Oh Dear Oh Dear!! I didn’t realise that the time now is 5.50pm looking at the below screen!! Oh Dear we’re supposed to meet our Gray Line Tour Bus at the outside Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Carpark at 5.30pm!!

Oops!! Oops!! I hope the Bus Driver will wait for Dear & I since we’d been waiting this morning for at least 20 mins to more than half an hour for our other Tour mates while coming to the Kennedy Space Center from Orlando, & at the Us Astronaut Hall of Fame here in Merritt Island, Florida!

Just then, Dear starts walking out of the Space Shop & so now we’re both walking really quickly out of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex :

And it’s about 2 mins past 5.50pm when Dear & I arrive at the huge Carpark waiting area outside Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex – but hahah as our worst fears confirm, our Gray Line  Tour Bus is nowhere to be seen at all!!

But I never panic for a while as I believe our Bus has not arrived……….as I ask around some Tourists sitting by the side of the Carpark if they’ve seen any huge Buses before Dear & I came out – & an elderly couple tells us “No”, so Dear & I stand around continuing to wait…………….

However it starts to feel a little funny as it’s 6pm now yet our Gray Line Bus is nowhere near us…………so I ask another young man sitting by the Carpark with his Mom & he tells me that he’s seen the huge Busses just leaving mere seconds before Dear & I stepped into the Carpark!!

Haha!! Haha!! That’s IT!!! Oh SHARKS!! Oh SKARKS!! We must have missed our BUS for sure!! Oh Dear!! Oh Dear!!

Immediately I bring out my following Gray Line Sightseeing Orlando Tours Information Guide looking for the Gray Line Tour contact number to call for assistance :

I instantly ring up the Gray Line Guest Services Hotline & question the white American lady operator about our Tour Bus, & I’m told that it’s already gone from Kennedy Space Center!! And she also tells me that the Bus which has just left us was the last Bus coming & going back to Orlando!!! Haha!! Hahah what a JOKE!!! I almost wana cry!!!

Cos you see, I know very very well & most certain that that’s no other way Dear & I can get back to our Hotel in Orlando!!

OOPS!! Did I just mention Orlando!?!? YES!! Sure I did!! But this land where we’re standing on right now is Merritt Island, which is some 45mins drive from Orlando as Dear, who’s standing beside me, reminds me!!!

Oh Dear Oh Dear!! And we know that taking a Taxi back to Orlando from here will be too costly!! Oops!! What should we do!?!??!?!

Just as Dear & I are slowly filled with fear & panic, I see a Kennedy Space Center Black worker halting his Buggy nearby & looking at us helplessly, & I ask him if he knows of any public transportation like Buses going to Orlando from here!!

Hahah of course I’m just asking for the SKY cos I knew very well that there’s no such thing as public transportation Buses around here – moreover it’s past 6pm now!! And true enough, he tells me so too!!

Without hesitation, I start asking our surrounding strangers - visitors of the Kennedy Space Center who’re exiting the Center now & walking to their cars in the Carpark………..

I stop & ask a White Family man who’s just leaving the Space Center with his wife, 2 kids & elderly Mom & Dad – if they’re going towards International Drive in Orlando, & whether they could give Dear & I a ride back there as we’ve just missed our Tour Bus………..

And YES they’re indeed going that way………but he can’t take us with them cos his Car’s already packed with his whole family…………

At the same time I actually see his elderly Mom looking pretty concerned for Dear & I as his son rejects us……….

But he’s a really nice chap & pretty concerned for Dear & I as he tells me (just like the earlier KSC Black worker) – that we can always approach & count on the very good kennedy Space Center employees to help us find transportation etc…………

Just then, I see a mini Tour Bus stopping by to pick up Tourists from Kennedy Space Center, & I quickly ask the Bus operator if she could send us back to International Drive, Orlando. She then makes a phone call back to her Tour office & later tells me that it’ll cost us US$38 each!! which I almost agree to it!!

But then she can only send us to Orlando International Airport after sending the other Tourists to Palm Beach first – after which Dear & I still have to find our own way back to International Drive from Orlando International Airport!!!

No way are we doing that cos it’ll cost us a bomb & worst of all, takes up too much travelling time altogether!!

Haha all these while Dear’s actually pretty panicky & kinda becoming “listless” as he’s already too worried & too tired to think, especially since he’s just had his 4 full tiring days of SolidWorks World 2009 Conference!!

Nevertheless, guess I’ve a much stronger will & never-say-die-yet attitude in mind as I never give up & approach yet a group of young men (whom I believe are European Tourists) – for help to give Dear & I a ride back to International Drive, Orlando…………

But, other than one dude who’s really nice & friendly & says “Sorry“ to me for not being able to take us, the rest just tell me “NO!! No!! There’re already too many of us!!” as they kinda brush me off & walk past me towards their car………

And for once I take for granted that Dear & I are in Orlando without realising that Kennedy Space Center actually lies in-between Palm Beach & Orlando, & that it’s actually 45 mins drive from Orlando!! Besides, not all visitors from the Space Center might be going to Orlando at all!! 

