the transporter?" I asked. He stopped and turned to face me. He looked confused, as if I'd asked him to solve a complex calculus equation.

He held his forefinger to his chin as if to prepare me for something profound. "I didn't really know how?" he said.

Now don't get me wrong, Nate is a top notch volunteer and future flight director so if he is struggling with the complexities of a turning door then perhaps there are others out there in his situation.

I'll ponder yesterday's revelation and take decisive action. Expect a three week course in the proper use of a dark room transporter door. The course will include everything from the proper loading technique, the proper spinning technique complete with instructions on how to avoid the over use of the wrist muscles - which could lead to carpel tunnel syndrome. The highlight of the course will be a lesson on making believable energizing sound effects while transporting people into a ship using nothing more than your vocal chords and a pocket wazoo.

And Now a Thought from the Imaginarium's Help Desk.

Do you ever feel frustrated with family, friends, and school. Remember, we have people on hand to take your calls right after school for 20 minutes a day. Our people have been trained in saying "That's life, so get over it" in many different soothing vocal tones. My favorite is Ocean Breeze. It's spoken with fluctuating winded words punctuated with minor breath intakes mimicking the sound of sea gulls.


And how about this pick me up.....
Have several of these cards printed and staple them to your next math assignment. Next to the card write "I'm a fish out of water. What did you expect, an A? But you should watch me text. Everyone says I'm a genius with my thumbs and creative spelling"

And finally, from the Imaginarium's "Life's Precious Moments" Department


Isn't it amazing how quickly life takes you from the "You're so precious" stage to
"Where's my smokes?
"Did I leave them at home?"
"Are they in your purse?"
"I need my smokes."
"I've got to pee and here comes the bus."

And Finally, News

Hello Troops,
Late last night while you slept, Jon Parker and Kyle Jones installed the Phoenix's new 'Transporter'. I stopped at the Center this morning to take a look. I don't know when they finished but they did a great job.

Some of you may be confused by the term 'transporter'. Transporters at the Space Center are those turning black doors you go through to enter one of the simulators. You find them in the Voyager and Odyssey. The Magellan doesn't need one because of their awesome winding hallway. The Galileo has its ramp.

A couple weeks ago I found the Phoenix's new transporter sitting in a state of disrepair on a neighbor's lawn. Its not your typical yard sale item so it caught my eye. I bought it and had Jon and Kyle bring it to the school. Kyle spent a day with it, repairing, cleaning and painting. Finding the time to install the door was the trick. The Center is always busy. The only available time was Saturday evening after the overnight camp and private missions. Kyle and Jon agreed to stay behind and work nonstop until the installation was finished. Great job guys! And once again may I remind you of the awesome people that work and volunteer at the Space Center. It's like the place is a magnet which attracts hard working, imaginative people. I'm privileged to rub shoulders with them and all the better for it.

We are always working on improvements in the Center's five simulators so be sure to sign up for one of our summer camps if you haven't done so. And don't forget the new missions starting June 1. It will be a fun and exciting summer at Space Camp!

Wait, I'm getting a telepathic message from many of you out there (who needs Twitter when you've got telepathy?) wanting me to post a few items from the Imaginarium. Get your thinking caps on and hold tightly. Here is the latest from the Land of Never Ending Dreams...

From the Imaginarium's School of Hard Knocks, A Thought for the Day.







Ever need a bit of privacy on a crowded street or school hallway to make an important call? The CellPhone Box is the answer! It easily folds flat and is always accessible in case of a Privacy Emergency (like when you get a call from your mom checking up to see if you're really at your friend's house studying but you're actually at the mall hanging out). It comes with its own large backpack carrying case guaranteed to be awkward in crowds.


How do you confuse your typically brainless junior high school student? Try this and watch the pileup at the cafeteria door.


Do you see the Cat? How about the mouse? How about the Saturn V Rocket? How about Mr. Williamson in a Superman suit? Look closely........


The real test of your character is what you do when there is no one watching.

Ever have one of those days when you feel you're on the very edge and the slightest wind will carry you over into oblivion?

Oh, and just in case you're wondering, I know for a fact and without any question that this is something I will never do in this life or the life to come..... period. I was one of those people in the control group when Murphy's Law was field tested.

Just looking at this sends my blood pressure soaring?
Be honest, are you one of those people who will go for it anyway and ends up french kissing the fountain? Double gross.


Yes, you're in a world of trouble if you ever wake up and see them at the foot of your bed. I advise you to pinch yourself to see if you're dreaming. If it is a dream, then I suggest you're spending too much time at the Space Center. If it isn't a dream, then tell them you don't know where the droids are.


Have a Great Day Troops,
Mr. W.