The next group of people to experience launching aboard one of NASA's space shuttles won't be astronauts. While NASA has June 8 planned for its next liftoff from Kennedy Space Center's Pad 39A, just seven miles away thousands at NASA's official visitor complex will have the opportunity to board the new Shuttle Launch Experience (SLE), opening on May 25.
This past Saturday (May 19th) I was back in Central Florida and made a point to get back to the Visitor Center after being away for 20 years. I didn't have enough time to go on a tour, though. I was able to go on this ride, and must say it's pretty cool. I wish it lasted as long as an actual Shuttle boost (or that there was an option to go on a less-entertaining-but-more-realistic ride), but I'm still grateful for the experience. The little kid in me that is still absolutely gonzo excited about everything Space Shuttle was beyond happy.
It's realistic enough that I got all verklempt when the SSMEs lit, even more so than when watching a launch on TV.
Note to engineers and tinkerers: beat up the analytical part of your psyche and leave it in a locker before going on the ride.