But so lucky that all the people I ask to take a ride with, all happen to be going our same way to International Drive, Orlando - just that they can’t take us as their cars’ already full & loaded etc………

Just then, Dear walks towards me telling me that he’s actually just been approached by a private Taxi driver who’s charging us the rate of US$100 to send us back to International Drive, Orlando – hahah a hundred bucks!!!

That would have been our MOST expensive Taxi ride in our whole entire lifes!!

NO WAY are we going to spend that kind of money as we’d already paid a huge sum of way over 300 bucks for our Kennedy Space Center Tour plus transportation coming here from, & back to, Orlando!!

Just as the mini Tour Bus operator presses me if we wana take her transportation to Orlando International Airport as they’ve to leave here soon, I begin to approach another family of 3 - telling myself in my heart that this shall be my last try & that I must make it right by asking a much smaller family cos then they’ll have space for me & Dear in their car!!!

Never losing hope, I tell myself that this’s got to be a success cos this family’s about one of the last few in the pool of Visitors leaving Kennedy Space Center – & if this fails OH Dear!! there’s nobody else we can approach!!

And I believe God is keeping watch over Dear & I constantly & blessing us……….

Cos when I approach the White family & ask the Man if they’re going to International Drive in Orlando, & whether Dear & I can ride with them as we’ve just missd our Tour Bus……..cos we don wana spend another bomb on a Taxi or another Tour Bus as we’ve already spent lots on our Tour & transportation coming here to kennedy Space Center………..

To which he tells me straight away very nicely “YES!! We’re going that way but let me ask my wife first…….” & so he asks his wife who looks kinda little stern to me & asks me “Yes, it’s on our way – so what do you want!?!”

Heheh I immediately follow “Oh, can you please help us by giving us a ride there? Just Me & my hubby – can we like hitch a ride with you guys please?! Oh don worry…….we’re good people………We’re from Singapore!!” as I begin assuring her……….

And she answers “Just you & your hubby??! Two?!? Okie!!”

YES!! YES!! Thank GOD!! Thank GOD!! as Dear & I tell her & her hubby “Thank you so much Thank you so much we really appreciate your help so much!!!” as we walk towards their Car with them & their son…………

The couple’s really nice as they soon start clearing away all their stuffs at the back seats for Dear & I & we’re told to sit behind at the passenger seats in the Car, with their Son sitting right behind his Mom-driver……….guess it must be due to security reasons huh that we’re made not to sit directly behind the driver………..

Anyway, just as they’re putting their stuffs away in their Car boot which is already very loaded with their travelling bags & stuffs, the hubby-dad starts telling Dear & I that he’s never been to Singapore, but that he’s been to Asia Japan before, & stayed there for a few years cos he was from the US Navy, as he tilts his Cap which he’s wearing to show us his Navy logo…………

Very soon, we’re all seated inside the Car & leaving Kennedy Space Center to go back to Orlando -

And as the beautiful Sun sets before our eyes as we journey on out of Merritt Island………..Dear & I could hear our inner selves thanking God that everything’s alright now……….& that we’re saved & on our way back to Orlando as we keep telling each other how very lucky & so very fortunate we are to have met these good Americans…………

Riding in the Car, we soon introduce ourselves & start chatting with one another…………..

The Son is 9 years old & his name is Hunter who tells me that his parents & he live in South Carolina……..

And I was sharing with him about Dear’s Birthday at Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom where he got his free Admission Pass, & Hunter in-return tells me that his Birthday’s also coming soon at next Friday!!

Mom’s name is Amy & she turns out to be a real friendly nice woman cos a short distance away from Kennedy Space Center, she starts commenting to her hubby that they should have brought our Bags to put in the back Car boot so that Dear & I can have more space at the back seats where we’re sitting…………

Then Mom-driver gets a little lost in the highway from Kennedy Space Center & has to make a U-turn back towards Orlando, & she even apologises & tells Dear & Me “I’m sorry about the long way out & U-turn as I’m not very sure about my way & my Car’s GPS is broken down”………

How nice of her to even think of apologising to us when in actual fact she’s no obligations whatsever towards us cos Dear & I are afterall taking a free ride in her Car!! Haha Americans are really such wonderful sweet people!!!

Anyway, Dad’s name is Steve & he keeps chatting with Dear & I - entertaining both of us giving us a great sense of warmth, & making us feel none like strangers in their Car!!

Steve asks us about Singapore & we start telling him about our beautiful Garden City……….

And Steve asks what we like about America as we begin to tell him about the many beautiful places we’d been – & Me sharing with him about my first Trip to America with my parents to attend my Sister’s graduation convocation in Houston, Texas etc…………

Steve also asks what we think of the American people & whether we find them very rude as he’s heard many people commenting so – which I tell him “No, I think Americans are great!! Really very nice helpful people just like the way you guys help us so much today!!!!”

I also tell him how lucky I am to have met many nice friendly Americans these past few days touring Orlando alone without Dear……….

Steve later asks about Dear’s SolidWorks World 2009 Conference & Dear & he chat a while about it………

Then Steve tells us that now many people in the United States are jobless & that his wife & he are very fortunate that they’ve still got their jobs, & that they can still afford to take holidays…………

Amy then tells us that she heard SeaWorld Orlando is really very good & recommends that we visit it, which I tell her that we most probably can’t as we’ve already got plans for others……….

