Multi Axis Trainer

The MAT is used to train the astronauts on how to react if their aircraft goes into a spin.  A ride on the MAT is one of the highlights of Space Camp.

The MAT is used to train the astronauts on how to react if their aircraft goes into a spin.  A ride on the MAT is one of the highlights of Space Camp.

Justin was so brave, he volunteered to be the first person to try the simulator.

Next, Kyle took a ride.

Destiny enjoyed the experience.

Katie, the team leader, was thrilled to see my excitement as I hopped into the MAT chair.  I missed this experience last year and was not going to let the opportunity pass me by twice.

Surprisingly, I did not feel dizzy after being rotated in many directions.

Student journals: day three (Monday April 29, 2013)

. . . At Area 51 we played games such as toxic waste, whale watch, and Hula Hoop game.  I thought it was a lot of fun, as well as very difficult. . . .After lunch we went with Chris, our morning counselor, and built our own rocket.  I had a lot of fun though it was a bit confusing putting the parts together. Then after dinner we went scuba diving.  I was a bit nervous at first but when I got down there I had so much fun. . . I can't wait to see what adventures await us for tomorrow!
-Samantha G.

.  . . presentation about exterior of shuttle, explaining things on it such as boosters. It was somewhat interesting to know/learn.  I was assigned to Flight Dynamics Officer (FDC). It's job is to instruct commander/pilot to start the shuttle and managing its fuel.  It was interesting but same time difficult because I have to time it and tell commander / pilot correct switches.  But, it's a new experience for me to do.. . . I learned something valuable from each [of the Area 51] challenges . . . cooperation, communication, and trust. Then we built rockets individually . . . .Also I forgot to add scuba diving.  Wow!  It was huge blast! It was a new adventure for me! My body was so light! . . . .created our spacesuit. . . .it survived [most tests] but not heat.  It boiled to death.
 - Mike W.

Today was long, tiring, sad, happy, and fun. . . . I was the pilot. It was very interesting where we do our stuff.  There were so many buttons and lights.  It was a bit overwhelming!  I am disappointed that I couldn't scuba but it was fun watching other kids in the water.  I played a landing game and after a few tries, I successfully landed perfectly and made the top score!  Later on, we had to make our own astronaut suit and it was weird. . .we did pretty good.
-Hannah F.


I feel like perfect time,I meet new friends.
-Destiny T.

We go to climb wall. . . W go to I-Max.  I love it!  . .  Teamwork. . . . We have love of fun on mission. We go to MAT.  It really cool.
-Kyle D.

Student journals: day two (Sunday)

D&K's entries will be posted later


Transferred to space camp dorm. Aka. Habitat.  The habitat is small and plain but comfy to sleep in.  . . Explains about fuel cells. .  .  equal amount of salt among the amount of water then the result will be the best one.  I want to see how the adventure of space camp unfolds.
- Mike W

. . .  It was pretty cool but I expected more of a camping experience than an education. . .   Team Von Lions' counselor's name is Terrance or, "Tank."  We went to a bunch of lectures about spacecraft shuttles. . . 

-Samantha G.

Today was insane.  We moved from the hotel to the habitat.  It looks and feels like a prison. . . . Rooms are really small and dim. . .  I am exhausted from today.  . .  I am excited for tomorrow to do mission stuff

Hannah F.

We met new friend from LA, MSD.  We have lot of fun at space camp and we watch movie and play.  . . . My Fav[orite thing to] look [at was the robotic] fish.
Kyle D.

Rockets and space suits

Sam and Hannah assembling their rockets!

Good work, Sam!

Michael shows off a work in progress.

Hannah is busy mastering her rocket building skills.

 

 

Following directions is key to success!

 

Scuba

Michael waves to the camera from an underwater playground.

Sam navigates her way while scuba diving for the first time.

 

Sam has a message for WPSD!

Mike plays with a 100 lb. ball underwater!

Breathing underwater must be an odd feeling....

 

Area 51 ( low ropes)

Justin, our student from SSDHH makes sure everything fits!

Challenges conquered on the low ropes course....

                                                Of course, teamwork was necessary to complete each task....

                                                            Easier said than done....but perseverance is key!

     The goal was to get everyone through the hoop, while holding hands, in the shortest time possible.

 

                               Innovation, creativity, teamwork, and determination can get the job done!

 

Mission training (Alpha)

We trained for our first mission this morning.  Samantha will be the commander, Hannah will be the pilot and Mike will be in Mission Control along with several other members of the Von Lions team (photos to come later).  While Hannah and Samantha were manning the orbiter, their teammates from MSSD (mission specialists) were out fixing a satellite.

The girls only crashed a few times during the simulated practice and were getting very good at running the controls by the end of the practice session.  Hopefully tomorrow they'll have a flawless flight!!!

Buttons and switches and lights, oh my!!

Science science science!!!!

     
(sorry if these pictures are out of order-- JAM is having technical difficulties =)