Posts: 72
From: Merritt Island, FL, USA
Registered: Feb 2004

posted December 03, 2005 05:14 PM            

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The Rocket Garden at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is back to full strength with the erection Friday of the Thor-Able booster damaged in last year's hurricane season. During the storm, the upper stage was blown off and damaged beyond repair. It was used to create a fiberglas replica, which now tops the Thor. The Juno II, which was completely blown over, was repaired and placed back in position earlier this summer. This work was accomplished by Guard-Lee of Apopka, Florida, who also created the Orbiter Explorer that is at the VC.

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Posts: 790
From: GA, USA
Registered: Jan 2004

posted December 03, 2005 09:12 PM               

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CtoGo,
Great timing! I was there today, (Dec.3) and thought it looked brand new, but had no idea it was erected just yesterday! If I remember the info plaque correctly, is this a Delta rocket?
And since you live down there and mentioned orbiter 'Explorer', do you have any idea what became of orbiter 'Ambassador' that used to be on display there in the early 90's? It was located at the edge of what now may be part of the parking lot or even a bit farther in where the Debus Center/Early Space building is now. Could it be that it's the same one?
Also at the same time, there was a LM mock-up located near where the Apollo 11 Service Arm is now.
Thanks!
Rob

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Posts: 2230
From: San Diego
Registered: Feb 2002

posted December 03, 2005 10:25 PM            

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It was good to meet you there today, Rob.

FF

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Posts: 1250
From: Titusville, FL USA
Registered: Feb 2005

posted December 04, 2005 01:21 PM               

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Rob-

I remember the "Ambassador" when it left in 1993 or 94 it was headed to Korea. Where it is now I don't know.

I think the LM mockup from the rocket garden went to the Apollo V Center. Maybe the Lunar Theater?

Tim

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Posts: 3
From: Kent, Washington State, USA
Registered: Dec 2005

posted December 04, 2005 10:02 PM               

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At the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland, they have an exact replica of a Mercury capsule. The controls and switches and gauges are all original. Not only that, but OMSI is a hands-on museum. You can climb inside, shut the door, and imagine you are John Glenn or whoever.
Fairly cool.

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"Don't give up reaching for the stars...
just build yourself a bigger ladder."

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Posts: 4
From: Sydney NSW Australia
Registered: Nov 2005

posted December 06, 2005 03:15 PM               

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Regarding that LM (mockup) that was at KSC...
I heard on the grapevine that it ended up at or near the Stennis space center, possibly in a park. The only one at the Saturn V center that I'm aware of is LM9, the original LM for Apollo 15 before 15 became a J mission.

I'm glad to hear that the Thor in the rocket garden is healthy again...from the images, I cannot tell the difference.. conratulations to those responsible, an excellnt job

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Posts: 72
From: Merritt Island, FL, USA
Registered: Feb 2004

posted December 07, 2005 04:19 PM            

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Answers:

The rocket is a Delta booster which was derived from the Thor-Able

the 'Ambassador' orbiter was sent to several countries, winding up somewhere in South America. Word I got is the cockpit section has been gutted (stolen) and no plans to reerect the model.

The LM that sat in the KSC Rocket Garden is indeed at the Stennis Space Center Visitor Station at the Mississippi Welcome Station on I-10 eastbound. You can see images here: http://aesp.nasa.okstate.edu/fieldguide/pages/lunarmod/ksc-mod.html

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