Mission Control Desk

(YouTube link)

Jeff Highsmith’s oldest son started school and needed a desk for homework. But this kid didn’t get just any desk- his dad built him something extraordinary. When the lid is down, its a slant desk used to complete homework. But when the homework is done, raise the lid and you’re in Mission Control!

I researched the Apollo Program as well as NASA’s Mission Control Center, and designed my own console roughly based on those. I say “roughly” because the actual Mission Control does more monitoring than controlling, and isn’t awash in the whiz-bang rocket noises young kids appreciate. I took great liberties and made more of a “space-themed” play console than an accurate simulator. My goal was simply to provide some extra ideas and sound effects for my two sons to play “space” together.

Hey, when I was that age, my dad made me a pair of stilts. Make has an extensive article on how Highsmith built the desk and all the widgets inside, with lots of photographs. -via Metafilter