$60 Million Launch Simulator Blasts Off In May

For those of us who can't afford the $200,000 ticket on SpaceShipTwo, NASA will soon provide another, much cheaper, alternative. Alas, visitors to the new Shuttle Launch Experience at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will remain firmly planted on Earth... but we suspect most won't mind.

Slated to open May 25, 2007, NASA says the authentic $60 million launch simulation will take visitors on their own journey with the sights, sounds and sensations of the space shuttle's voyage to Earth's orbit. Designed by a team of astronauts, NASA experts and renowned attraction designers, the Shuttle Launch Experience will take visitors from around the world through the sensations of blasting into Earth's orbit from the birthplace of US space exploration.

NASA says the simulator deploys sophisticated motion-based platforms, special effects seats and high fidelity visual and audio presentations to make the ride as convincing as possible. The attraction's technical highlights include authentic simulation of the space shuttle's launch into orbit, custom-designed motion platforms with unprecedented vertical range, high-definition audiovisual effects, and advanced seating effects to maximize the reality of the experience.

"Shuttle Launch Experience will forge a lasting impression for everyone, especially those who have ever imagined the adventure of space travel," said Daniel LeBlanc, Chief Operating Officer of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

The journey will begin with visitors entering the Shuttle Launch Simulation Facility, architecturally inspired by actual space shuttle facilities at Kennedy Space Center. As visitors rise along the gantry, astronaut testimonials set the stage for what is to come. Visitors enter the heart of shuttle operations for the pre-launch briefing, guided by veteran Shuttle Commander Charlie Bolden.

Bolden will lead the process, going step-by-step through the launch sequence. Passengers will enter the crew pod in the shuttle's cargo bay, and strap in for launch. NASA states that for the next five minutes, the pod's 44 passengers will feel, see and live the trip to 17,500 mph. 

The ride ends with a breathtaking view of Earth, seldom seen in the first person, as the "shuttle's" payload bay doors open.

FMI: www.kennedyspacecenter.com