yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (12/20/90)
Patricia E. Phillips Dec. 19, 1990
407/867-2468
KSC. Release No. 199-90
SPACEPORT USA OPENS FULL-SIZE SPACE SHUTTLE MODEL TO VISITORS
Visitors to Spaceport USA will have a special treat begin-
ning Thursday, Dec. 20, when Kennedy Space Center's visitor cen-
ter opens a full-scale Space Shuttle replica for walk-through
tours.
Named the "Ambassador," the 122-foot long model is the next
best thing to climbing in a real Space Shuttle, according to
visitor center officials. The full-scale replica, made of steel
and fiberglass, will offer visitors an astronaut's view of a
Space Shuttle flight deck, crew quarters, and cargo bay.
A video display of Space Shuttle operations will be
presented at the exhibit. Guests will have an opportunity to
take photographs by the 56-foot-high Ambassador. The distinctive
black and white coloring , which duplicates the tiles used on ac-
tual Space Shuttles, will make a striking background for those
special family photos. After sundown, special lighting will il-
luminate the Ambassador and its dramatic 78-feet wing span.
During the Christmas season, Spaceport USA will primarily be
open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, except on Christmas day, when
the complex is closed. However, opening and closing hours will
be extended over the holidays to accommodate visitors.
The Ambassador was built by an Apopka, Fla. firm for Irvin
and Kenneth Feld Productions of Vienna, VA. The replica will be
on display for four months through an agreement between its
owners and TW Recreational Services Inc. TWRS is under contract
to NASA to operate Spaceport USA.