A quarter century after its start, the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame is set to be re-launched as a high-tech interactive public attraction intended to inspire a new generation of explorers.
NASA officials, exhibit designers and more than 25 Hall of Fame astronauts gathered at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida on Friday (May 29) to announce "Heroes and Legends," a new gallery that will incorporate and feature the hall when it opens in 2016.
"Twenty five years ago, in 1990, just six miles west of the gates of the Kennedy Space Center, the doors [to the Hall of Fame] were opened," Therrin Protze, the chief operating officer of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, said prior to a ceremonial groundbreaking for the attraction. "It seems only appropriate we celebrate the 25th anniversary [by] celebrating the ideals, bravery, fortitude, courage and commitment that it represents."
garymilgrom Member
Posts: 1966 From: Atlanta, GA Registered: Feb 2007
posted 05-30-2015 08:56 AM
Is the entire Astronaut Hall of Fame moving to this area beside the Rocket Garden? How do the footprints compare? My memory says the new area is smaller.
And what is planned for the current Astronaut Hall of Fame site/building?
pupnik Member
Posts: 114 From: Maryland Registered: Jan 2014
posted 05-30-2015 09:11 AM
I knew the plan was to eventually move the Hall of Fame down to the main visitor complex eventually.
Early Space Exploration and the Hall of Fame were the two good artifact displays though and it doesn't seem like Early Space has all that much room to expand. I hope they can find some way to continue displaying all these great items with the change.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 05-30-2015 10:21 AM
The Astronaut Hall of Fame will be part of Heroes and Legends going forward. The current building will close sometime later this year or next.
That said, it was noted that some (maybe even most) but not all of the artifacts from the current hall will be incorporated in the new attraction. They are still working on floor plans for the Hall of Fame rotunda as part of Heroes and Legends.
The Early Space Exploration building will be expanded to encompass the new attraction. The Debus Conference Center will remain, though its entrance will move (it will have its own new dedicated lobby).
MrSpace86 Member
Posts: 1618 From: Gardner, KS, USA Registered: Feb 2003
posted 06-03-2015 08:14 AM
I am glad they are moving the Astronaut Hall of Fame. We went there last September and we were the only ones in there for two hours! It's a shame because I really enjoyed how the artifacts were displayed and more people needed to go visit. Alas, I am sure it will look even better in this new plan. Can't wait!
Joel Katzowitz Member
Posts: 808 From: Marietta GA USA Registered: Dec 1999
posted 06-09-2015 07:47 AM
This is sort of bitter sweet for me. I designed the exhibits for the original incarnation of the Astronaut Hall of Fame back in 1989. I worked with Ed Buckbee (Space and Rocket Center) and Alan Shepard (Mercury Seven Foundation) on the design concepts.
I was not much of a space enthusiast when I started the project. But after doing extensive research on the program, meeting with the Mercury astronauts, and some of the support people responsible for the program's success, I was hooked. Their dedication and commitment continues to inspire me.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
Twenty-five years after its doors first opened to the public, the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame is closing in preparation for its re-launch as part of a new interactive attraction.
The institution, which since Oct. 29, 1990 has honored the nation's space explorers with the world's largest display of astronaut personal memorabilia, will close to the public on Nov. 2, officials announced on Wednesday (Oct. 21).
pupnik Member
Posts: 114 From: Maryland Registered: Jan 2014
posted 10-21-2015 03:56 PM
Any word on what will happen to the artifacts that won't be displayed? Will they be returned to their donors? Become property of NASA/Delaware North? Be sold? Be archived?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 10-21-2015 04:05 PM
The astronauts' memorabilia is on loan from the astronauts, and the other items belong (mostly) to NASA and the Smithsonian.
Since there is no word yet as to what is and is not moving over, there hasn't been any talk as to what might happen to those items that do not go into Heroes and Legends as of yet.
p51 Member
Posts: 1642 From: Olympia, WA Registered: Sep 2011
posted 10-21-2015 04:39 PM
Any word on the Al Bean mural in that building?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 10-21-2015 04:46 PM
No details have been released as of yet on the fate of anything in the present building.
fredtrav Member
Posts: 1673 From: Birmingham AL Registered: Aug 2010
posted 10-21-2015 04:50 PM
Why close it now when they have only recently broke ground on the new facility and it will not be ready until late 2016? Why not keep it open until they are ready to move?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 10-21-2015 05:08 PM
When they broke ground in May, the exhibit designers said they would be begin moving over exhibits from the present building in late 2015 or early 2016, hence (apparently) the closing now.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 10-23-2015 08:13 PM
A few more details, as reported by Florida Today:
The current Hall of Fame building through next year will continue to house educational programs including Camp Kennedy Space Center and the Astronaut Training Experience, or ATX, and the building will be renamed the "ATX Center" to avoid confusion for guests.