As for them, they’ll be visiting Walt Disney World Epcot & Hollywood Studios which I tell them about the MUST-watch Epcot’s Fantasmic! which is a Firworks, Laser & Water Show that’ll be on tomorrow night – only on every Friday!!

We soon chat about Kennedy Space Center with Amy telling us that Steve & Hunter love the Shuttle Launch Experience Attraction & that it was really very good!!! Too bad Dear & I miss it as I inform her ((

So very lucky for Dear & I to have met Steve, Amy & Hunter who are right now going to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, & so passing by International Drive – They ask whereabout in International Drive that Dear & I are staying so that they can send us all the way back there…………

They insist on sending us back to where we’re staying for the night, or whereabout we wana go, though I tell them that they can drop us off at any location in International Drive (as it’s a long stretch) that’s most convenient for them to later go off to Walt Disney World Resort………

Haha they make me wana cry cos I’m so very touched by their very sincere thoughtfullness as Dear & I keep thanking them & telling them how grateful we are & how much we appreciate their help while riding back to Orlando………….

Past an hour later close to 7.30pm, Dear & I are back at International Drive – just off Amy’s Car here after biding them goodbye & thanking all of them………..& I snap a pic of their Car as Amy drives off above.

Haha Dear & I have such a wonderful great time at Kennedy Space Center today roaming around & exploring, & learning the many educational aspects about Space & its history, as well as understanding the Future Space associated with Mankind, & gotten so many great Space Souvenirs too adding to my World Souvenirs Collection………

But best of all things that happen today, Dear & I are so very blessed to have met such great wonderful good Samaritans such as Amy, Steve & Hunter who’ve been such great wonderful American hosts to us!!

And what an experience Dear & I have tonight as we’ve never done anything like hitching a ride with strangers in a so faraway strange foreign land…………

Oh actually now that I recall, Dear & I almost gotten into a stranger car too once many years ago while vacationing in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia -

We were out shopping & having Dinner cum Supper in Swensen’s at this Shopping Mall till very late one night way past 11pm, & we’d no idea how to get back to our Hotel cos we saw no sights of Taxi & we’d no idea how to call to book for one!!

Then, a young Malaysian Chinese girl who happened to be near us approached us & offered to help us – saying that she was waiting for her boyfriend to pick her up & she could ask him to give us a lift back to our Hotel!!

She was really very sincere & helpful & so Dear & I couldn’t reject her as she called her boyfriend on the phone to tell him so………..

And so Dear & I waited with her for her boyfriend to come but he never appeared for quite a long time cos she said that he was caught in a heavy traffic jam……….

Then Dear & I were wondering if it’s all safe for us to go with her & her boyfriend in their Car………..cos then was the period when there were many news reports about tourists being kidnapped in cars in foreign lands etc etc………

Then suddenly Dear & I saw a few Taxis coming our way & so we decided to reject her offer of the free ride – thanked her, then got ourselves into a Taxi back to our Hotel…………..

And sometimes afterwards, Dear & I would still think & ponder about whether we’d actually be sent to our Hotel in KL safely that night, or whether we’d end up somewhere far worst off that none could imagine………..

Well, guess we’ll never know our answers………but rather that we pray that we’re always blessed with good people & non-evil stuffs especially when we’re travelling all alone far away from our families & home…………

Just like the way it all happened & turned out so well for Dear & I………..

Though innitially filled with fear & panic, we managed to meet our angels hitching a ride back from Kennedy Space Center to International Drive, Orlando – safely & soundly in good shape & great care - Thanks so much to Amy, Steve & Hunter for extending us such helpful hands when we most needed them so much…………

Thank you & May God bless you all Amy, Steve & Hunter & keep you all healthy, happy & blissful together forever…………..& hereby, I’d like to wish HUNTER a very happy fun-filled Birthday in advance!!

Now, I hope you like my short Travelling Slideshow with its attached music :

Dear & I are now looking at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Directory on our way to Rocket Garden & IMAX Theater :

We walk past the Space Shop (Souvenir Shop) but decide to visit it later………….

See the Space Capsule right in the middle of the below pic – that’s what we saw when we first entered Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex this morning :

Below pics are of the Rocket Garden & IMAX  Theater from my Kennedy Space Center English Visitor & Information Guides : 

We soon arrive at the Rocket Garden – & really eager to see the Rockets – Dear’s now standing in the Garden surrounded by actual Rockets of Mercury, Gemini & Apollo – Rockets from all eras of Space Exploration :

And cos we’ve not much time left since it’s way past 4.30pm now, Dear & I decide that we cannot afford to explore the Rocket Garden but just snap pics of it form afar :

Haha here’re my pics of very lovely Winter grasses on Merritt Island in the Sunshine State of Florida - I’ve always loved the Australian grasses & so do I about the American grasses here heheh – I think they’re beautiful & smell so lovely too!!

