A Special Outing, part 3

Have you ever had the feeling that if you simply turned around, you would find what you were looking so hard for? The fur on the back of my neck began to rise. I slowly turned around and saw...

...the space shuttle!

I was so excited that I began running toward it.

This is the Space Shuttle Discovery! This is the real thing that went into outer space, not a replica.

Look! The outside of the space shuttle has a lot of black tiles on it. It's not one smooth piece.

Each tile is individually numbered, that way the engineers know which piece is damaged and can make repairs.

Wow, it looks great, doesn't it?

There is a tiny window on the side that the astronauts can look out of. I wonder what it's like seeing the Earth from way up in outer space.

The other side of the shuttle says "Cut here for emergency rescue." Space flight does have its risks, you know. Only the brave need apply!

Here's a look from the rear.

Pretty cool, huh?

They have some of space-related exhibits here also. This is a rocket... it's inert... phew.

More rockets of different sizes!

There are also some old computer systems on display. This is a Univac computer on the right.

This computer system also looks kinda outdated. Maybe it is more up Uncle Tibbs' alley?

This is a "Sounds of Earth" golden phonograph record is a replica of a phonograph that was launched with the Voyager spacecraft in 1977. The Voyager spacecraft is still in space today and is the farthest human-made object from Earth. There are messages and music and other sounds on the phonograph, for the extraterrestrial life forms that may find them. Were stuffies included on this phonograph?

Here's an astronaut spacesuit! I need one of these.

And a space helmet and gloves also!

Look at this space capsule. It looks a lot like my head, don't you think?

Alright, here's a final look at the space shuttle! What a beauty! I hope I hear back from NASA about my astrobear application. It's been a while...