We Choose To Go To Kennedy

That steadfast American spirit that drove NASA to accomplish ambitious goals in its golden age continues to inspire the space program today. From those first small steps on the Moon in 1969 to the modern-day giant leap of lunar presence in the 250th year of the states, NASA marked pivotal historical moments over the years. Join your host Jenna and communicator Richard in a hypersonic trip through...

It’s Mars or the highway for Jon. His license plate, emblazoned with “Go2Mars”, has been bolted on his truck since 1993, serving as a red planet expedition campaign on wheels. He says the best things in space haven’t happened yet—so what’s ahead? From sitting in the commander’s seat in Atlantis to managing “a company called SpaceX ” in a new ‘commercial crew’ program back in 2011, Jon stresses the...

Before Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex welcomed guests to the modern-day destination you see today, it started with just a self-guided driving tour and a walk-in information trailer. From there, the complex only grew with the active spaceport to inspire and educate the public with highly visual and tangible exhibits featuring the past, present and future of American spaceflight. But how do we...

From Mercury to Artemis, highly innovative spacecraft have been designed to withstand millions of pounds of thrust and the harsh conditions of space—but how do they stand the test of time? In episode 2.03, join your hosts on a behind-the-scenes of restoring, preserving and displaying our space exhibits with artifacts manager and registrar Madeline Calise. Have any questions? Message us on social a...

Kennedy Space Center is known for being the heart of rocket launches, but the brains behind it all come from the firing room—where the best and brightest handle preparations for liftoff and all things in between. In episode 2.02, join your hosts as they give an inside look into launch control with retired NASA Test Director Debra Kral. Have any questions? Message us on social at @ExploreSpaceKSC o...

In over 50 years, humans are returning to the Moon—and NASA is taking that next big leap. Following in the footsteps of the uncrewed Artemis I mission in 2022; Artemis II will not only demonstrate the capabilities of the rocket and spacecraft but develop our understanding of human sustainability within deep space environments. Derrol Nail, NASA launch commentator, is tasked with understanding the...

In episode 1.08, join your hosts as they wrap up 2025 with festive fun and look forward to all things space in the new year. Join Jenna and space historian Robert Pearlman on a walk down memory lane and a hopeful glimpse into the future of space. "There's something to be said for seeing something like that (the Moon landing) happen within your lifetime and knowing that at the moment that...

In Episode 1.07, join your hosts as they go from food lab-to-shuttle ‘dining table’ with a retired NASA food scientist and a former Discovery astronaut. Tune in to a one-on-one chat with Russell and former shuttle astronaut Joan Higginbotham to discuss daily life in space and the steps it took to get there. In a nutshell (it) is a story about perseverance,” Joan said. “It's a story about taking ad...

In episode 1.06, join your hosts as they get a taste of what’s to come at the fourth-annual Taste of Space: Celebrity Chef Edition on November 15 with two of the highly regarded chefs, Jon Ashton and Jet Tila. “I'll be bringing my experiences, my culture, fun stories, and I'll be cooking food that comes from my repertoire,” Tila said. “To be able to bring that to this event, it's kind...

Don’t panic! When you plan your visit to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, we have the resources to make the most of your trip. Are you a space nut or space novice? Partial to rocketry or more of a history buff? In episode 1.05, join your hosts as they explore how guests can chart their own course at the visitor complex with information agent Livia Buttry and the other friendly faces at the In...

Fuel tanks prepped? Check. Preflight diagnostics complete? Check. Gourmet space snacks— vacuum-sealed M&Ms for Foreman and cosmic mac and cheese for Ochoa? Check. We're go for an out-of-this-world evening at Kennedy Under the Stars on August 30. In episode 1.04, join your hosts as they wonder about our universe with featured astronauts, Mike Foreman and Ellen Ochoa, who will be attending t...

When project manager Richard Bahorich took on his latest development from across the crawlerway, a dull, new-to-him hunk of metal caught his eye.  “I went over there one day and I said, ‘Hey you don’t know me but…I’d love to put a piece of this mobile platform on display.’ Two days later, I have this two-and-a-half-ton piece of metal here.” Planted within the courtyard, the Apollo 11 mobile launch...

“When you look down at the earth you can see just how fast you’re actually moving… When you actually view that from space, then it really takes on a whole new dimension.”Recorded from the very launch site that propelled the U.S. space program, join our hosts as we dive into the past, present and future of space exploration. From captivating experiences to engaging astronaut encounters, explore spa...

It’s not rocket science, but it does take some strategic planning and creativity to pull off a grand opening for the now and next of NASA. For Chief Operating Officer, Therrin Protze, tethering a near 230-foot tall rocket to the ceiling and blazing skyward jets overhead was the only logical option in carrying out his vision for Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex. “I think the highlight was wat...