STS-107 Columbia (was Kennedy Space Center) Virtual Cache
This cache has been locked, but it is available for viewing.
STS-107 Columbia (was Kennedy Space Center)
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When placed, this cache was overlooking the space shuttle Columbia Flight STS-107 as it sat on pad 39A being prepared for it's January flight. Our hearts and prayers go out to these brave astronauts and their families.
**This cache has been updated to reflect the terrible tragedy of STS-107.**
**According to a visitor on June 28th, 2005, security may not allow visitors to carry GPS units onto the property. You can still claim this virtual cache, however!**
This is a virtual cache on the grounds of the Kennedy Space Center near Titusville, FL.
When seeking this cache, please take a moment to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice of the astronauts on flight STS-107. You will need to be able to climb stairs to claim this cache.
In memory of:
Commander Rick D. Husband
Pilot William C. McCool
Payload Commander Michael P. Anderson
Mission Specialist David M. Brown
Mission Specialist Kalpana Chawla
Mission Specialist Laurel Clark
Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon
Lacking any caches, virtual or otherwise on the expansive grounds of the Kennedy Space Center, The Amester and I felt that we had to create one for the droves of visitors who stop off at the home of manned space flight in the Western hemisphere.
This cache takes you to the LC 39 Observatory Platform, a trifle over one mile from Launch Pads 39A and 39B, currently used to launch NASA's Space Shuttle, and former launch pads for the Apollo program's Saturn V rockets. You may see a shuttle already in position on one of the launch pads, or possibly see one of the incredible 6 million pound Mobile Launcher platforms moving a shuttle down the crawlerway adjacent to the observation post.
Note that civilians cannot drive around the KSC -- you'll have to pay your admission and join the droves of folks in line to catch the buses which take visitors from the welcome complex to LC39 and the Saturn V center.
LC39 is only one of many great attractions for both young and old at the Kennedy Space Center. We highly recommend the Astronaut Hall of Fame up the road, included in your admission. Their exhibits of space memorabilia are amazing, and the simulators (including the 360 and g-force machine) are outstanding, though not for the weak of stomach.
To claim this cache, email us the number of steps you take to reach the highest exterior platform of the observatory.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Qba'g pbhag nal fgrcf *vafvqr* gur rapybfrq ivrjvat nern, bayl pbhag gubfr bhgfvqr.