AALP class takes NASA

Houston, we have landed. On day two of the North American study tour AALP class 17 stopped in at NASA Johnson Space Center. We had the chance to see the historic mission control center where they navigated the first man to the moon, in addition to many other missions to space.

The control center, which closed in 1992, still features the speaker where many historic words were said – including “Houston, we have landed” and “We are on our way, Houston” – the first and last words spoken from the moon.

The mission control center is currently under renovation in preparation for the 50^th anniversary of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landing on the moon.

We took a ride through rocket park en route to the training centre where the astronauts train for missions to the International Space Station. It was an incredibly high tech facility full of Iron Man-like looking space suits.

Good thing we got lost on the way to our next stop – the Port of Houston – because we got to drive by a number of ‘small’ -- by Texan standards -- oil refineries. We finally arrived at the Port of Houston and had an impressive tour of one of the largest ports in the United States.

Our last stop of the day was at the El Real Tex Mex restaurant where we were privileged to meet and hear from Mr. Joel Cowley, the President and CEO of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. This show is the largest in the world, with over 2 million people attending during the 3 weeks it runs each March.

Next Stop – College Station!

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