HISTORY

From the past to the present, you will learn about all the major influences in today's space program. Briefings will be divided into six segments, scheduled to prepare trainees for their space journey.
Early Space History, Mercury Program, Gemini Program, Apollo Program, Space Stations, and Pathfinder
During these discussions, teamleaders will inform trainees of the innovators who came up with the first ideas of sending man into space, the integral role that Huntsville has played in the space program, and the journeys we have made through the years. They will start with Early Space History where trainees will learn about the people and animals that prepared the way for manned space flight. Then, they will move on to the first American manned space program, Mercury. The Gemini and Apollo programs will show the steps that were taken to land on the moon. Finally, you will end with Space Stations and Pathfinder. Here you will discuss the progress that has been made in the past thirty years and where the space program is today.

MUSEUM EXPLORATION

Trainees will not only gain great knowledge of the space program, but will also have the opportunity to see it first hand in our Smithsonian accredited museum. Original artifacts such as the Apollo 16 capsule, original spacesuits, real military aircraft, and actual rockets are displayed in the museum, Rocket Park, and at Aviation Challenge. Activities have been developed to allow trainees to see as much as possible in a fun and energetic environment.

• MUSEUM HUNT: This is a wonderful scavenger hunt. Trainees will compete to see who can gather the most facts in the museum. The winners will receive the title of "Space Buff" and can now go home to show off their newfound knowledge.

• ROCKET PARK: Our Counselors will guide trainees through a tour of actual rockets and allow trainees to see up close and personal how big a rocket it takes to send a man to space.

• IMAX®: Get an astronaut's view of the Earth as you watch two IMAX® movies on our spectacular 67-foot domed screen in the Spacedome IMAX® Theater. This screen fills your entire field of vision with an awe-inspiring, "you are there," experience

• 3-D Movie: You will get an awesome experience in our brand new 3-D Movie theater in our New Davidson Space & Exploration Center Building that now houses the newly refurbished SATURN V Rocket. It is a truly amazing new building.

HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES

Trainees will be able to participate in two activities that teach concepts about the physics of flight through hands-on activities.

• PARACHUTE BUILDING: This activity will involve Trainees building a miniature size parachute with provided materials. Trainees will be able to construct and drop miniature versions of their parachute.

• 
  ASTROTREK ACTION ROCKET REACTION: Rockets are excellent examples of physics in action. Trainees will learn about the scientific principles behind rockets. Then, they will build and launch their own air-powered rockets.

SIMULATIONS

Astronauts undergo many months, even years of simulation training before they are ever allowed to fly in space. Trainees will be allowed to experience a small dose of this in our museum and astronaut training simulators.

• Olympus Mons Mining Colony Test your strength, agility and endurance by scaling the crater of the largest volcano in the solar system. Experience what it will be like to live and work on Mars at the 25-foot-high climbing wall. Accommodating climbers of all levels, the climbing wall is fun for all ages. Minimum weight is 50 pounds and maximum weight is 300 pounds.

• Mars Simulator Hang on for a simulated ride as you join the a crew to Mars. This is an thrill simulated ride about that takes you on rollercoaster ride of Mars.

• Space Shot 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, LIFT-OFF! Space Shot is a 15-second space flight that will launch you 140 feet straight up in 2.5 seconds. Trainees will experience a real lift-off with 4G's and then become weightless for 2-3 seconds.

  **NOTE** -Must be 54" tall to ride. Space Shot cannot operate in high winds, rain or temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit

• G-Force Accelerator Understand how an astronaut feels at lift-off when you experience three times your body weight (3G's) on the G-Force Accelerator. A large room will spin to create the G forces and as the speed increases, you will actually rise up in your seat.

  **NOTE**-Must be 48" tall to ride. G-Force must close for 20 minutes for each lightening or thunder strike.

• STRANGE SCIENCE: Lively presentation, guaranteed to answer some of the more unusual questions about space and science. Includes audience interaction and ties in some of their history lessons as well.

• ASTRONAUT TRAINING SIMULATORS
  Astrotrek trainees will experience two simulators that actually assisted in training America's early Astronaut corps. Examples of two of these simulators are listed below.

  **NOTE** these simulators require closed-toe shoes that attach to the foot (no slides or flip-flops, tennis shoes, or boots are acceptable and preferable). There is a maximum weight limit of 260 lbs.**

  • 5DF Chair See and feel Newton's third law in action. This simulator was used in the Gemini, Apollo and Skylab programs and allows participants to float on a cushion of air to understand what it is like to work in space.

  • Multi-Axis Trainer What does it feel like to have your spacecraft spin out of control? You will know the answer after encountering this simulator. The MAT is based on the trainer used in the Mercury program.

PLEASE NOTE... All simulators may be cancelled or rescheduled due to safety and/or weather conditions. We are not responsible for any activities missed due to weather or technical problems. People with certain medical conditions (including, but not limited to: nausea, vertigo, epilepsy, high or low blood pressure, heart problems, claustrophobia, asthma, or pregnancy) may not be able to participate in certain simulators or the IMAX® movie.