“We’d like to invite you to personally experience a ride aboard the Zeppelin at our upcoming Media Day at Moffett Field on Oct. 27.”

Monday morning I had an invitation to ride in the Zeppelin. I had cleared my calendar, but Mother Nature had forgotten to clear her sky. I worried would the weather be a factor and delay, or worse, cancel the event? As I approached Moffett Field and saw the big 246 foot long helium gas filled airship moored out near Hangar One, I felt confident that the ride would take place.

I made my way to the NASA building and signed in. I was issued a flight ticket and told to be ready for a 9 AM take off. On the airfield I talked shop with reporters from The Mercury News, KNTV – Ch. 11, and The New York Times, etc. Twelve of us were asked to gather for a safety briefing and instruction. Boarding is done with much care. The crew takes this very seriously. Once aboard the gondola I was allowed to take any seat that I wished. As the 62,500 pound mast truck made ready, we got settled and buckled in. The good-to-know about sign on my window? Life Vest Under Your Seat.

At 9:05 AM we were up! During the smoothly quiet ride we were allowed to walk around in the cabin, to take pictures, and talk with other passengers. I had to ask the question? “If we all move to one side will the ship start to roll?” I was assured that it would stay steady.

In spite of the fog, I enjoyed the fantastic bird’s-eye view down at Moffett Field – the three hangars, the NASA Ames wind tunnels, hi tech campuses, salt ponds, and 101. The cool little bathroom even comes with a window view!

Think of floating over the South Bay, San Francisco, the East Bay, or Sonoma on a clear day… Ah!

Airship Ventures

More photos on Flickr

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The Navy just announced that they would not demolish the historic Bay Area landmark. The toxic siding will be removed leaving only the steel shell intact.

A special thanks to the ‘Save Hangar One Committee‘.

Hangar One

Driving down 101 past Moffett Field I would notice the large white structure near the entrance to NASA Ames. I remembered reading about the NASA Exploration Center so I pulled in to check it out.

I was looking forward to seeing cool space stuff. From the bright sun into the dark building, my eyes adjusted and before me was, well… not very cool. There are many pictures and a lot to read. I could have stayed home and checked the same thing out online. On display is the Mercury Redstone capsule, the last unmanned test flight before manned flights. However, it was enclosed in plastic so no touching. There are also a few interactive exhibits that are under whelming; this is not the Tech Museum.

The main reason for visiting was to see the moon rock that brought back by the Apollo 15 crew. The rock is within a glass case with a very small light making it difficult to get a good view.

I spoke with the person at the visitor’s desk and he said that when a bus load of kids visit they zoom right through in just a few minutes and are ready to leave. He said that the center has a very small budget. Very unfortunate as this would be a great way for NASA to present itself to the public and to explain the function of NASA Ames.

Would I recommend The NASA Exploration Center? Yes, if you are in the area. Admission and parking is free.

After your visit, let us know any exhibits that you found enjoyable, interesting, and/or informative. I may have missed something. After all, I did not stay for the high-resolution Immersive Theater presentation.

Directions and hours here.