We pass by the following Eye on the Universe – The Hubble Space Telescope Exhibits but have to give it a miss too due to insufficient time :

Dear & I soon reach the IMAX Theater where Dear has been hoping to catch a 3D movie since we arrived at Kennedy Space Center this morning :

ECS (Environmental Control System) Space Shuttle Launch Processing Exhibits :

Haha, we’re really very lucky cos we’re just in time for the 5pm “Space Station 3D” Movie to be shown in IMAX 2 Theater :

Dear & I are now seated inside the IMAX 2 Theater wearing our 3D Glasses, waiting for the 5pm “Space Station 3D” Movie which is a 45 mins Movie narrated by Tom Cruise :

Here begins the “Space Station 3D” Movie on the gigantic 5-storey screen right before our eyes :

But of course Dear & I can’t afford to see through the whole Movie cos our Gray Line Tour Bus will be picking us up at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Carpark at 5.30pm!!

So we actually have to give it another miss & step out of the IMAX Theater after just about 10 to 15 mins cos we wana visit the Space Shop as we know from the below Kennedy Space Center Information Guides that it’s the biggest Souvenir Store at the Space Center & it’s got hundreds of items available in there : 

Well, here’s an Astronaut Autograph Club Membership Information Card that comes with the above Space Shop Information Guide that we picked up earlier from Shuttle Plaza Gifts (Souvenir Shop) – go to http://astronautscholarship.org/ should you be interested to join the Club :

We’re now entering the Space Shop :

Hahah see the GIANT NASA Astronaut Bear wearing Orange Launch/Entry Pressure Suit – I like it very much & wana get its smallest only version but upon closer look, it’s not really nice-looking & of rather poor quality which I believe is China-made :

And below are the different types of Space Food available for Astronauts of today :

The Space Food includes Freeze-Dried Ice Cream, Freeze-Dried Ice Cream Saucer & Freeze-Dried Strawberries :

Space Shop is 2-storey high & it’s the world’s largest Space Store featuring authentic NASA souvenirs & memorabilias, but Dear & I can’t even afford to go up to its 2nd level as time’s runing out & we only manage to grab the following Souvenir T-shirts -

“I Was There – Kennedy Space Center (STS-119 Discovery)” Souvenir T-shirts for Dear & Myself :

And Dear & I are so blur & in such a rush that we pick yet another same designed T-shirt as the ones we bought for Dear & his Dad at the US Astronaut Hall of Fame this morning – so we end up having 3 of the same design haha :

Here’re our Shopping Bags from Space Shop :

While Dear is queuing up to pay for our Souvenir T-shirts inside Space Shop, which is packed with people & has very long queues at all its Cashier counters, I’m out of there now – trying to snap more pics of the outside Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex where the lovely evening dusk has fallen slowly upon us :

Below pics show Views of the Rocket Garden :

And the following are pics showing the Space Shop as I await Dear to be out of there soonest :

Well, I shall end here for now so let’s watch my following Slideshow & enjoy :

Riding onboard the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour from International Space Station Center back to Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Visiter Complex now :

Along our way, we see yet a few more Alligators :

Soon, Dear & I are back at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex a little past 4pm - Haha Dear & I really loved & enjoyed our Kennedy Space Center Bus Tours & now we’re earger & hope to explore more of the rest of the Space Center – here’s our KSC Visitor Complex Guide Map :

Once we get off the KSC Bus Tour Exit, we stop by the following Photos Display/Pickup Point where we get to see our Kennedy Space Center Photos which were taken earlier this morning while we were queuing for our first Bus Tour at the Space Center Tours – handing them our Photo No Collection Slip in-exchange for our Photos :

But of course we’ve to purchase them hahah!! Dear’s now queuing to pay for them at Mission Control Photo Lab located opposite the above Photos Pickup Point :

Thank goodness our Photos turn out very well considering they were taken so hurriedly hahah – they come in a full set of 1 huge Portrait, 4 mini Photos & 2 mini Photo Frame Souvenir Magnets  – total cost is US$21 which I think is really reasonable!!

Heheh ain’t they beautiful ha!! Dear & I think they are & we’re extremely pleased & very happy with them!!

And I especially adore the 2 most special & lovely mini Kennedy Space Center Photo Frame Souvenir Magnets which I plan to give one to Mom, attached with one of our 4 mini Photos heheh :

We’re now visiting the Shuttle Explorer which has a huge gantry-style Tower accessible by Visitors, located to the right of Mission Control Photo Lab at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex :

Close-up view of a NASA Aircraft :

Haha, Dear & I love this Space Shuttle Explorer which is a full-scale replica of a Space Shuttle – & the exact GIANT Model of my most treasured Space Shuttle Souvenir Magnet from Florida :

Here’s another pic of the Shuttle Explorer with Dear who can’t wait to have pics with it & keeps bugging me to photograph them together hahah!!

