Waverley & Monash Space-X-plore Group

Depart Australia for Orlando, Florida via Los Angeles. Upon arrival in Los Angeles, clear customs and immigration, and then transfer to your flight to Orlando. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Dinner is at the hotel tonight, followed by some rest. You have an incredible three days coming up at the NASA Kennedy Space Center!

Put your space suits on, because today after breakfast you are off to the incredible NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC)!  KSC is 100% funded by visitors and is fully controlled and operated by NASA, meaning everything in the center, even down to the toilet paper in the restrooms is all NASA certified!  The KSC is also a fully operational rocket launching site, meaning this is the “real deal”, with around two rockets launching every month from here!  If you are lucky you may see a real rocket launch off into space!  The center is also staffed by real astronauts, regularly taking part in training and educational talks.  Though NASA can’t guarantee the order of your program you will take part in the below over the next 3 days. 

The program will begin with the NASA certified “ATX Astronaut Training Experience”, an original program not available anywhere else.  This program gives you the opportunity to train as real astronauts, as the next generation of space explorers. Throughout the day the group will:

·         See and feel what it would be like to live and work on Mars and learn about the challenges of preparing for the journey to the Red Planet. 

·         Experience how real astronauts train in mission simulators such as the “Land-and-Drive-on-Mars” full motion simulator, the “Walk-on-Mars” virtual                      reality simulator, and the “Micro-Gravity” floor simulator. 

·         There is also the opportunity to perform two spacecraft launch mission simulations inside the full-scale “Orion” capsule from an authentic Mission Control                Center.

Today is all about teamwork, communication and collaboration.  These skills will be developed as you each take turns in the Training Control Center, guiding one another through a series of challenges. After ATX you will receive an electronic report detailing your achievements along with a video log that is recorded during the program.

After ATX Astronaut Training it’s time to board your Kennedy Explore Bus Tour which takes you behind the scenes at Kennedy Space Centre, making several stops to capture once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities of rocket launch pads, the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building, Apollo/Saturn V Center and the historic Launch Complex 39.  Access restricted areas of this working spaceflight facility where America launched to the moon and where NASA plans to launch astronauts into deep space!  After a full day of space exploration return to your hotel to relax followed by dinner.

Continue with your immersion into the future of space exploration at Mars Base 1.  Today you will have the opportunity to visit and work in a fully immersive simulation of a prototype Mars Base! Ride in an elevator to the top of the launch tower to board your spacecraft for the journey to Mars. We are going to be fully briefed about our mission, the history of Mars and what to expect when we arrive on the red planet.  Experience a real Mars landing, being driven to basecamp and guided tour of the first of the three duty stations.  Here we are going to conduct real science experiments, solve engineering challenges, use robotics and defy gravity in a microgravity simulation. These include the Mars Operation Center, managing emergencies, the Engineering Lab whereby we test and develop a team of robots and restore power to the base.  Lastly we work on NASA’s Veggie Project by planting, harvesting and analysing vegetables in a series of controlled experiments. Remember, anyone can do these activities - you don’t need to be top of your class in physics and best of all its FUN!

Late in the day, return to Earth and board your space bus back to the hotel and dinner.

Today is another huge day! We spend all day at the KSC Visitor Complex. 

During our program today, we can experience the following amazing exhibits:

·         Space Shuttle Atlantis

·         Astronaut encounter presentation & Q&A

·         Shuttle Launch Experience

·         Heroes and Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame

·         Journey to Mars: Explorers Wanted- Live shows every 30 minutes

·         IMAX Theatre 3D Films ”Journey to Space 3D” and “Asteroid Hunters”

·         A real Rocket Launch Viewing twice per month (depending on the dates of your groups visit)

·         Numerous Shows and Exhibits

A daily program is provided on arrival at Kennedy but may include:

·         Science on a Sphere-Live

·         NASA Now Show

·         Rocket Garden Tours

·         Astronaut Autograph Signing

·         Eyes on the Solar Eclipse

·         Eyes on the Universe 3D presentation in the Astronaut Encounter Theatre

·         Mission Status Briefing

Be sure not to miss the astronaut encounter session run twice daily by a veteran astronaut with an open question and answer session and the opportunity to get a NASA astronaut autograph.

Afterwards, make our way to Orlando airport for our flight to San Francisco. Dinner will be enjoyed “on the run” at the airport before our flight.  On arrival in San Francisco, transfer by coach to our hotel at Pier 39 Waterfront, check-in and get some rest before another big day tomorrow.

First up today, we visit the USS Hornet, an original WWII aircraft carrier that has been transformed into an interactive museum. Travel over the impressive San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge which is a huge 7,180m in length constructed originally in 1933 and carries about 260,000 vehicles per day over its two decks.

