Orion will be available for public viewing pretty much around the clock from Jan. 27-29 at Dallas Victory Park (next to the American Airlines Center) as it will not be covered at any time. No reservation is required, and we will allow visitors to sign their name or write messages on some of the panels on the capsule.
The capsule making a stop in Dallas is part of the Orion program, NASA's next generation spacecraft that will be used for deep space exploration. The vehicle in particular that will be making the tour was a low fidelity model that was used for fit checks prior to the launch abort test that took place in 2010. It does not have any interior components but is a full scale mockup of the spacecraft's structure.
In addition to all of this, NASA astronauts Nick Patrick and Clay Anderson will be making appearances at the spacecraft. Nick will be available from 3pm-6pm on Friday, the 27th and Clay will be signing autographs and speaking at 4pm on Saturday, the 28th. Aside from them, NASA personnel will accompany the capsule to talk with anyone who visits.
Dan Huot, NASA
Webmaster's note: This could be a great day outing for a Cub Pack or any Scouting Unit by taking the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) from Fort Worth to the Victory Station in Dallas. Learn more about train schedules and times at www.trinityrailwayexpress.org. Click here for a Google map of the Victory Park area.