Now, let’s go explore the insides of the Shuttle Explorer as Dear & I hasten our footsteps up along the gantry-style Tower very excitedly :

Soon, we’re viewing the Interior of the Shuttle Explorer at its Crew Mid Deck :

Mock-up display of a Hughes Satellite Booster at Flight Deck :

NASA Shuttle Astronaut wearing Orange Launch/Entry Pressure Suit at Flight Deck :

After examining the Shuttle Explorer, Dear & I are now coming down from the Shuttle Explorer where we see Simulated Thermal Protection Sytem (TPS) Tiles underneath it :

Below pic shows the Simulated Thermal Protection Sytem (TPS) Tiles which, besides protecting the Space Shuttle from the heat & cold of Space while in Orbit, protect the Space Shuttle during the searing 1650 degrees Celsius heat of atmospheric reentry.

The TPS covers essentially the entire Space Shuttle (see my much earlier featured Shuttle Explorer pic above), & consists of 7 different materials in varying locations based on amount of required heat protection.

As the Space Shuttle’s aluminum structure cannot withstand temperatures over 175 degrees Celsius without structure failure, & Aerodynamic Heating during reentry would push the temperature well above this level in areas - an effective insulator such as the Thermal Protection Sytem (TPS) is needed.

These Simulated Thermal Protection Sytem (TPS) Tiles bear numbers just like the genuine Flight Articles do :

Pic of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Logo behind the Shuttle Explorer :

Here’s the Rust-colored External Tank (ET) with its 2 White-colored slender Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs) which we saw upon approaching Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex earlier this morning :

Now, we’re coming close to the Shuttle Launch Experience :

Shuttle Launch Experience is a fairly new Attraction opened in May 2007 - a Simulator that takes Visitors on an incredible journey – launching into Orbit onboard a Space Shuttle.

At the same time for those who dislike great motions associated with great giddiness, there’s a NO MOTION Shuttle Launch Observation where one gets to see those riding inside the Launch Simulator!

Unfortunately there’re very long queues to both these Attractions, so Dear & I have to give it a miss – very sadly as we’ve no ample time left & we’ve still yet to explore a few other places…………As Dear & I keep telling each other that we need 2 full days here at Kennedy Space Center!! SHARKS!! SHARKS!!!!

Here’re pics of the Shuttle Launch Experience from our Kennedy Space Center Information Guide :

I’ve also attached a Youtube Video on the Shuttle Launch Experience Attraction – A MUST-Do Ride for all Visitors to Kennedy Space Center if you can - Stay COOL :

Below are pics of the Shuttle Launch Experience Attraction : 

Dear & I are having a quick stop at the following Shuttle Plaza Gifts located below the Shuttle Launch Experience Attraction :

Wow, we see yet another Astronaut in “Space” – so cool!! Dear & I immediately take pics of ourselves with it :

Here’s a Portrait of Space Shuttle Discovery STS-95 Crew Members inside the Shuttle Plaza Gifts :

We quickly handpick our Souvenirs which Dear’s paying for right now at the Cashier inside Shuttle Plaza Gifts :

Here’s our beautiful Collection of 10-in-a-Pack NASA Kennedy Space Center Panoramic Prints :

These are descriptions of Kennedy Space Center on the Cover page :

And now let’s see all the 10 Photo Prints on close-up -

Photo Print of The Moment of Truth for Apollo 11 at Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39 (LC-39) Pad A, & its descriptions :

Astronaut Buzz Aldrin, who was the Lunar Module Pilot on Apollo 11, walking on the Moon (2nd Human to set foot on the Lunar Surface, after Neil Armstrong) on the first Lunar Landing :

Here’s a close-up view of the most striking & memorable Moon Photo Print of the Reflection of Astronaut Neil Armstrong on Aldrin’s Face Plate :

Photo Print of the International Space Station, & its descriptions :

Photo Print of Saturn – the 6th Planet from the Sun & the 2nd largest Planet in the Solar System, & its descriptions :

Photo Print of the Earth from Space, & its descriptions :

Photo Print of a Space Shuttle Landing, & its descriptions :

Photo Print of Kenndy Space Center Visitor Complex with its External Tank (ET) & Solid Rocket Boosters (RSBs) which I featured above :

Below pics show Photo Prints of Space Shuttle Discovery Launch at Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex (LC-39) Pad A, & their descriptions :

Photo Print of VentureStar which is the next-generation delivery system of the 21st Century, & its descriptions :

Now, let’s watch my following Tavelling Slideshow as Dear & I make our way towards more Space exploration here at the Visitor Complex :

Onboard the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour, Dear & I are now on our way to our 3rd & last Tour Stop – here we’re looking at the Kennedy Space Center Railroad – haha a Railroad inside the Space Center – you can imagine how big the Space Center is ha!!

Anyway, the Kennedy Space Center Railroad runs from the Florida East Coast Railway at Cape Canaveral Junction into the Space Center, & it’s owned & operated by NASA.

An importation Transportation System in Kennedy Space Center, besides transporting Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) segments, ground support Equipment, & construction Materials, this Railroad is used to make Rail shipments, including Rocket fuel & oxidizer, to Cap Canaveral Air Forse Station (CCAFS).

Now, we pass by the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) :

And we also see Alligators along the way which Dear can’t help but say “Ha, so many of them around……so Scary!!!” hahah :

Soon, we arrive at Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour Stop 3 – International Space Station (ISS) Center :

Ever dreamed of Space Stations as staging points for Expeditions to the Planets & Stars, as Tourist Attractions, or even as New Cities & Colonies that could relieve an overpopulated Planet that we’re living in right now?!

