Heather HilliardHonors Council blasted off into space at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral.
While at the space center the group learned what it would be like to live on Mars. At NASA, groups take buses to each of the different sites available to tour. The Honors Council group saw the launch pad, Apollo 7 and a bald eagle’s nest that was larger than a king size bed. While on the bus, groups are kept entertained by informative movies discussing what the bus is on its way to see. Other attractions at NASA include Astronaut Encounter, Astronaut Hall of Fame, IMAX space movies, Rocket Garden and, for an extra fee, lunch with a real astronaut.
The tip of space shuttle Discovery was also visible, though the rest was hidden to protect it from weather. Discovery will be launched Dec. 7, and tickets are available to watch the launch at NASA. Discovery will be the 20th U.S. mission to the International Space Station. The flight will deliver and attach the third port truss segment to the station. Discovery will also be carrying a Spacehab module that will deliver supplies and equipment to the outpost.