U.S. Space Camp is owned and operated by the Alabama Space Science Exhibit Commission d.b.a. U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. “Space Camp” refers to both the actual camp and a family of related camp programs offered year-round by the facility. The camp provides residential and day camp educational programs for children in various age groups and adults. These programs include space oriented camp programs, aircraft themed Aviation Challenge camps, and outdoor oriented X-Camp programs, with the intent to promote science, engineering, aviation and exploration.
Advanced Space Academy Advanced Space Academy is designed for 15-18 year olds. There are two tracks offered: Pilot and Mission Specialist.
Mission Specialists:
You get to learn about the engineering of the Shuttle and Space Station, just in case something needs a quick repair. Aeronautical engineering basics to get you started. You’ll take a spin in our Underwater Astronaut Trainer** (UAT) to get the feel for spacewalking. During missions, participate in Space Station science and make any needed repairs to your vehicle or satellites on an EVA. In Mission Control, help the back-room Tiger Team recreate anomalies Go up in the virtual space, and repair and manipulate the satellites
Pilot:
Pilot Track trainees are responsible for the safety of their crew in space. On the Shuttle, complete your checklists all while monitoring the activities of your crew. On Space Station simulator, keep the crew and the Space Station on track while conducting your own experiments. You are responsible for the Lift-Off and Landing of the Space Shuttle(the most terrific task)
Simulators at the Advanced Space Academy Simulators There are simulators at Space Camp, such as:
The MAT (Multi-axis trainer) – Simulates disorientation, similar to the Multiple Axis Space Test Inertia Facility (MASTIF) developed for Project Mercury(see the picture above) The 1/6 Chair – Simulates walking on the Moon by reducing the gravity pull The 5DF Chair – Simulates the frictionless environment of space in five degrees of freedom The MMU (Manned Maneuvering Unit) – Simulates working untethered in a frictionless environment, such as during Extravehicular Activity (also known as an EVA or Spacewalk).
Space Camp additionally uses rides or attractions that are on site at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center as instructional tools. While these are not true simulators, the use of these rides enables the rider to experience in a simulated fashion or better understand some aspect of space travel.
Space Shot – Simulates liftoff at a supersonic speed. G-Force Accelerator – Simulates the G-Forces put on astronauts while re-entering the Earth’s atmosphere or during launch. You get a maximum of 4G force(4 times your body weight) on your body while experiencing this.
Spacedome IMAX Theater The Spacedome IMAX Theater provides a venue for presenting some of the space and science oriented films produced through the IMAX camera/projection system. The theater is part of the U.S. Space and Rocket Center museum complex. As Space Camp is operated by the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, it makes regular use of the theater, and the kids are shown several motivating films regarding the development of Space Crafts and Journey To Space!
So that was all brief and succinct description about Space Camp. The next coming post would be about my experience at the Space Camp!
Watch out and Good Bye