The United States of America & Russia have had Orbiting Space Stations since 1971 & are now cooperating with other Nations to build the International Space Station (ISS), a Place that will maintain a permanent Human presence in Space.

Larger than any previous Space Station, the International Space Station (ISS) - a Research Facility currently being assembled in Low Earth Orbit, is the largest artificial satellite in Earth Orbit as at todate in 2009. On-orbit construction of the ISS started in 1998, & it’s scheduled to be completed by 2011, with operations continuing till 2015.

Now, let’s watch the following Video (self-taken by Me) on the Creation of the International Space Center (ISS)  which Dear & I see upon entering the International Space Station (ISS) Center here at Kennedy Space Center :

Dear & I have now entered the International Space Station (ISS) Center, where we see a Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPL) :

A large pressurized Container used on Space Shuttle Missions to transfer Cargo to & from the International Space Station (ISS), the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPL) is carried in the Cargo Bay of the Space Shuttle & berthed to the Unity or Harmony Module (which I shall explain later), where supplies are offloaded, & finished experimenst & waste are loaded. After which, the MLP is reberthed in the Space Shuttle to return to Earth.

Next we check out the Habitation Module (HAB) to experience how the Space Crews live, sleep & work at the International Space Station (ISS) :

Designed to be the International Space Station’s main Living quarters, the Habitation Module (HAB) comes with the following Space Toilet (or Zero Gravity Toilet) :

Can you see the 2 Foot-Straps in the above pic – these are used to hold the Astronauts’ feet since there’s zero gravity.

Called the Waste Collection System (WCS), the collection & retention of liquid & solid waste is directed by use of air flow, as in the Hoses shown in the following pic – one of which acts as the urinal, in the absence of gravity.

And these solid waste is exposed to vacuum to kill pathogens, & bacteria to prevent odor problems :

Now, here’s a Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) :

The SSRMS is the primary component & actual arm of the Mobile Servicing System (or MSS – known as Canadarm2) – a Robotic system & associated equipment on the International Space Station (ISS).

It plays a key role in Station assembly & maintenance such as moving equipment & supplies around the Station, supporting Astronauts working in Space, & servicing instruments & other payloads attached to the Space Station.

Next, let’s look at the Unity Connecting Module (or Node 1) – the first US-built component of the International Space Station (ISS), Node 1 has 6 berthing locations facilitating connections to other modules :

Here’s Dear standing beside “Utlity Hub” (or Node 2) of the International Space Station (ISS) :

Also known as Harmony, this “Utility Hub” (or Node 2) contains 4 racks that provide electric power & electronic data, & acts as a Central connecting point for several other components via its 6 Common Berthing Mechanism (CBM) :

We’re now looking at the Laboratory Module (LAB) – the Operating Facility for US Research Payloads aboard the International Space Station (ISS), where Astronauts conduct Research in numerous Scientific fields. And Scientists throughout the world use the results to enhance their studies of Medicine, Biotechnology, Physics, Material Science, & Earth Science.

Here’s a Biotech Drawer Rack inside the Laboratory Module (LAB) where Plants are grown in a microgravity environment at the International Space Station (ISS) :

Below’s the Human Research/GASMAP EQUIP :

There’re 2 research Objectives of the Human Research Facility (HRF) on the International Space Station (ISS) -

Firstly to conduct Basic Research on Humans in Microgravity that can be of benefit to solving biomedical problems experienced by people on Earth.

And secondly to conduct Operational Research about how Humans adapt to Micogravity, & evaluate the physiological, behavioral & chemical changes induced by Space Flights, which can be used to further develop improved countermeasures to the negative effects of long-duration Space Flights on Human bodies.

As for the Gas Analyzer & Metabolic Analysis Physiology (or GASMAP), it’s a device to measure Crew members’ inhaled & exhaled breath stream to determine gas concentration.

Shown below are close-up views of the Blood & Urine Samples from the Human Research/GASMAP EQUIP :

Next we see the Gravitational Bio Rack where Plant Research & other Biological experiments on the International Space Station (ISS) are conducted, with studies on how changes in the gravitational field influence living organisms :

Here’s a close-up view of one of the 2 Temperature Recorders on the above Gravitational Bio Rack :

And close-up view of the numerous Plants & Veggies grown inside the Rack :

Dear’s now standing inside the International Space Station (ISS) Center at Kennedy Space Center, about to go up to the Visitor Viewing Gallery towards his left-hand side :

We’re now on the Visitor Viewing Gallery, stopping to snap pics…………

And soon, Dear & I reach the High Bay Overlook where we see more Exhibits :

We’re now looking at Mir (or Russian word for “PEACE”) – a Soviet (later Russian) Orbital Station – the first Space Station to be assembled in Orbit by successively connecting several Modules, each launched separately from 1986 to 1996.

Mir was the world’s first consistently inhabited long-term Research Station in Space, holding the record for longest continuous Human presence in Space. And American Space Shuttles (from the Shuttle-Mir Program) visited Mir 11 times, bringing supplies & providing Crew rotation.

