Treasure Coast Media Breakfast - Lisa Malone & Daniel LeBlanc
Live via a video conference link from Kennedy Space Center, Lisa Malone and Daniel LeBlanc discussed the development of the communications program for the new Shuttle Launch Experience. They kicked off the with a video segment that introduced the new simulation program that will be part of the Visitor's Complex at KSC.
Lisa spent some time talking about the relationship between the Kennedy Space Center and the Visitors Center. For those of you that do not know, the Space Center is run by NASA of course, but the Visitors Center is a private facility that is run by an outside vendor. Obviously, they have a very close working relationship.
Daniel started off by introducing the Delaware North Companies. Delaware North is not a well known name, but they run a number of facilities around the country that you may have heard of: Yellowstone, Yosemite, US Mint to name a few. The Visitors Center started in 1966 with a trailer and a simple bus tour. It has grown every year since then.
On average 1.5 million people visit the center each year and spends almost six hours at the center. That type of engagement is a tremendous opportunity to educate people about the space center.
A few years ago KSC and the Visitors Center brought together a number of scientists, astronauts and employees to discuss what type of experiences visitors would want. The simulation experience was high on the list. The new attraction is based upon the shuttle program even though it will be coming to the end of operation in a few years. Lisa noted that even though the Apollo program took place over 30 years ago she would jump at the chance to participate in a simulation of that program. Lisa and Daniel said they both realize they are not a theme park, their mission is to promote the space program. However, they understand the type of experiences that visitors want and they want to make it fun.
The Shuttle Launch Experience will be the largest project undertaken at the Visitors Center. The project will cost $60 million and occupy 44,000 square feet. The experience is scheduled to open in May 2007. The goal is a Memorial Day launch.
With the upcoming shuttle launch they have a great opportunity to promote the new simulation experience to the 1800+ members of the media that will be on site.
Lisa ended the formal part of the presentation with an overview of the upcoming shuttle launch and the ongoing media/community relations programs at KSC.
I asked how the recent issues with Mission Space at EPCOT have impacted the development/promotion of the Shuttle Launch Experiance. Daniel said that the SLE is not science fiction, it's proven technology that NASA helped develop. They are working closely with their in-house safety teams to ensure that the ride is safe for all riders.
There will be a height restriction of 46" for riders. There will be no additional cost (besides gate admission) to ride the simulation.
The majority of the questions focussed on safety, motion sickness, etc. I think all this plays back to my original question. I think the majority of the questions they will face over the the next year are related back to Mission Space.
