Day 3
Sunday
A late start followed by a late breakfast. A large amount of food was in order in preparation for the busy day ahead. Lunch was the first call of the day, a true Texan ranch, the "Outpost Tavern", where burgers were compulsory.
After eating, a relaxing session followed by the ancient tradition of dollar notes being signed and stapled to the roof. Our first proper task was to create a mission patch for the Scottish Space School 2008. All in all a successful lunch trip.
A long drive to the Challenger Center and George Observatory caused some fatigue amongst the troops. However this was alleviated by the announcement that we would be participating in a mock "mission control" mission to the moon. 5-4-3-2-1 Blast off! We took our places and began to transmit messages to the crew. Launching was a success apart from the containment failure caused by yours truly.
Fortunately my quick witted counterparts were able to correct the mistake so casualties were kept to a minimum. After a switch over, where the crew became the flight managers and vice versa, all continued smoothly and we managed to land on the moon. A buffet followed where ribs and apple pie were consumed before heading out for some star gazing
Telescopes crowded the rooftop under a clear night sky where astronomers gathered eager to show their wares; the "Eskimo Nebula", Mars and "Orion". The views we were able to see out of the telescopes were incredible and gave a whole new perspective to what is out there. We had a clear view of Mars through the main George Observatory telescope.
All too soon it was time to leave as young eyes were starting to droop. Thanks were said and observatory staff presented with gifts and we made our preparations to leave. But it was not to be so! First it was necessary to eat all the cookies.
Upon hearing the news that we were to be awake early the next day weary heads hit the pillow like a sack of potatoes looking forward to our first day at Space Center Houston!
By Calum Hill and Kian Raafat
