The Odyssey, Galileo, and Falcon Starship Logos That Never Made it. Salute the Cassini Saturn Probe. It Ventures Into that Last Goodnight on Friday. The Imaginarium.

Hello Troops,
     I have some Christa McAuliffe Space Education Center trivia for you this afternoon.  
Many of you are familiar with the CMSEC's simulator pins currently available for purchase at the Space Center. But did you know that during the Space Center's Voyager Age (1990 - 2012) the simulator logo pins were awarded to volunteers and staff for passing that simulator's bridge and second chair positions (except the Galileo of course. It didn't have a bridge pass).  I was strict on pin enforcement. Sure, anyone could buy a simulator pin, but the privilege of wearing the pin on your ID Lanyard while at the Space Center was forbidden without that ship's bridge and second chair pass. 
     I asked Dave Daymont to put forward simulator logo designs for review and comment.  The Odyssey, Magellan, Galileo, and Phoenix Set Directors had a say in the final decisions. Some of Dave's designs went through on first glance (Voyager, Phoenix) while others went through a few changes before the Set Directors gave the green light. 
     Here are the simulator logo designs that didn't survive the vetting process.

This was Dave's first Odyssey logo.  It carried the name of the ship in both English and Greek. The lines in the background represented the many missions the simulator had done and had yet to do.  The date was the Odyssey's launch year.  

The Galileo had two rejections.  The number 5 represented the number on the side of the simulator

And Finally, the logo and pin that was never produced - The Falcon.  The Falcon was our second cafeteria ship and used only on the overnight camps.  The Galileo occupied the west side of Central Elementary's cafeteria. The Falcon ran on the eastern side. The Falcon was inside one of our Starlab Planetarium inflatable star domes.  

The Falcon's Logo - the pin that never was.

The Falcon and Crew on an Overnight Camp. Bill Schuler Flight Director

Mark Daymont Flight Directing the Falcon on another Overnight Camp

Another brave Falcon overnight crew.

The Falcon even had volunteers for the Overnight Camps. Spencer Dauwalder and Taylor Herring

Salute the Cassini Saturn Probe. It Ventures Into that Last Goodnight on Friday

     What would it look like to approach Saturn in a spaceship? One doesn't have to just imagine -- the Cassini spacecraft did just this in 2004, recording thousands of images along the way, and hundreds of thousands more since entering orbit. Some of Cassini's early images have been digitally tweaked, cropped, and compiled into the featured inspiring video which is part of a larger developing IMAX movie project named In Saturn's Rings. 

     In the concluding sequence, Saturn looms increasingly large on approach as cloudy Titan swoops below. With Saturn whirling around in the background, Cassini is next depicted flying over Mimas, with large Herschel Crater clearly visible. Saturn's majestic rings then take over the show as Cassini crosses Saturn's thin ring plane. Dark shadows of the ring appear on Saturn itself. 

     Finally, the enigmatic ice-geyser moon Enceladus appears in the distance and then is approached just as the video clip ends. 

     The Cassini spacecraft itself, low on fuel, is scheduled to end on Friday when it will be directed to approach so close to Saturn that it falls in and melts.

The Imaginarium

The Christa McAuliffe Space Education Center Unveils New Starship Simulator Logos. An Update on the Lion's Gate Center at Lakeview Academy: Cool New Features. Space News. Theater Imaginarium.

Hello Troops,
James Porter, CMSEC Director, unveiled new logos for the center's four starship simulators at Honor's Night, September 3rd.  For veteran CMSEC staff and volunteers, the old logo pins you were awarded for your passes will soon be collector's items.  Hang onto them.  

Years ago I asked Dave Daymont to design new logos for the Space Center's five starships.  His logos were used as the artwork for the simulator pins given for passes and sold in the gift shop.  Dave's pins and designs will be retired within the next few months. The new logos are a milepost in the CMSEC's long history of innovation and change.  They are an indication of the CMSEC's new look as the staff begins designing new starships for the new Central Elementary School scheduled for construction in 2019. 

Without further commentary, The Troubadour presents the CMSEC's New Logos!  

The Odyssey's new logo for the new Odyssey NCC-1995-A.  The "A" stands for the second Odyssey. The original Odyssey was demolished in 2013.

The Galileo's new logo. The simulator's exterior design is incorporated into the logo.  Goodbye to the old lightning design.  The new design honors the old by adopting the same shape. 

The Phoenix's new orange logo.  So far we have one purple, green, and now orange logo.  Again you can see how the new logo has recognizable features from the original.

The Magellan's new logo, much simpler than the original without any recognizable carry overs from the current logo. 

The Voyager Pin is in high demand. There are none to be had. The Space Center is sold out. Luckily I own a few. This was the first pin of the first simulator build in 1990. Fewer than one hundred Voyager pins were produced. If you own one, wear it proudly and let the world know you once flew or worked on the mighty USS Voyager, the flagship of them all. 

