Day 5

Thursday- I think I've said it almost every post, but really, where did the time go? We're graduating as true astronauts tomorrow! I can't believe the week is over, it's been so busy!

It's been another great, very busy day here in Huntsville, Alabama! Immediately following breakfast, Kate did not one, not two but THREE missions! She and her group were in the mission facilities from 8:30-2:00 (yes there was a break for lunch) and Kate acted as Pilot, Communicator and Specialist for the various missions. She's affectionately known by the counselors, staff and interpreters as the REALLY sweet, talkative girl and they all love her personality (who doesn't? :) ) so everyone enjoyed her presence whether it was in the cockpit, mission control room or working on satellites in space. After their missions, Team Von Tiesenhausen spent some time on SpaceShot, a simulator for the extra "G's" you feel in space, then spent some time in the museum.

I had the privilege of interpreting for SP, Kia, and Dale as they tackled Area 51 (the low ropes course area) Dale and SP helped lead one group and Kia coached and encouraged the other team. Each team was given 3 or 4 "missions" that held problems they needed to solve as a team. From balancing boards and transporting "fuel cells" to hoisting teammates through lasers and escorting teams from a dying world to a new one, Team Atlas did it all!

Lee's morning consisted of a few history presentations. He learned about famous space crews throughout the years, the history of the shuttle and learned about the moon's phases. He also enjoyed the training simulator, learning how to control his movement as though he were tethered to a rocket.

Kate's afternoon and evening were quite exciting as she got her Seals Operation training and Escape and Evasion training. Dressed in camouflage and using Navy Seals sign, Kate and her group completed their mission, successfully clearing the "enemies" and patrolling the woods near Space Camp...we're all safe now!

Kia, SP, and Dale learned about Mars this evening, and saw many mock shuttles that are strewn throughout the "Rocket Park" here at Space Camp. They saw the shuttles illuminated and got a full history on each while they toured the sites.

Lee had a Jeopardy-like game about Space missions, terminology, astronauts and quotes from space and did well with his team. We'll find out tomorrow at Graduation if he won...I can't wait!

Some updates from our astronauts...

Lee-I enjoyed using the MMU and launching my rocket, I also liked the Superbowl competition, but we don't know who will win until tomorrow. byeeeeeeeeee  

Kate- Have soo much fun at Space Camp. I liked going to the theater to see IMAX movies, Mars, space shot, history presentations, being a pilot, Mission Specialist 2. I loved learning a lot about history and pilots because, I want a lot of experience about history and being a pilot. enjoyed being with my teams because they are great and cool too. This was my first time this year at Space Camp. I hope you that can come to Space Camp for challenges and competition. Bye, I will see you next week Monday at school. "I miss you" to everyone!

Kia- I had fun. I played games and learned about Mars. I talked with my friends. I went to Area 51 that had team building activities. I was the Captain of one game. They had a laser web we had to crawl through. The rules were that we can't touch the rope, you have to go through without touching and when you go through a circle, that circle is closed and you cant go through same place. Also, you can lift another person but no throwing. You cant jump through. If you touch the "laser" you have to go back and do it again. It was really tough, but a lot of fun!

Dale-hey I'm having a lot of fun here at Space Camp. Yesterday we went to Area 51 and we had a lot of fun and I made new friends and we played the toxic waste game the rules were: you can't touch the bucket with your  hands you have to use the rope only it was challenging but it was a lot of fun!