Getting “vetted” for flight at NASA's Kennedy Space Center

NASA/Wendy Neuerberg

This is the door to the suit-up room. It is part of the crew quarters at Kennedy. It has several chairs like this one, where astronauts can sit while technicians help them get into their pressure suits and give them a final safety check before liftoff.

NASA/Wendy R. Neuerberg

I spent several days at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida preparing for my first launch. First, I had to get my health check-up at Astronaut Crew Quarters where they made sure I was fit enough to fly. (It’s a good thing I learned how to grow and eat vegetables at Kennedy!) Pretty soon, it was time to suit up like the explorers who have gone before me! The crew quarters and suit-up room are in the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building, named for another intrepid traveler -- the first person to walk on the moon.

Traveling in the spirit of a Newfoundland dog that became one of the most famous members of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Seaman Jr. will enjoy the sights of our home planet from the International Space Station, including amazing views of our national trails, in honor of the 50th anniversary of the National Trails Act and NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration 60th anniversary.

The National Park Service and Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail invite you to learn more about Seaman, Jr.’s space journey! Follow his blog (go.nps.gov/NewfieNews) for special updates to see all of the missions in space and flashbacks to his training adventures at NASA centers and on the national trails.