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.