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Blast Off at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center

© Martine G. Bates

One of the things that makes the South unique is the dichotomy that exists here: We are often thought of by people in other regions of the U.S. and the world as backward, behind the times, and even ignorant. I won't argue that point-actually, I can argue vigorously on either side of the debate, because while we may be backward, behind the times, and so on, we also boast some mighty high-tech accomplishments.

The U.S. space program stands as a testimony to the South's ability to perform. Huntsville, Alabama's NASA program has been instrumental in the development of our space program from the very beginning in the 1950's.

A perfect place to learn about that space program is the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Located at Exit 15 off I-565 about 25 miles south of the Alabama-Tennessee line, the center is a great place to visit, as many have already discovered. It's a rare day when the Space Center is not overflowing with visitors from all over the world.

What's to see at the Space Center? How about a space shuttle? This one is not a replica, it's an actual shuttle. Locals know it's real, because NASA recently sent a team to take some parts off to use with another shuttle. Cost cutting measures? I guess.

Anyway, the brochure says that the only other place in the world you'll see a "full stack" - the Orbiter, the external tank and two solid rocket boosters-is at Cape Canaveral on the launch pad. And you're not likely to get this close to that one!

A 363-foot Saturn V rocket was recently erected on the grounds to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the moon landing, or, if you're not convinced that we really landed on the moon, the famous media event staged by Hollywood producers in 1969.

They brought some rocks back from the moon (or picked some up in the Arizona desert, depending on your viewpoint), and they're on display, along with meteor fragments and lots of other fascinating earth and/or space stuff.

Probably the most appealing part of the Center is the rides. I confess to being a Wuss (Is that spelled right? Who says?) when it comes to rides, but I've watched others enjoy themselves on the Space Shot, the Centrifuge, and the other stomach-churning activities. They certainly appear to be having fun.

There's more, including an IMAX theater, Space Camp and Aviation Challenge, but we're running out of room here. If you want to visit, here's the latest information I have, which is subject to change.

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