While just being in the presence of a
full scale Gundam makes it worth the price of admission, we'd speculate that talking a stroll in the
Land Walker would fall more into the thrill ride category. Of course, rocketing from ground zero into outer space takes things (almost) to another
level galaxy, and that's precisely what
NASA's Shuttle Launch Experience gives you a taste of. The $60 million attraction opened up yesterday to a team of nearly 40 astronauts, some of which reportedly said that the ride managed to best actual training simulators in terms of sheer realism. Apparently, the ride takes passengers through a simulated shuttle launch, and utilizes 13-channels of surround sound, rumbling seats, and an 84-inch HD screen to terrorize (in a good way) riders. Granted, we'd have no idea what cruising around at 17,500 miles-per-hour feels like, but for folks visiting the Kennedy Space Center, feel free to chime in if you can put it into words.
[Via
Wired]
posted May 26th 2007 8:24AM
they won't be able to remotely simulate the take-off feel. The closest thing to that can only be done using a G simulator like the ones used for Epcot's Mission: Space.
Putting it into words.. putting it into words.. how about "It's like being raped by a train"?
I was on this before its grand opening to the public, its pretty cool.
The pre flight demo by the astronaut was very good. There were plasma or LCD screens mounted on Robotic arms that moved with the presentation. The room even changed color and glowed to simulate the fiery exhaust from launch.
The entire room shook and the audio system they used is better than stuff at Disney
When they 'tilt' you, they simulate the sound of keys and loose change hitting the back the orbiter. It was a nice touch.
The seats would deflate and along with the massive shaking of the ride and gave the feeling of experience g forces.
They route you right to the Nasa store after the ride, good marketing because we bought a ton of crap.
Its a must see and the highlight of the space center. It replaces my favorite Saturn 5 launch experience
I didn't know that NASA had turned into a theme park...wow 60 million dollars of taxpayer's money went for this...glad my federal gov't is spending my money wisely !!!
Dutch, NO fed. tax dollars went into developing the Shuttle Launch Experience, it is being funded solely on admission purchases to KSC Visitor Complex. Once you ride the new simulator, you'll realize it's nothing like a theme park ride, it's very realistic, designed to give riders a realistic feeling of launching, because people interested in space really want to know what that feels like.
Well, technically cruising around at 17,500 mph feels the same as standing still, thanks to relativity. Maybe you meant accelerating to that speed? :P
hahah you beat me to it.
If its anything like Mission:Space at Epcot, Sign me up!
Is this in Houston? Where is this?
Is this just a standard simulator cabin? There is no way this could approach the intensity of Mission Space.
What, no Challenger jokes?
I hope they didn't include a "challenger" liftoff mode.
KSC Florida
I can't wait till the simulate the space shuttle Colombia.
Well, they've had something very similar in the Austronauts' Museum in KSC, Florida back in 1999-2000.
They also did have the centrifuge (sp?) which did simulate 4G for 6 seconds and man, that did not feel good. I was at the top shape back then and I don't get motion sickness but I did have to sit down for about 30 minutes before driving after that.
A friend was not satisfied with this on a recent visit to Houston. I think they wanted more science, not visceral experiences.
Your friend is not part of the majority. Unfortunately, the masses want the visceral effect. On the other hand, I think most geeks (me included) would want the more technical experience (with some visceral thrown in for good measure).
My $0.02
If only the sims in space camp were like that...
Mission space Epcot is a realistic space simulator and a vomit actuator...there are always people hurling gut garbage in the hallway after that ride. It's practically a vomitorium in the gift shop as they route you through there. Totally bitch'n.
personally I'm saving up the $20 million to hitch a rid with the Russians to do it for real......................only 19,999,000 to go!!
Perhaps if NASA were sufficiently funded by the Feds, they wouldn't need to create attractions like this one to bring in the money. No bucks...no Buck Rogers. The ride simulates the launch phase to the best extent possible, and I understand that its pretty cool. This one won't cause folks to lose their KSC lunches...That's KSC, not KFC...
Shame we went a month too early.
KSC was one of the highlights of my trip to Florida & I'll defo be going back
Ah well, maybe in another few years when I might be able to afford to fly over again.
I'm trying to find out the cost of the NASA Shuttle Launch ride tickets. Can't find it anywhere.