The Nature and Parks Authority opens the Ramon Crater Visitor Center in Memory of Astronaut Ilan Ramon
The newly renovated visitor’s center at Mitzpe Ramon will open its doors in memory of Ilan Ramon, whose shuttle exploded during the Columbia disaster. The center offers an extraordinary journey through the life of the first Israeli astronaut and a unique experience with the wonders of the Ramon Crater.
The Ramon visitor's center, in memory of astronaut Ilan Ramon, will provide an experience that combines the story of Israel's first astronaut and a deeper understanding of the largest most unique geological crater of its kind in the world. The ideological concept guiding the projects designers was to create a connection between the heavens and Israel and between land and space.
The visitor is presented with the intriguing story of Ilan Ramon beginning with his service in the Air Force, through his training with NASA and ending with the tragic crash of the Columbia shuttle on Saturday, February 1, 2003, as she made her way back to Earth after the 16 day travel through space. Even more, the family requested that the center also commemorate Ilan Ramon's son, Captain Assaf Ramon, who followed in his fathers footsteps and graduated the Air Force flying course with honors. He also expressed his desire to become an astronaut, yet during a flight training mission with the air force, his plane crashed on Mount Hebron.
The center’s location rests at the edge of the Crater right outside the Mitzpe Ramon community. The nature reserve over looks the beautiful desert landscape and brings over hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Many of these travelers stay in the area a night or two and some pass by on their way to Eilat and back. The Ramon Crater bears no gates and therefore, many of the roads and trails are open to the public. The intention of the center is to inform visitors of the crater and equip them information of the many trails and options available for enjoying the area.
The renovated center takes the guests through the foyer and into a carved rock underground domain. The surrounding rock represents the inexplicable power of nature and ability of man to create. The path then transitions into a high and impressive space where the visitor finally meets the story of Ilan Ramon and his son Assaf. The space is full of photos and descriptions of various events, the Columbia mission and a commemoration to the seven team members on the flight.
Additionally, a large replicated model of the Columbia shuttle fills the space order to create a sense of flight. The visitor can take the circular elevator to the top of the shuttle where the astronauts prepare for launch. The elevator exists on the second floor where the background music plays a sound of preparation as the astronauts make their way towards the launch pad.
The guests then continue towards a room screening various points in the life of Ilan Ramon with the last and most dramatic moment being his journey in space. The film presents original video and pictures in attempt to depict the intensity of the experience and its very tragic ending. The movie ends with the rising of the screen and the incredible view of the Ramon Crater in all its glory.
The tour moves forth to the ground floor where the visitor is introduced to the wonders of the Ramon Crater and its unique geological aspects. The exhibition is filled with beautiful photography and touchable models. These advanced models demonstrate the magnificence of the crater and why this phenomenon is a unique aspect in the world.
Finally, the route leads the visitor to an auditorium exhibiting the flora and fauna of the desert and bringing a world of rich life to an area which seems so desolate.
The information desk offers details maps of various hikes and trails through the Ramon Crater.
Pics by Silvia Golan