In addition, much of the Hardware for the International Space Station (ISS) had been tested on Mir.

In March 2001, Mir was deliberately de-orbited, disintegrating during re-entry over the South Pacific Ocean :

Dear’s now reading Exhibits of the first US Space Station – Skylab, which provided critical Spaceflight experience & proved that Humans could live in Space for months at a time.

Launched in 1973 aboard a modified Saturn V Rocket & visited by Crews 3 times in 1973 & 1974, the 100-ton Skylab was on Earth’s Orbit till 1979 – Its research, especially in the field of Microgravity ( or weightlessness), had improved groundwork for the International Space Station (ISS).

The followings are Exhibits on the Skylab Multiple Docking Adapter (MDA), which was used to connect Apollo Space Capsules to Skylab Orbital Work Shops. The Adapter also contained Instruments that controlled Skylab’s environment, Solar Telescope, & Earth Sensors :

Here’s a display of the Windmill-like structured Apollo Telescope Mount (or ATM) – a Solar Observatory (that was connected to Skylab) that observed the Sun, Stars & Earth, & controlled several instruments on the Solar Telescope :

And this below pic shows the Multiple Docking Adapter (MDA) Interior where Astronaut Edward Gibson who was a Skylab 4 Science Pilot, standing at the Apollo Telescope Mount (or ATM) – & the Docking Port of the MDA is visible below the ATM – pic of Skylab 3 taken during the “Fly-around” inspection just prior to docking :

Now, see the following pics of a Replica Skylab showing its Interior - Home, Office & Labortory for the Astronauts :

It’s my honor now to be holding hands with a Skylab Astronaut heheh :

Well, actually it’s all about the Spacesuit worn by Skylab Astronauts during their extravehicular activities (EVAs) :

From the Exhibits Gallery inside the International Space Station (ISS), Dear & I proceed to the Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF) via the following Bridge :

We’ve now arrived at the Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF) :

A 3-storey building located in the Industrial area at Kennedy Space Center, the Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF) is built for the processiing of International Space Station (ISS) Flight Hardware :

The SSPF includes 2 Processing Bays, an Airlock, Operational Control Rooms, Laboratories, Logistics Areas, Office Space, & a Caffeteria :

The Processing Bays, Airlock & Laboratories are designed to support non-hazadous Station & Space Shuttle Payloads in 100,000 class clean Work areas :

The below pics show the Exhibits Gallery of the Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF) :

The International Space Station (ISS) can be seen on Earth with our naked eyes, & now the ISS is the 2nd brightest object in the night Sky, even brighter then Venus, & 2nd only to the Moon :

Well, here’s a Youtube Video on how you can watch the International Space Station (ISS) from your community on Earth – have fun :

Dear & I spend about 45 mins inside the International Space Center (ISS), & now we’re outside waiting for the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour to bring us back to the KSC Visitors Complex :

And of course here’s a self-portrait of Dear & Me heheh :

And soon after, our Bus Tour arrives & here’s when Dear & I notice that the Bus is actually a “Kneeling Bus” – hahah what’s that?!?! cos we’ve never ever heard about a Kneeling Bus!! What a name!!!

Haha see the below left bottom pic with the words ”KNEELING BUS” – Well, the Bus can actually lower itself to allow deployment of a Wheelchair ramp for easier boarding of Wheelchair-bound commuters – very efficient & interesting!!

Notice the Orange button on the pic – the Bus Driver just needs to press this button to release the air out of the brakes & suspension systems to lower the Bus. But then I wonder if anybody would just press the Button anyhow at any time at any where! Oh dear can you imagine that!!

Well, I shall see you all again back at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Visitor Complex later okie!! In the meantime, do enjoy my following Slideshow of all photos taken of this Post :

Dear & I have now arrived at Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour Stop 2 - Apollo/Saturn V Center - standing among many visitors in a closed-door Room waiting to watch a Video presentation :

In 1961, US President John F. Kennedy announced a goal of landing a Man on the Moon by the end of the decade. And the Apollo Program was a Human Spaceflight Program undertaken by NASA during 1961 to 1975 with the goal of conducting manned Moon Landing Missions.

The Saturn V was a multistage liquid-fuel expendable Rocket used by NASA’s Apollo & Skylab Programs from 1967 to 1973. In total, NASA launched 13 Saturn V Rockets, & Saturn V remains the largest & most powerful Launch Vehicle ever brought to operational status from a height, weight & payload standpoint.

Here’s a Video on the History of United States of America Space Program up to the Launch of Apollo 11, which was the first manned Mission to land on the Moon – self-taken by ME :

After watching the above inspiring Video, Dear & I enter into an Apollo 8 Mission Control Room (or a Mock-up Firing Room as in the Launch Control Center) with actual Consoles :

Apollo 8 was the 2nd manned Space Voyage that was launched on 21st Dec 1968. Commander Frank Boman, Command Module Pilot James Lovell, & Lunar Module Pilot William Anders became the First Humans to travel beyond Earth’s Orbit & into an Orbit around the Moon. It was also the 1st manned Launch of the Saturn V Rocket.

