Tanya’s look: Off the shoulder top / white jeans / flip flops / Hermes belt (old; similar here 20% OFF with code: PARIS) / bracelets / sunglasses / LV bag (old; similar here)
Being a space program enthusiast from my very early years, I was very excited when Tanya told me she had planned a Kennedy Space Center excursion as part of our recent trip to Vero Beach, Florida. I still keep up with NASA’s space program and no better way to do it than visit the place where it all happens – Kennedy Space Center. This was my 5th trip to Kennedy over the last 35 years and there is always more to see and do each time I go. We were fortunate this time to see the latest SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on the launch pad getting fueled for a launch that evening. SpaceX had attempted several previous launches of this Falcon, but (fortunately for us) had “scrubbed” or delayed four earlier attempts due to technical, weather or security reasons. SpaceX’s Falcon is one of the two commercial American space systems that can reach the International Space Station and the only one that can return cargo back to NASA. We saw both the current Falcon 9 on the launch pad, plus the new launch pad SpaceX has being constructed at Launch Complex 39A – the site of so many Project Apollo moon missions and over half of the Space Shuttle launches. This is the place the new Falcon Heavy rocket will launch for the first time this summer.
There is so much to see and do at the KSC that it takes about 2 – 3 days to see it all. From the new Space Shuttle Atlantis Experience, to the guided VIP bus tours, to the two IMAX theaters, to the Rocket Garden to the Astronaut Hall of Fame, to the Apollo/Saturn Center, KSC is exciting, entertaining and informative. In a special treat thanks to lucky timing, the evening of our visit we were able to actually see the SpaceX Falcon launch – it was quite a sight on a beautiful evening. We saw the entire flight of the first stage, the separation of the first stage, 2nd stage ignition and about 4 minutes of the flight of the second stage. We also saw the Falcon’s protective cargo cover separate from the rocket.
In my book the Kennedy Space Center is a must see if you’re anywhere near the Central Florida Atlantic Coast. This is a great trip with kids, grandkids or just adults. Tanya has linked you to everything she had on that day. She wants me to share with you that casual style is a must while visiting KSC.
I hope you enjoyed our little excursion and tour. – Pete
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Photo credit: Pete Foster
About Pete Foster
Peter Foster is an avid technologist, engineer and fan of US space operations. He has over 25 years’ experience as CEO of technology companies, been granted 12 US Patents, has co-authored a book on speech recognition and is an instrument-rated private pilot with over 2500 logged hours.
Comments on photographs:
1. Entering the new Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit. The actual Shuttle is on display inside. Atlantis flew over 125 million miles in space.
2. Rocket Garden: A history of NASA launch vehicles from the late 1950s. Real rockets are on display.
3. One of the few remaining Saturn 5 launch vehicles. This is astounding in its scale. More than 2X as tall as the Shuttle. It’s in the Apollo/Saturn Center.
4. Vehicle Assembly Building. This is where the Saturn and Shuttles were erected. They would then be taken by the “crawler” to the launch pad. One of the largest buildings in the world.
5. Current SpaceX Falcon 9 launch pad on Cape Canaveral Air Force Base. This was s few hours before launch. Notice the white pickup truck. Our NASA tour guide assured us that this was for the good soul that lit the fuse and then “drove like crazy” to escape at T -3:00 min.
6. DOTS
7. NASA entrance sign.
8. Beautiful lady in front of the Shuttle Tank and SRB assembly outside the NASA Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit.
Thanks for the very accurate description of each picture.
You crack me up Pete!
xoxo- Tanya 🙂
Hi Pete, very interesting post and easy to see how one could spend several days exploring KSC. My question is, does Elon Musk own Space X and Falcon 9? I think I read that when reading up on Tesla? Does the US govt. have monetary interest also? How does that all work?
Thanks for the information.
Interesting times ahead with the possibility of personal space travel in the future. Being a pilot and technical guy, would you want to go ?
1. Yes, Elon Musk started SpaceX (along with Tesla and several others). The government has no financial interest in the company. NASA help nurture space startups like SpaceX by offering lucrative contracts to resupply the International Space Station and SpaceX was one of the winners. It currently is the only vehicle (the Dragon spacecraft) that can return cargo back to earth (other than the Russian capsule that returns astronauts). Dragon was designed from the start to carry humans. SpaceX is currently having NASA “man-certify” the Dragon and it is scheduled to have its first manned flight next year.
2. The reason I am a pilot is actually because I wanted to become an astronaut. I was nominated to go to the USAF Academy to get on this career path, but later was disqualified for medical reasons, so I had to settle by getting my pilot’s license. 🙁
Thank you. Interesting stuff.
Thanks for reading along and leaving a comment/question Cher!
xoxo- Tanya 🙂
Pete, It was great to learn your background and interests. Living only a few houses from you made me realize that I know more about Tanya and your dogs than I do about you. Thanks for sharing. Tanya, I love seeing your closet remodel since we are in in the same process now! Great blog – I always learn something new and interesting!