The Saturn IB Rocket

I took this picture when we stop at the welcome center in 1-65 here in Alabama. The rocket that you've seen in the photo is an old Saturn 1B launched vehicle rocket. Installed in 1979, the 224 foot tall Saturn 1B was a forerunner of the Saturn 5 launch vehicle for NASA missions. It boosted unmanned Apollo modules and a few orbital trips.

In the late 1990s, you could stop at this Alabama border Welcome Center, stand under the engines and imagine how the blast of takeoff would feel (like Alabama in August?). Renovations to the exhibit since then prevent strolling under the rocket.

Around the periphery of the Saturn 1B, there are several plaques and displays describing "The Saturn Legacy."

Nearby, a Vietnam War Memorial -- a chevron-shaped native rock monument -- is inscribed with Alabama war dead.