What happens to the tower after a shuttle launch?

[1cooldaddyo]

My 5yr old daughter is fascinated by rockets, particularly the shuttle. She currently wants to know if the launch tower is burned by the rocket blast as the shuttle goes by. <br />If not, why?<br />If it is burned or otherwise damaged, what kind of service is required to get it ready for the next launch?<br /><br />She exceeded my space knowledge long ago. I'm hoping some of you guys can help me out.

 

[1cooldaddyo]

Thanks. She is unbelievably obsessed with rockets. She will literally sit in front of the TV and watch the NASA channel from launch until they tow the orbiter off the runway.

 

[docm]

Sounds like a budding astronaut <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[PistolPete]

I remember when I was that age being that excited about spaceflight. <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /><br /><br />Support her in every way with this. Don't let that energy in her die. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p><em>So, again we are defeated. This victory belongs to the farmers, not us.</em></p><p><strong>-Kambei Shimada from the movie Seven Samurai</strong></p> </div>

 

[baktothemoon]

You should get her into model rocketry, keeps the astronaut flame alive for years.

 

[rok1]

I would say a good quality Telescope would do as well. I myself am only 28 years young, but my parents helped me buy rockets, and bought me decent (at the time) telescope. I am in the military, and everytime I am home visiting I break it out and take a peek around the sky. 18 years later I am still facinated by it.

 

[1cooldaddyo]

She's getting a telescope for christmas. She also already has several model rockets, although she was somewhat disappointed when I told her they wouldn't be able to go into orbit.<br /><br />We live in Alabama, and have made several trips to the Huntsville Space Museum. That's where we picked up her constant companion...Space Camp Barbie (she's still 100% girl <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" /> ).

 

[baktothemoon]

Taken her to any shuttle launches? Or, if she likes rockets larger than model ones you could take her to LDRS.

 

[1cooldaddyo]

No, haven't had the opportunity to take her to a launch yet. What is LDRS?

 

[baktothemoon]

The Large Dangerous Rocket Ship launch. It's an annual high powered rocketry event. These are people who build size M through Q motors for rockets that stand far above their owners. The largest rocket ever, called "Go Fast" reached a height of 70 miles. There's also people who build outrageously shaped or designed rockets, such as a rocket powered outhouse. There's also lower powered rocketry there. Basically, big rockets, big crowds, big summer party. <br /><br />Here's the web sight for next year's: http://www.ldrs26.org/

 

[ldyaidan]

I'm not sure if they offer space camp for her age, but they might. My kids loved it! It can be a little expensive, but well worth it. <br /><br />Rae

 

[baktothemoon]

I'm going to be going to space camp next year. What's really good is that you get college sci credits for going if you are my age.

 

[elguapoguano]

Man I would have loved to go to Space Camp!!! My parents just didn't have the money. If you can send her, do it. I'm sure she'll have a "blast". <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font color="#ff0000"><u><em>Don't let your sig line incite a gay thread ;>)</em></u></font> </div>

 

[jschaef5]

I was into that kind of stuff when I was little too. I remember getting a telescope for xmas and building my own model rockets but once I turned 14 I found out you could get your sail plane license and I was dead set on flying except I had no money so I ended up getting a job and started flying at 17 and got my private pilot when i was 18. Flying is a very expensive road to go down but its pretty closely related to space and such and when she gets a bit older she might want to become a pilot and then an astronaut. <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[georgeniebling]

yeah, and she could always end up landing at WSMR! ;-)<br /><br />

 

[redsky721]

A lot of families vacation in Florida. I don't know where you are coming from, but you can always combine a Disney/Epcot vacation with going to KSC for a day or two. I'm sure walking around the "Rocket Garden", seeing the IMAX Shuttle movie, the 3-D Space Station Movie, and the latest Man on the Moon IMAX movie will really be a thrill for her. Plus, seeing the real VAB, pads (from a distance), and the full size Saturn V would also be a treat for all of you. Have a look at this link:<br /> <br />http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com<br /><br />PS: I wouldn't suggest trying to line up a vacation with a Shuttle launch. It almost never works out due to delays, weather, etc, and would only set things up for dissapointment. Just come for the attractions.

 

[willpittenger]

<blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr /><p>I wouldn't suggest trying to line up a vacation with a Shuttle launch. It almost never works out due to delays, weather, etc, and would only set things up for dissapointment. Just come for the attractions.<p><hr /></p></p></blockquote><br />Perhaps if you are willing to stay there and show up for each possible launch date for weeks... I think there are hard core people that would do just that. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <hr style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em" />Will Pittenger<hr style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em" />Add this user box to your Wikipedia User Page to show your support for the SDC forums: <div style="margin-left:1em">{{User:Will Pittenger/User Boxes/Space.com Account}}</div> </div>