Day 17–Johnson Space Center, Webster, Texas

After spending another evening watching the Olympics we went to bed early. We were both up by 6 am and were able to secure some time on the internet. We had a connection just long enough to go onto the Space Center web site and I printed out web discount tickets to get in. Then in a flash our connection was gone.

The traffic was very light (unlike the night before) and we arrived at the Space Center at 9:30 am. I thought we would be the first people there but we were surprised to find a line waiting for the ticket booth to open. As the clock ticked closer to the 10 am  opening there were at least 200 people waiting.

The Johnson Space Center is an amazing place and we took in every show and demonstration.

    

NASA has developed robots that can do many of the necessary tasks that would otherwise be done by humans. Their finger movements are so precise they can type on a keyboard without difficulty.

 

                                

 

 

                                  

 

The Tram Tour was phenomenal. We were brought to the astronaut training center with the mock-ups of the modules used on the International Space Station.

                      

Below the SOYUZ capsule that takes our American astronauts to the ISS

The transporters in the back  can hold up to four astronauts and have enough food, water and necessary items on board for 14 days

                

The Space Center is preparing a spot to house the transporter for the space shuttle

We spent the entire day there leaving at 5:30 pm. By then my knee was killing me because  I chose to walk up and down the stairs instead of taking the elevators provided. Not too smart on my part at all!! It was a great day overall and we certainly learned  many new and interesting things about our space exploration.

We were also impressed with the role that the US, Canada,  Russia, Japan and Europe have taken in the quest to build, maintain and man the International Space Station.

After a quick dinner at 5 Guys we headed back to the CG. The traffic was a little heavier but not as nerve racking as the day before. Jewel was happy to see us and couldn’t wait to be taken for her evening walk.

Tomorrow we will be heading to Austin. We have tried to contact cousin Joyce – but no luck. We had hoped to stop to see her for a few hours but so far a no go.