Space/Science — HabitableZone

Space/Science » in reply to I'm in Cocoa Beach FL and will be visiting NASA tomorrow!

Launch Sims

NASA was good, but for reasons beyond my control I didn't have time to see everything I wanted. A highlight was the Shuttle Launch sim. Basiscally it's supposed to be what it would feel like if they put 40 or 50 seats in the shuttle cargo bay and launched it to leo. They went for realism, including the slight tilt forward and back immediately before launch. The crowds were small so the wait was short and it was fun. I believe it hit 2.5gs.

A number of the other attractions were in serious need of updating. I would have loved to be there for a rocket or shuttle launch but unfortunately none were scheduled during my stay.

I also went to Epcot and went on the Mission Space ride. In my opinion this felt more realistic than the NASA sim, at least for the launch part. They mentioned before the ride that if you have physical problems or don't like confined spaces to opt for the less intense ride. I went for the more intense ride even though I have problems with claustrophobia. I thought it might be like sitting in a car. It was a lot smaller. They allow four people in each cabin. There were two people to my left and one on my right. Once they closed the doors the control panel pulled all the way right up in front of me about a foot away. It took me about 20 seconds to relax from the coffin feeling. I basically just focused on what was on the screen and then I really enjoyed it. This is an interactive ride as you are assigned a couple of jobs depending on your "rank." I pushed the buttons for stage one separation and landing.

I recommend both of these rides but if you can only do one do the Epcot ride.

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