Kennedy Space Centre

Like many folk who visit Disney World and Universal Parks, a day at the Kennedy Space Centre is something of a ‘must see’ because it is not far away. I’d say there are three key aspects to the place. Firstly, it’s a real space port, like Mos Eisley, but in Florida. Secondly, there are exhibits covering the entirety of NASA’s history. Thirdly, its geographical setting is quite striking.

We were unlucky on the first score. Artemis II was being prepared for liftoff, and the massive Vehicle Assembly Building was closed to the public. This was a shame, as it’s quite a sight, apparently. We did get to see the rocket perched on the gantry. We were about a mile away, and it was still impressive. A Starlink one was sitting on its launchpad too, waiting for someone to light the blue touch-paper. I’ve been seeing this location since childhood, joining in the countdowns from the sofa in our living room. It was grand just to be there.

And, equally grand, to get close to the exhibits in the museum. To walk the length of a Saturn V, gazing up at its sheer vastness. To see inside a lunar module and to sit in the pilot’s seat on the space shuttle. There were the actual spacesuits worn by astronauts on the moon, and versions of the moon rovers.

Alongside the artefacts, there are informative displays explaining the sacrifices and courage of those who visited space, and those who tragically died in the attempt. I found their bravery inspiring and moving, and I know I could not have done the same. Ultimately, the museum wasn’t about what America had achieved in space; it was about what we are capable of as a species when we work together.

To ‘hold my hands up’, I have been hooked on space since I was a kid. My dad had built his own telescope, and I had regular visits to our observatory in the back garden in Oldham. I could name many features on the moon’s surface. I saw the polar ice caps on Mars, clear white against the red surface. On another night, Saturn’s rings were bright and clear. Space exploration was never something just on the telly.

In one room, the control centre for Apollo 11 was set up as it had been for the moon landing. It was so familiar to me; it was like coming home! if you’d like to be inspired by NASA and the exploits of its astronauts, I can recommend this superb book: “Moondust: In Search of the Men Who Fell to Earth”. The author, Andrew Smith, tracked down the remaining survivors of the Apollo missions and interviewed them. It is fabulous.

It might seem a little odd, but the geographical location of Kennedy Space Centre is pretty amazing. It is flat in every direction with many lakes, ponds, and streams. The astronauts and scientists share their workspace with abundant wildlife. All the areas where humans hang about are carefully fenced off, as there are plenty of alligators about; we saw quite a few of these impressive beasts by the side of the road. There are lots of eagles too.

Should you go?

If you have a travelled a long way to visit Florida’s attractions it seems a little crazy to miss this one out. It was great to see the Millenium Falcon in Galaxy’s edge, but when you’re gazing up at the Space Shuttle Atlantis – that’s the real thing.

Yes. Go, before it gets renamed the Trump Space Centre.