Mr. Williamson 



A Lion's Gate Center Update.  New Staff and Improvements to the Apollo and Artemis Simulators at Lakeview Academy

The Lion's Gate Center at Lakeview Academy announces its staff for the 2017 - 2018 school year.

- Nathan King:  Director

- Kendrick Gines

- Claire Dixon

- Jake Machuca

- Dan Kirkpatrick

- Katrina DeKarver

- Logan Sattler

- Parriss Rose

Todd Barnett is teaching Lakeview's Space Tech classes this year. There are three Space Tech classes this year compared to the two the school had last year, and each class has at least 28 students.

Mr. King reports the summer camp season was a success. Now the Center has transitioned into school year operations. The kindergarten - ninth grade curriculum InfiniD missions are underway.  

Improvements to the Apollo and Artemis Simulators

The Lion's Gate Center added air pressure systems to the Apollo and Artemis in multiple places. This allows them to "Decontaminate" the students and blast them with bursts of air when their ships take damage! The pressurized air has been very well-received.

The blasters in Decontamination

The Blue Box is how the air pressure blasts are controls from the Control Room. 

The air pressure system can be controlled from the Control Room and from lighted buttons on the bridge. There is a button in the Decontamination/Transporter Room which can be used to "Decontaminate" crew members as they step out of the Transporter. The air blasts out of valves aimed toward the crew. Some of the valves are intentionally easy to notice, such as the ones in Decontamination, and others have been hidden so that damages to the ship can cause unexpected bursts of air during a battle or asteroid field navigation.

Both the Apollo and Artemis have science labs (Bravo Labs) right off the Bridges.  Sinks were added to the labs this summer. Sinks mean water. Water means drinks for the crew and water for experiments conducted in the labs.

Under the leadership of Mr. Rick Veasey, Lakeview Academy Director, The Lion's Gate Center at Lakeview Academy continues to find new ways to expand the effectiveness and realism of simulator based experiential education. They are the first to use pressurized air; the first to offer 'Space Tech' classes for the school's middle schoolers; the first to institute a full K-9 integrated curriculum missions during the school day; the first to install electronic sliding doors, two in each simulator; the first with quarantined rubber glove boxes. I'm sure there are more.  The Space Center movement is about innovation, experimentation and pushing boundaries. I'm excited to see what they'll come up with next.

Congratulations to Nathan King and team for finishing a good summer camp season and having such a successful start to the new school year.  

Mr. Williamson

Space News

By Mark Daymont

Spacerubble.blogspot.com

X-37b Launches before Kennedy Gets Hit by Irma

Falcon 9 rocket with X-37b aboard launches from Kennedy Space Center. (SpaceX)

SpaceX Made a beautiful launch Thursday of their Falcon 9 rocket, this time without their Dragon resupply space capsule. In another first for the company, the US Air Force had chosen SpaceX to lift the secretive X-37b reusable winged spacecraft into orbit. Normally the Atlas V has been the rocket of choice, but now the military is looking to lower costs and prove the concept of using different boosters. 

An X-37b spacecraft on the runway after landing. Service crew gives a good indication of size. (NASA)

This was the fifth launch of an X-37b. While the Air Force does not announce which of the two spacecraft was in use, NASA Spaceflight.com reports that the Air Force alternates between the two craft, which would mean this is the third mission for the first spacecraft to fly. The Air Force also does not comment on the expected length or purpose of the mission. Fans of the X-37b will be diligently following any reports by satellite spotters of changes in orbit. 

Damage to the Vehicle Assembly Building after hurricane Matthew in 2016. (NASA)

Shortly after the launch, and then the recovery of the Falcon 9 first stage, the Kennedy Space Center, SpaceX, the Air Force, and other companies located at Cape Canaveral began shutdown and safety procedures in advance of this weekend's hit by Hurricane Irma. The hurricane is very wide and although it is set to travel up the length of the Florida west coast, the storm will reach to the other side of the state and could cause damage to structures and equipment. 

For more information on the threat levels used by NASA and the story of how the Space Center prepares for a hurricane, check out the detailed article at NASA Spaceflight.com: https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/09/ksc-cape-major-hurricane-irma/

Theater Imaginarium

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The End of Summer Space Center Honor's Night - Where the Volunteers and Staff are Celebrated. Nathan Young is Back. Space News. Theater Imaginarium.

Hello Troops,
The end of the summer camp season was celebrated at the Christa McAuliffe Space Education Center yesterday with the traditional Honor's Night; a time to celebrate the Center's volunteers and staff for their service and dedicated labor. 

