A transcript of the Mission: SPACE attraction, at Epcot.
Capcom: Gary Sinise
Flight Director: Parminder Nagra
Capcom: Welcome to the International Space Training Center. You're here today to train for the greatest adventure in the history of mankind: the exploration of deep space. I know you're probably feeling a little bit nervous right now, but don't worry. Every astronaut has felt that way at one time or another. Even the heroes who went to the moon. But there is one thing that they have that you don't have. Training.
Right now at NASA and ISTC facilities around the world, future astronauts are learning how to live and work in space. But you're here today for flight training, the most thrilling experience that any astronaut candidate will ever have. Before you decide if it's right for you, let me introduce you to your spacecraft. The X-2 Deep Space Shuttle. It's powered by solid hydrogen, and can accelerate from zero to six thousand in sixty seconds. So when you hear the words "Go For Launch," you'll definitely want to hang on.
Now you've already been organized into teams, and soon each of you will be assigned a position. Navigator. Pilot. Commander. Or Engineer. And the success of your mission will depend on all of you working together as a team. I'll be your capcom, and in a few minutes I'll give all of you specific assignments. But first our flight director has some safety instructions for you. Lieutenant?
Flight director: Remember the team number you're standing on. When the doors in front of you open you will be directed to a flight station with that number on it. When you get there, please stand on the circles. During your mission, you will be enclosed inside X-2 flight trainers that produce deep space flying conditions such as turbulence and G-forces. Those who are made uncomfortable by enclosed dark spaces, spinning, or loud noises should bypass this experience.
Capcom: As you can see, astronaut flight training isn't like anything you've ever experienced before. It is intense. And, if you would like to opt out, you can sign up for Mission Control training in the advanced training lab. Just ask any member of the ISTC crew for directions. As for the rest of you, report for your pre-flight briefing. It's go time.
Capcom: You've been selected to train for an elite mission: the first mission to Mars. Robotic teams have already established your landing site here, at the north polar cap. Your mission is to get to that site. Your flight path to Mars will take you around the moon for a lunar gravity assist. But even with that slingshot assist, the trip will take three months, so we'll have to put you into hypersleep.
Computer: Hypersleep activated.
Capcom: Don't worry, it will only seem like a second or two to you. I'll give you a wakeup call when you get to Mars.
Male voice: T minus three minutes and counting.
Capcom: Okay, now, listen up. Here are your assignments. Navigator, you'll fire the thrusters for lunar orbit insertion, and for descent to the surface of Mars. Pilot, on my signal, I'll need you to trigger the second stage rocket, and also deploy the shields. Commander, you'll be responsible for first stage separation, and activating manual control for landing. Engineer, when it's bedtime, you'll activate hypersleep. You'll also extend the wings for landing. Don't worry. When it's time to push the buttons, they'll light up, and I'll give you the go. One last thing. In the event of an emergency landing, there are control sticks at every crew position. Okay, Lieutenant. Any final instructions for the new kids?
Flight director: When the flight bay doors open, follow the markings on the floor to your capsule. Then move all the way across, taking your crew positions in the cockpit, and stow all personal items in the compartments in front of you. Then reach up and pull down your restraint. Now listen carefully. Leaning forward or looking left or right during your flight could disorient you. So keep your head back against the headrest and focus straight ahead. They're all yours, capcom.
Capcom: Well, I guess that's everything. Good luck, Mars team. You are on the clock.
Firing room: Mission Control, this is the firing room, give us the go/no-go for launch.
Flight director: You are go for launch.
Firing room: We have main engine start. Five. Four. Three. Two. One. Zero. Mission Control, the tower is clear. They're all yours.
Capcom: Mission Control to Mars X-2, you are go at throttle up. Commander. Initiate first stage separation, now.
Computer: Initiated. Zero G confirmed.
Capcom: You're looking good, team. Pilot, engage second stage rocket, now.
Computer: Engaged. Earth orbit. Velocity. Fifteen thousand. Sixteen thousand. Eighteen thousand. Twenty thousand.
Capcom: You should have view of the space station now, and you are on course for your sling shot around the moon. Navigator, fire rockets for lunar orbit insertion, now.
Computer: LOI confirmed.
Capcom: Beautiful sight, isn't it? Something to dream about on the way to Mars. Engineer, activate hypersleep, now.
Computer: Activated. Sleep duration, three months.
Capcom: Rise and shine! Let's go team, we've got a problem!
Computer: Beginning evasive maneuvers.
Capcom: This meteor storm is directly over your Mars landing site.
Computer: Proximity alert.
Capcom: Pilot, deploy the shields, now.
Computer: Shield deployed.
Capcom: Hang on, team. We're getting you out of there right now! Navigator, Fire rockets for descent, now!
Computer: Rockets fired. Two hundred miles to planet surface.
Capcom: Engineer, extend wings for gliding, now.
Computer: Wings extended. Initiating auto landing sequence.
Capcom: We've lost auto pilot! Commander, activate manual control, now.
Computer: Activated.
Capcom: All hands on the control sticks. Pull back, pull back! Left, pull left! Watch the canyon walls! Now right! Ease it left.
Flight director: You're coming in too hot!
Capcom: Back to center! Hold it steady.
Computer: Runway ends in one thousand feet. Capcom: Pull back...
Computer: Two hundred feet.
Capcom: Watch the barrier!
Computer: Fifty feet.
Capcom: Pull back! Hang on! Down ... and ... clear.
Computer: Location, canyon edge.
Capcom: Don't move a muscle. Good work team, you made it to the landing site, Welcome to Mars. And welcome to the astronaut corps.
Flight director: Okay, heads back. Releasing restraints. Now push the restraints up, gather all your belongings, and follow the arrows to the advanced training lab for further training.
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Brian Kendig | eNCHaNTeR |