One Tank Trips: Stennis Space Center
By Kevin Wheeler - bio | email
STENNIS SPACE CENTER, MS (WDAM) - Spacecraft engine testing is a trademark of the Stennis Space Center located in south Mississippi.
"If you've never experienced the shake, rattle and roll, and roar of a rocket engine test, it is something that you'll remember for the rest of your life," said Public Affairs Officer, Paul Foerman.
When you visit Stennis, you learn all about the work that goes on there on a 25-minute narrated tour.
On the campus sits several test stands that are used to test the various engines.
"It's been used to test engines from the Shuttle program, the Apollo program, experimental engines," said Vicki Bess, a tour guide.
Some lucky visitors might even get to see an engine testing if they happen to run one that day.
After the tour, visitors are taken to the Stennisphere Visitors Center. The center tells the story of NASA through educational and interactive exhibits. Everyone is welcome and it's free.
"We have everything from a space shuttle cockpit where you can test your skills at landing the shuttle, to stage presentations," said Foerman.
You will find several pieces of history inside and outside the museum, including a moon rock and astronaut Fred Haise's spacesuit. Foerman said it is hard to leave this place disappointed.
"Without fail, every visitor is excited when they leave Stennisphere," Foerman said. "Many of the people come here and have fun and don't even realize that they are actually learning when they are experiencing the visitor's center."
We received a free tour and look back into history, all on a half a tank of gas.
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