The mockup space shuttle orbiter "Inspiration" will remain parked outside for the foreseeable future.
With regards to the astronauts' artifacts:
Those artifacts... at the Hall of Fame will be reintroduced in various places around the Visitor Complex, with shuttle-related items added to the Atlantis exhibit and Apollo items to the Apollo/Saturn V Center. Some will be displayed or stored on a rotating basis.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 06-13-2016 04:16 PM
James Dean with Florida Today on Twitter:
KSC Visitor Complex to open new "Heroes & Legends" exhibit, including Astronaut Hall of Fame, on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
NASA wants to put you in the new U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.
This fall, NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida will open "Heroes & Legends, Featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame," a new attraction that replaces the original Hall's museum opened in 1990 with an immersive experience that will introduce guests to the American men and women who pioneered the space frontier.
Heroes & Legends will include the almost 100 astronauts who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. The space explorers are considered heroes to many people and their spaceflights the stuff of modern-day legends, but to place their roles into context, the visitor complex is seeking the public's input.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 06-30-2016 11:37 AM
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex held a topping off ceremony for the new Heroes and Legends building on Thursday (June 30):
Lifting the beam into place for topping off ceremony of Heroes and Legends at Kennedy Space Center!
As part of the ceremony, The Boeing Company was announced as the new title sponsor of the attraction.
Boeing celebrates past and future space contributions in first time corporate sponsorship at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 07-01-2016 08:13 AM
Per a release from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex announcing Boeing's sponsorship of Heroes and Legends:
During the morning ceremony, a ten-foot long silhouette of an X-15 rocket plane was raised to the top of the building. The X-15, which was manufactured by a legacy Boeing company, North American Aviation, flew for nearly a decade, achieving hypersonic speeds and exploring the upper edge of the Earth's atmosphere. Its technology contributed to the development of the historic Mercury, Gemini, Apollo and Space Shuttle Programs. A permanent replica is being designed and will appear to be launching toward space from the top of the building as a visual icon representing Boeing's contributions to the past, present and future of human spaceflight.
"Florida's Space Coast is the hallowed ground of all human launches from American soil. There are so many firsts here and we're pleased to be the first corporate sponsor of a major attraction at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex," said John Elbon, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space Exploration. "As Boeing celebrates its 100th year, it's appropriate that we join the visitor complex and NASA to share the exciting journey ahead of human spaceflight with visitors from around the world."
onesmallstep Member
Posts: 1310 From: Staten Island, New York USA Registered: Nov 2007
posted 07-05-2016 08:55 AM
Nice that the X-15 is being recognized in this new exhibit. Gen. Engle must be pleased!
MarylandSpace Member
Posts: 1337 From: Registered: Aug 2002
posted 07-05-2016 11:52 AM
I always enjoyed seeing Ken Havekotte's Apollo 11 display under glass. I hope that it will become part of the new building.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 10-03-2016 10:06 PM
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex video release
Heroes & Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame presented by Boeing opens November 11, 2016. Embark on an awe-inspiring journey designed to spark thought about how humans define a hero.
Visitors will be introduced to heroes of the American space program through a 360-degree visual presentation, a 4-D multisensory theater experience, and interactive exhibits including holograms and astronaut memorabilia.
GACspaceguy Member
Posts: 2476 From: Guyton, GA Registered: Jan 2006
posted 10-04-2016 02:09 PM
Is November 11 the soft opening or official opening?
The reason I ask is I will be at Kennedy Space Center the Friday before and was hoping they will allow earlier visits.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 10-04-2016 02:35 PM
Friday, Nov. 11 is the public grand opening. The Visitor Complex has yet to say if there will be a soft opening.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 11-01-2016 12:22 PM
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex release
25 NASA Astronauts to Gather for Grand Opening of Heroes & Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame presented by Boeing
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, November 11-12, 2016
Gemini and Apollo space program astronauts Buzz Aldrin, James Lovell and Thomas Stafford are just a few of the revered NASA astronauts who will be at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex next week to commemorate the grand opening of Heroes & Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame presented by Boeing.
