Experience the Space Coast

A hundred thoughts raced through Adam's mind as he stared at the space shuttle in the visitor's center, poised, as he thought, in a perpetual state of action. As if it still had some fight left in it, in spite of the trappings of humankind. There was a fine line between the fancies of boyhood and the endless expanse of being an adult in an adventurous, unpredictable and often dangerous world. It wouldn't be long before his own adventure launched in a much newer model, and while there would always be misgivings, it couldn't compare to the experience of being in space.

Space Shuttle Atlantis in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor's Center

The history of American space travel is best experienced hands-on at the Kennedy Space Center on Florida's Space Coast. The excursion is unforgettable, particularly if you have children with a keen interest in space travel and astronomy.

Rocket Garden as you enter the space complex

My father had originally worked for Autonetics in Anaheim, CA. In 1967, they became part of North American Rockwell when NAA merged with Rockwell-Standard.

Most of my father's friends were part of the space program as well. I recall memories of those button up short-sleeved white shirts with skinny black ties and the usual astronaut buzz.

F-1 engines (thrusters) for Saturn V

The Saturn V was an American super heavy-lift launch vehicle designed by NASA as part of the Apollo space program, whereby man would ultimately explore the moon. Powered by liquid fuel, the S-IC First Stage booster lifted the 363 ft. heavy rocket into Earth's orbit.

Can you imagine lifting off at 6,164 mph?

Apollo 14 Command Module escorted into space via the Saturn V

The available space in these modules seemed small even as a child. It was hard to imagine the astronauts crawling in for the ride of their lives.

Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit

The exhibit above is a favorite of most children, as they get to kick off their shoes and move back and forth from the Destiny and Unity Modules.

Astronauts walking the complex.

Kennedy Space Center provides plenty of opportunities to spend time with their astronauts and learn first hand about their experiences. Don't forget to visit the Heroes & Legends inside the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame while visiting. Allow plenty of time, as there's plenty to see and experience!

"Space" was such a simple word that described such an infinite, unreachable and indescribable world. The appeal of something that humanity had yet to explore, had yet to understand, was the siren's call for most astronauts. The irony of words wasn't lost on him, either. His own name meant, loosely, "from the Earth," and here he was about to be jettisoned into a beautiful, horrifying expanse, as far away from Earth as mankind had yet come. Something about it felt right, and he allowed himself a moment to savor the anticipation of being able to partake in what was humanity's furthest trek from home.

He would not trade the thrill of uncertainty for anything.