Sunday, March 22, 2026

Dry Dock, A Must Listen and YouTube Station for All Space Center Staff, Volunteers, and Fans! Mark Daymont Gives an Artemis Update. Imaginarium Theater

A Must-Read Post for Anyone Connected to Space Centers. "Dry Dock," the First Ever Space-Centering Podcast Created by Matt Ricks and Nathan Young.

 

Did you know there was an unofficial podcast for the Space Centering community? I know — "centering" isn't a real word, but what other word should I use to describe everyone who works or volunteers at the many space centers here, there, and someday, everywhere? I shamelessly borrowed the idea from Harry Potter — the Wizarding community.

 

Back in 2017, Matt Ricks approached me to be a guest on their new podcast. They explained that it would serve as a permanent record of the history of space centers, told by those who created, worked, volunteered, acted, sacrificed, cried, screamed, and bled because of them. "Dry Dock" is the name of this Smithsonian-style oral history project that captures everything related to the space centers. I praised their efforts and gladly agreed to be a guest on the first episode as someone with founder status.

 

They met me at Renaissance Academy late one afternoon. Before we started the interview, they asked if I needed to use the bathroom. How considerate of them to recognize the needs of the elderly. I assured them I was ready with a fresh Depends. After a microphone check, the questions came rapidly. I was asked questions that reached deep into my memory.

"What childhood events led you to where you are today?" Matt asked. "Do you blame your parents? Teachers? Bishop...?" I shifted uncomfortably in a hard sixth-grade plastic chair.

"I'm feeling uncomfortable with this line of questioning," I said defensively. "I need to go to my happy place."

Fortunately, they reluctantly edited out the most invasive questions after receiving a letter from my lawyer. What remains on the recording is a wonderful story about a humble teacher from the backwoods of South Dakota finding his creative voice as a sixth-grade teacher at one of Alpine School District's smallest elementary schools. If you don’t feel moved when the story ends, and the final goodbye is spoken, you have no heart. 





For all of you with an interest in the Space Center's history, DryDock is a MUST.  The link to the YouTube channel is here.  Pop in and enjoy the rich history of the Space Center



Space News by Mark Daymont

The Artemis is ready for Launch! Off to the Moon! (Let's Try This One More Time)


Yay! Feels like some progress is being made. After a disappointing return to the Vehicle Assembly Building for some vital repairs to the fuel system, the Artemis 2 stack and tower were brought out of the VAB and set on the day-long journey to Launch Complex 39B. Preparations now move forward at a quickened pace to be ready for the first launch window, which is April 1. No kidding, April 1. So if the launch is scrubbed that day, you can imagine the jokes we'll get.



KPop Laser Hunters is a Big Hit at the Space Center. Book Tickets Today!



Imaginairum Theater

The Week's Best Videos From Around the World, Edited for a Gentler Audience




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