Designed to be the first stop upon entering the complex, Heroes & Legends will use the early years of the space program to explore the concept of heroism, and the qualities that define the individuals who inspired their generation. The 20,000-square-foot, retro-fitted building will marry cutting-edge technology with mesmerizing special effects, priceless artifacts and thought-provoking exhibits. The overall experience is meant to instill a renewed sense of pride and a more in-depth understanding and appreciation of the qualities of heroism represented by NASA's pioneering astronauts.
A schedule of public events follows:
November 11-13: Complimentary admission will be offered for active and retired members of the military, as well as veterans. Family members will receive up to 3 tickets at a 50 percent discount.
Friday, November 11: All guests are invited to join more than 25 NASA astronauts, including Buzz Aldrin and Jim Lovell, as well as the children of Neil Armstrong, Alan Shepard and others, to celebrate the grand opening of Heroes & Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame presented by Boeing. The program will begin at 10 a.m. and guests will be welcome to experience the new attraction after the program.
Saturday, November 12: Two different Tell Me a Story…Live! shows will take place in the Astronaut Encounter Theater. Space shuttle astronauts Rhea Seddon and Mary Cleave will discuss the topic of Women in Space at 11 a.m. At 1 p.m. Apollo astronauts Al Worden and Walter Cunningham will share memories of the historic Apollo program.
Saturday, November 12: Astronaut Scholarship Foundation will host the Astronaut Autograph & Memorabilia Show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entry to the event is included with admission to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Signing fees will apply for autographs.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 11-07-2016 03:11 PM
From the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex:
If you can't join us for the grand opening of Heroes & Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame presented by Boeing this week, NASA TV will cover the opening event live. The opening event features appearances by Hall Of Fame and other NASA veteran astronauts such as Buzz Aldrin, Jim Lovell, Chris Ferguson, Rhea Seddon, Hoot Gibson, Bob Crippen and many more!
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 11-08-2016 12:41 PM
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex video
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex introduces Heroes & Legends, a new immersive experience that celebrates the brave men and women of America’s fledgling space program. Relive the stories of NASA’s pioneering astronauts and discover why they chose to launch into the great unknown. Their stories have the power to ignite heroism within us all.
Heroes & Legends seeks to inspire new generations of space explorers, while serving as a compelling prologue to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex guest experience.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
Suddenly, you are Alan Shepard, standing at the base of a rocket that will soon loft you into history as America's first astronaut to launch into space.
As you look up at the Mercury-Redstone, raising your hand to block the glare from nearby spotlights, you realize that the rocket now in front of you is almost identical to the one you saw just minutes earlier as you proceeded up the rampway to enter this place.
Only, the rocket that you saw outside was real; the one here is projected onto a 4D theater screen, curving above, below and to both of your sides...
Rick Mulheirn Member
Posts: 4167 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
posted 11-11-2016 03:02 AM
The new exhibition looks very slick and impressive. Difficult to tell from the coverage so far but personally I would have liked to have seen more artifacts, hardware and such.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 11-11-2016 06:36 AM
The focus of Heroes & Legends is definitely more on interactives and multimedia than it is on artifact displays, but those that are on exhibit help tell the story and move guests through the galleries as a prologue to the experiences waiting them elsewhere at the visitor complex.
Rick Mulheirn Member
Posts: 4167 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
posted 11-11-2016 07:09 AM
Last time I was at KSC in 2013 I took in the region of 5000 stills. I thought then that I had covered everything.
It looks now like I'll have to make another trip in the not too distant future.
Steven Kaplan Member
Posts: 140 From: New Jersey Registered: Jul 2001
posted 11-11-2016 09:27 AM
Sigma 7 is a special artifact which should be displayed prominently, as it was in the original Hall of Fame. But it does not belong on a Redstone booster. I understand artistic license, but not with a historic spacecraft like this.
onesmallstep Member
Posts: 1310 From: Staten Island, New York USA Registered: Nov 2007
posted 11-11-2016 09:44 AM
Every one has his/her own opinion, but I think it's exciting to see a recovered spacecraft on its booster 'launching' into space again (minus the escape tower). Mind you, I would have preferred it be on an Atlas, but I'm sure space limitations and cost for a replica (never mind a real copy) came into play.
The effect is no different than say, Endeavour will look like when it is reunited with an ET and SRBs to recreate a full shuttle 'stack' in a few years' time.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 11-11-2016 11:43 AM
Sigma 7 and the MR-6 Redstone are both significant artifacts of the Mercury program. The Mercury-Redstone plays a prominent role in the experience that precedes visitors' encountering Sigma 7, so thematically it makes sense.
