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I saw a space shuttle launch for the first time in
1994 (STS-59). That time I also had my first encounter with the VAB, back
then still with the Bicentennial logo instead of today's traditional
"meatball" NASA logo. Back then, I just rode by it in one of the space agy four axle tour busses (which have since been retired). That was when I
decided that one day, I'll get inside and will see how business is really
done.
A couple of years later, I talked to my friend Peter who's well connected
with NASA and who facilitated numerous launch passes for me. We were talking
about many things including travel. I told him that my top two dream travel
destinations were Antarctica and the inside of the VAB. He laughed and said
that I'll get to Antarctica well before the VAB. Coming from him, that was
not encouraging - but true: I got to go
to Antarctica in 2004, with no VAB tour
in sight.
Fast forward to 2006. One of Peter's friends is Jay, and Jay's cousin is
Alan. Alan happens to be an astronaut. Somehow he heard of my quest to get
inside the VAB, and things took right off, so to speak. So it came that one
evening I abandoned my wife and baby daughter and found myself on a redeye flight to Orlando, with more photo gear
than a mule can carry. Among other things in my bag was a P45, which you
either know or don't care what it is =) This
was to be a short yet extremely memorable trip, and I think you don't have
to be a total nerd to appreciate it. Feel free to read on.
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