The Crew took 3 days to travel to the Moon. They orbited 10 times over the course of 20 hours, returning to Earth on 28th Dec 1968. This successful Mission of Apollo 8 paved the way for Apollo 11 to fufill US President John F. Kennedy‘s goal of landing a man on the Moon before the end of the decade (1960s).

Altogether, 12 men walked on the Moon between 1969 & 1972.

Here’s a STDN (Space Flight Tracking & Data Network) Station Supplying Data inside the Control Room :

And just as we look at the below time clocks, the Countdown begins………..& soon the first Saturn V launches the Apollo to the Moon……………

Let us now watch the following Video on the Launch of Apollo 8 simulated from the Mission Control Room : 

After the end of the above amazing Video presentation, we proceed to an extremely huge room where there’s a GIANT 363-foot Saturn V Rocket -

WOW this is the Machine that brought Astronauts to the Moon, & millions of people held their breath while a single Man stepped onto the Moon’s surface – a journey that began just a short distance from where the Apollo/Saturn V Center stands now - & brought them back safely to Earth :

And Dear immediately goes “WHOA WHOA!!! This is so superb!! So superb!!! See how big the 5 Engines are!!! Amazing!!”

Here’s a pic of Apollo/Saturn V Center from my Kennedy Space Center English Visitor Guide :

Below pics show Dear with the Saturn V Rocket :

Now, let’s find out why America built Saturn V Rocket??

Well, landing men on the Moon & returning them safely to Earth required a Launch Vehicle of unprecedented strength & size. NASA responded to the challenge by developing the most powerful & most massive staged Rocket in American History.

Weighing almost 6.2 million pounds, a fully loaded Saturn V was as heavy as 7 Boeing 747 Jumbo Jets.

And the Saturn V is being compared to 9 Kennedy Space Center Tour Buses, 2 Space Shuttles, 2.4 Statue of Liberty, 4.4 Mercury Redstones, & 1 American Football Field in the illustrated diagram :

Now, how did we move such a giant V Saturn?!?!

Well, read on about how the different Stages of the Saturn V were moved, & how the Rocket was assembled :

Here’s an Exhibit on the Crawler-Transporter that was used to carry the Apollo/Saturn V Rocket (or Launch Vehicle) to the Launch Pad :

And the following pic shows the Launch Complex 39 which supports the Crawler-Transporter used for transporting Space Shuttle Vehicles :

More pics of the Saturn V Launch Vehicle in its different sections :

It’s Dear again who loves it here at the Apollo/Saturn V Center, & can’t stop asking me to snap pics of him with the humongous Saturn V Rocket :

Now, let’s find out what’s actually inside a Saturn V Rocket :

Here’s the Saturn V First Stage (S-IC) :

Saturn V Second Stage (S-II) :

Saturn V Third Stage (S-IVB) :

And the last section – Saturn V Command Module (CM) :

Constructed by North American Rockwell, the Command Module (CM) was the only Apollo/Saturn V component to return to Earth. Functioning as a Cockpit, Office, Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom, the CM was home to the 3 Astronauts (in Apollo 8) except when 2 of the Crew members walked the Moon in the Lunar Module.

The Launch Escape Module (LES) at the tip of the Apollo/Saturn V was designed to separate the CM from the rest of the Rocket in the event of a Launch emergency. It was jettisoned approximately 30 seconds after the ignition of the S-II Stage.

Dear & I look at more interesting Exhibits :

An Apollo Lunar Module (or Lander) :

Dear beside Exhibits on “The Moon – Exploring a New World – Lunar Experiments” :

Dear standing next to an Apollo Spacesuit display (mock-up of the original) - worn by Apollo 13 Commander James Lovell on the Odyssey Spacecraft. Had the Mission not been aborted en route to the Moon, Lovell would have worn this Spacesuit when he explored the Lunar surface :

Here’s a Rover Training Vehicle & its Exhibits Gallery :

Due to insufficient time as it’s almost 2.30pm now & we’ve yet to complete the rest of our tours in Kennedy Space Center, Dear & I decide to make a quick stop at the NASA Right Stuff Souvenir Shop located in the middle of the Apollo/Saturn V Center before making a move out of here :

We quickly made the following purchases – a most beautiful Kennedy Space Center Souvenir Photo Frame :

And my most favourite Kennedy Space Center Apollo/Saturn V Water Globe (surrounded with Apollo Logos of NASA Apollo Program, Apollo 8, Apollo 11 & Apollo 13) with NASA Astronaut holding an United States of America Flag standing on the Moon – Man’s GREATEST Achievement in History :

Heheh, though I find no more nice Souvenir Magnets, I’m glad I found the above priced Kennedy Space Center ornaments to add to my World Souvenirs Collection – I’m a real happy gal now!!

And though Dear & I can’t land on the Moon, we feel a great sense of achievement stepping into the Apollo/Saturn V Center today & seeing the GIANT Moon Rocket on Earth!!!

Now, please watch my following Slideshow as Dear & I make our way out of the Apollo/Saturn V Center to hop on the outside Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour to continue on our 3rd destination - See ya later!!