Personally, having now toured through the exhibit, I don't think it detracts from Sigma 7 to have it displayed up to and next to an authentic Redstone.
Ken Havekotte Member
Posts: 2915 From: Merritt Island, Florida, Brevard Registered: Mar 2001
posted 11-11-2016 12:24 PM
A few brief comments, overall, as I do agree with Steven about having Sigma 7 attached to a MR-6 booster (it just doesn't appeal to me from a historical and visual aspect) and with Rick wanting to see more artifact displays.
But I do understand what Robert is pointing out and I did enjoy viewing all the Heroes & Legends technological enhancements and special 3-4/D movie last night, however, for me personally, how the artifacts were displayed didn't come across as I was hoping.
Many of the displayed artifacts seemed "hidden" to me in comparison with all of their innovative near-by futuristic-looking space hardware surroundings.
Don't get me wrong, though, as it's a beautiful facility that I am sure will be a big hit with tourists and visitors.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 11-11-2016 12:43 PM
According to the visitor complex, most of the Apollo memorabilia from the former Astronaut Hall of Fame will eventually go on display at the Apollo/Saturn V Center. Similarly, the space shuttle artifacts will be joining the Atlantis exhibit.
Heroes & Legends is primarily focused on Mercury and Gemini, hence the priority given to those programs' artifacts.
GACspaceguy Member
Posts: 2476 From: Guyton, GA Registered: Jan 2006
posted 11-11-2016 01:31 PM
As a purest I would love to see Sigma 7 on an Atlas. However, I do know that the Atlas was pressure stabilized and that possess some significant issues. At the U.S. Space & Rocket Center I spoke to the curator about the one they have on display and they must keep a pump going at all times to overcome the leaks, which he had said at the time (years ago) was becoming a losing battle.
Robert, to your point on Apollo and shuttle artifacts, when I was there this weekend I noticed the Saturn V white room walkway swing arm was no longer in the Rocket Garden. Was that part of the overall plan to move it to the Saturn V Center?
Really cool that they then would have the three display center types. Maybe this will allow them to put a building around the Saturn 1B that is still deteriorating, even with its new coat of paint.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
Astronauts from four branches of the U.S. military spent Veteran's Day at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Friday (Nov. 11), attending the launch of a public attraction devoted to honoring America's spaceflight pioneers.
James Lovell, who served as a Navy Captain; Buzz Aldrin, who was a U.S. Air Force Colonel; Walt Cunningham, who was also a colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps; and Bruce Melnick, who is one of only two astronauts to hail from the U.S. Coast Guard, joined more than 20 other military and civilian astronauts at a ceremony and ribbon cutting for the new "Heroes & Legends, featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame" exhibit at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-09-2017 11:25 PM
From the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Facebook:
Technical upgrades may limit or restrict visitor access to Heroes & Legends and the U.S Astronaut Hall of Fame. We anticipate fully re-opening February 10, though the date is subject to change. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Joel Katzowitz Member
Posts: 808 From: Marietta GA USA Registered: Dec 1999
posted 02-10-2017 07:53 AM
As I wrote in my upstream post, I designed the exhibits for the original incarnation of the Astronaut Hall of Fame back in 1989. The Hall has undergone a number of significant modifications since then to accommodate a changing audience and new inductees.
Maybe I'm just being a grumpy old man, but I don't like the idea of Sigma 7 being mated to an inappropriate launch vehicle. I understand the reasoning behind it, but it smacks of revisionist history for the sake of convenience. I understand that the designers have to balance accurate story telling with the entertainment factor for a diverse audience but, personally, I think this sends a bad message.
MCroft04 Member
Posts: 1634 From: Smithfield, Me, USA Registered: Mar 2005
posted 02-10-2017 06:01 PM
Following the pre-opening tour in November, Al Worden asked a group of us what we thought of the new exhibit. There were lots of compliments, but we told him we weren't happy with Sigma 7 being mated to a Redstone (by th way, I got a couple shuttle astronauts on my case for asking them what kind of rocket it was, but that's another story).
Al told us that he thought they had an option to change the Redstone exhibit. I understand the reasons behind what they did (but realistically how many visitors are going to recognize the mix-up?).
We also told Al that we missed all of the exhibits from the old building; he agreed.
So perhaps there will be some changes made in the near future. Otherwise I think the exhibit is very well done!
posted 05-30-2015 01:09 AM
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