On arrival at the USS Hornet, the group takes part in the “S.T.E.M. to STERN” Program, a unique and original program developed by the museum. See how chemistry, physics and mathematics apply to the operational functions of a World War II aircraft carrier. The historic surroundings of the USS Hornet offer a one of a kind learning environment for exploring these concepts by giving you a perspective on modern technology, whilst offering a comparison to that of the past.

During our day we investigate such things as:

·         How thermodynamics and electromagnetism allowed the USS Hornet to use seawater to power the ship while cruising the ocean.

·         How waves are used to track objects and communicate on board as well as between ships and aircraft. 

·         See how hydraulics and simple machines, wind and the ship itself helped launch a 19,000-lb jet off the flight deck.

·         How pilots and sailors use vector mathematics to plot a course.

·         How did chemistry, physics and mathematics contribute to the operational functions of a WWII aircraft carrier?

·         What role does science and technology play in history?

·         How does modern technology compare with vintage technology?

These questions and more will be answered on this interactive and thought provoking experience on the unique USS Hornet! A tailor made S.T.E.M. session will cover hands on activities from mechanics, aerospace and electrochemistry.  

After your guided tour on the USS Hornet board the bus and head to the Exploratorium interactive museum at Pier 15.  Since 1969 the Exploratorium has been sparking enthusiastic explorers, original thinking, and brave leaps forward!  You’ve probably never been to a place quite like the Exploratorium.  Here you’re invited to ask questions and question answers.  The 600-plus exhibits you’ll find inside the Exploratorium are people-powered, meaning you make them go.  See S.T.E.M in action when you roll up your sleeves and push, pull, crank, twist, and turn them.  We think the most exciting way to experience scientific phenomena is to encounter them face to face.  Are you prepared to play?   By the time you leave we believe you will see the world in a whole new way.

After the Exploratorium the afternoon is at your leisure.  Explore the Fisherman’s Wharf area, visit the local sea lions at Pier 39, enjoy some retail therapy at Union Square or catch a famous cable car.  Dinner will be at your choice of Pier 39 restaurant tonight (own expense).

Today you’ll take in the sights and sounds of the City by The Bay with a narrated coach tour of San Francisco.  First up visit the Golden Gate Bridge Visitors Centre to learn about this engineering marvel before walking the entire length of the bridge, enjoying the spectacular scenery from the top of the bridge.  Since it opened in 1937, this 2.7km bridge spans between San Francisco and Marin Counties and has become one of the most beloved bridges in the world.  A work of art and an American icon, the Bridge is flanked on both ends by the natural beauty of the Golden Gate National Parks.  Some of the things you may see today include North Beach, Little Italy, Chinatown, the Presidio, the Painted Ladies at Alamo Square, Sausalito and a panoramic view of the city from Twin Peaks.

After your city tour it’s time to say goodbye to this beautiful city and transfer to the airport for our onward flight to Los Angeles. There will be time to purchase some dinner at the airport before departing.  On arrival in Los Angeles, transfer to the Knott’s Berry Farm Resort Hotel, in Anaheim and enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant, Amber Waves.

Knott's Berry Farm is a huge 160 acre amusement park featuring dozens of rides, shows, attractions, and some of the biggest rollercoasters in the whole world!

In the morning the group will take part in the coolest new physics and science program called “Energy in Motion” where we learn all about the physics of the rides and rollercoasters in the park. The best part is that you get to ride them all for the rest of the day!  Some of the more thrilling rides are the Xcelerator and the Silver Bullet.  The newest ride, Hang Time, is the first and only dive coaster in California, which towers 45m above the Boardwalk area, showcases a beyond vertical drop, gravity-defying inversions and mid-air suspensions.

Late afternoon head off on your Hollywood night tour and checkout the one and only Hollywood with a full narrated tour and time to walk around and soak it all in.  Grab dinner at Hollywood (own expense) before returning back to the resort.

Today, we pack our bags and head to Universal Studios in Hollywood. Take a tour of the back lot and see where movies are made!  At the entertainment center, see all the elements that go into making movies, including stunt shows and the animal actor’s stage.  Enjoy rides such as Jurassic World, Revenge of the Mummy, Transformers: The Ride-3D, Despicable Me Ride and the Fast and the Furious – Supercharged Ride.

Don’t forget to see what awaits you in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter! From magical spells to magical creatures, from dark villains to daring heroes. Explore the mysteries of Hogwarts Castle, visit the shops of Hogsmeade, and sample fare from some of the wizarding world’s best-known establishments. Plus experience pulse-pounding rides and attractions that transport you into a world of magical thrills and excitement.

From Universal Studios we transfer Los Angeles International Airport to check in and board our return flight to Australia.