Of course, I was there to cover the event for The Troubadour, the safeguard of Space Center memories for the past seventeen years. I got there early to get a good seat. Rumor had it this particular event could be sold out. I wasn't about to be regulated to the cheap seats at the back of the room or stuck sitting on the tables with Jon Parker and his band of brothers and sisters in the flight directing world.

The Honor's Night Turn Out. Numbers this big haven't been seen at an Honor's Night since the Overnight Camp Era

Lorraine Houston, Space Center 'Mom' and provider of all good things.... even after 25 years!

Mrs. Lorraine Houston was another early arrival. We had a nice long chat before the younglings arrived.  Did you know that Lorraine and I have a combined 52 years of experience at the Space Center?  We had a lot of catching up to do.  Here's another fact; Lorraine is the longest continuously serving member of the CMSEC staff? I hired her as a teacher/bridge supervisor for the Voyager in September 1992 - making this Lorraine's Silver Anniversary.  I believe a celebration is in order.  

Mr. James Porter, CMSEC Director, gavelled the proceedings to order after noticing both tubs of ice cream were decimated in the mad rush to make sundaes and root beer floats. James knows the old trick that if you're going to do a staff and volunteer 'chew out', do it after they've been sufficiently sugared. We all know a spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down, right? 

 "A Clean Ship is a Happy Ship!"  How many times has that been said at an Honor's Night and staff meeting during my tenure, Megan's tenure, and now James' tenure as Space Center Director?  Will it ever sink into the padawan's heads?  Will they ever learn to pick up after themselves?  Probably not, but it sure makes for a good lecture, and so Space Center directors will continue to deliver it - ad nauseam for many many years to come. 

The honors and awards came fast and furious after the housekeeping discussion.  I could hardly keep up with photos and notes.

Brenner and Alexis received their Odyssey pins from Odyssey Set Director Natalie Anderson. Getting a pin means you've passed off the simulator's second chair and bridge stations to Natalie's exact and demanding specifications.  I'm told Natalie is pretty cool and easy to work with.  Of course, the Odyssey is one cool ship as well.

Not to be outdone by the Odyssey, Erin Williams (Galileo Set Director) butted her way to the front of the room dragging Alexis, Brenner, and Tyler up with her for their Galileo pin.  Erin and Brenner have an annoying habit of overly praising each other.  The proceedings were delayed while they passed compliments back and forth to the annoyance of all present. 

To no surprise to anyone, Brenner was called up yet once again for his Phoenix pin and pass.  Mr. Jon Parker pinned the award to Brenner's collar.  I was fortunate to be close enough to hear Brenner whisper into Jon's ear; something I'm sure he didn't want me to hear.  
"You're next Mr. Parker," he hissed. "Your days as the assistant director are numbered. That's me you see in the rearview mirror."

The look you see on Jon's face isn't one of joy for a young apprentice; it's a look of unbelief and unsettling fear?  What has he created?

I stopped Jon for a quick photo as he headed out to get a drink to settle his nerves. His posture was bent at a noticeable angle due to the weight of the multiple honors pinned to his lanyard.  

Jon is a Space Center legend, one of the few old timers still left.  While Brenner, and those associated with this up and coming rising star, may consider Jon 'past it', there are those of us who believe Jon has the right stuff.  

Keep at it Jon. We're behind you, just not as close as Brenner at the moment.  

Mr. Porter stepped in to award the Magellan pins.  Yes, that's Brenner.  Orion, not to be outdone by someone with a definite height advantage, proudly wears his collection of pins.

These Apprentice volunteers have put in 2 years of service.

A better look at the names for Space Center history

Lindsey was the only Journeyman honored at yesterday's Honor's Night.  She just summited at 5 years.  It WAS the highlight of her day.  

Lindsey refused to sit down. She was in her element - basking in the warm adoration and applause of the crowd.  
"I wanted to thank all the little people at the Space Center who made it possible for me to shine," she explained when asked why she prolonged her time on stage.  It does them good to show appreciation for true talent.  
"Get her sat down," James mumbled to Jon.  Jon started forward but stopped. Lindsey took the hint and returned to the peanut gallery of her own free will.  

These are the Starfighter Volunteers.  They have 100 volunteer hours. What? Where's Brenner?  

And the list of Starfighters for the records.

Alexis and Tyler both received their Hitchhiker badge for over 500 hours of volunteer service.

Tyler is super happy and rightfully so. He recently returned from a vacation to Disneyworld. We briefly spoke about my favorite Disneyworld attraction - the all you can drink Sodas of the World pavilion at Epcot. I park myself at the fountains and drain the syrup tanks. Nowadays they see me coming and close Epcot for the duration of my stay. 

Mr. Porter was proud to give both Brenner (I know) and Orion the coveted rank of Blue Shirt.  "These two are super volunteers," Mr. Porter explained.  "Volunteers, go to them when you have questions because they know the answers to everything."  
This was his way of reminding the volunteers to not pester the flight directors during a mission; a time when a flight director's stress is at its highest. 

Maeson Busk was welcomed to the CMSEC family as a Galileo field trip flight director.  Maeson is one amazing dude.  In addition to his new responsibilities at the CMSEC, Maeson is the director of the Telos Discovery Space Center at Canyon Grove Academy with two ships of his own to worry about. He is a flight director at Farpoint, working with me on the USS Voyager, and he is trained to fly the Artemis and Apollo simulators at Lakeview Academy in Saratoga Springs. Talk about an all rounder!

This is the other Mason. You know him better as the CMSEC's resident Time Lord.  There could be no better tribute to this young Lord of Gallifrey than the title of Defender of the Universe - something his kind do on a routine basis.  He's traveling incognito at the moment - apparently, he's been made aware of a squadron of weeping angles, loose somewhere in Pleasant Grove,  with a pinning for the soul of a Time Lord.
 

JJ was surprised and honored to be named Lord of the Summer Votes by Mr. Porter.  Apparently, the other volunteers didn't have a chance.  The campers loved him and boy did he know how to schmooze.  I will say this about JJ, he is humble to a fault.  When asked for his secret to getting so many votes he replied, "I've learned from the best and follow all of your examples."  Everyone wanted to rush up and give him a hug, but time was short and the proceedings had to carry on.  

Russ was honored with the mini-trophy for being labeled "Pretty Lit" by a camper in a survey.  I'm not modern enough to know what that means, so I'll take a guess and remind Mr. Porter that smoking is banned on school premises.  "Smoke 'em if you got 'em," is no longer policy.  Sorry Mr. Herring (an inside joke). 

Although I doubt "Pretty Lit" has anything to do with actual smoke. Someone will need to educate me on modern vocabulary.   

Wow, Nicole VandenBos took the Top Flight Director trophy!  Nicole is cool for many reasons. She is a top summer camp Magellan flight director AND she is an awesome 4th-grade teacher in Heber, Utah.  Devin Sudweeks came in second. Natalie Anderson third, and Matt Robinson forth.  

Best summer story went to the Galileo for their mission Radio Silence.  Erin is pleased as punch. 

And the top simulator award went to the Magellan!  Ah, Voyager, we miss you and your abilities at putting all these ship's in their rightful places.....

Erin Williams wants everyone to know that Lissa got the highest summer score for a telling of the Phoenix's 5-hour mission Razor Plan. 

Welcome Back, Nathan Young!  
Nathan recently returned from an LDS mission to Panama.  He's currently attending BYU and back at the Space Center working as an all arounder in every ship. Nathan started at the CMSEC as a young volunteer in 2010 and was the Galileo's Set Director before leaving on an LDS mission.

Honor's Night is not Honor's Night without a few rounds of Honor's Night Bombardment - a trademarked, patented Space Center game.  What better way to settle long standing scores and staff/volunteer rivalries and animosities?  Put them in a circle, give them a few gym balls and let them have at it.  

It was a fun night mingling with the people I've known for years and getting to meet this new crop of talented, young volunteers.  The Space Center is thriving and always in need of help.  Come volunteer and play your part in making the CMSEC the Second Happiest Place on Earth!  

Mr. Williamson

Space News 

By Mark Daymont

spacerubble.blogspot.com

Expedition 52 Returns to Earth

Great picture of Soyuz MS-04 landing.

Alas, it was time for her to come home. Peggy Whitson left the International Space Station after 288 days, some of which was unplanned but welcome. That means she now holds the American record of 665 days in space throughout all her missions. The World record is held by Russian cosmonaut Gennady Padalka, who has currently 879 days in his name. He will have more, as he is scheduled to return to the ISS in September next year.

Preparing to close the hatch to Soyuz MS-04. L-R: Peggy Whitson, Fyodor Yurchikhin, and Jack Fischer. They undocked from ISS at 5:58 pm on Friday. Landing occurred at 11:22 pn Eastern time.

Originally, MS-04 was supposed to land with only two occupants. It had arrived at the ISS four and a half months ago, with just Yurchikhin and Fischer on board. The Russian agency Roscosmos was temporarily reducing crew members while a new space station module is under construction, due to be installed on the ISS next year. This allowed NASA to keep Peggy Whitson on board for extra time and increase the availability of slots for NASA personnel. 

Crew of ISS with flags from participating nations.

Officially, once the Soyuz undocked, Expedition 53 began under the command of NASA astronaut Commander Randy Bresnik, and crewed also by flight engineers Sergey Ryazanskiy (Roscosmos) and Paulo Nespoli (ESA). They will be on their own until more crew arrives in mid-September.

You can read more about Peggy Whitson's career in space at NASA Spaceflight.com:

https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/09/soyuz-ms-peggy-whitson-ends-record-mission/  

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