If there is one place that triggers the imagination, it is a trip to Kennedy Space Center along the Space Coast of Florida. This is my second trip to Kennedy, but my first since the space industry was privatized. The Center has changed a lot, but is still rich in history and educational opportunities. Kennedy is a very unique backdrop. Cutting edge technology and serene nature combined. The challenge with photographing Kennedy Space Center is that the majority of it has to be done in a vehicle or tour bus with very limited opportunities to get outside. Below, you can see the Blue Origin facility, the SpaceX facility, and the main entrance gate.
Included with even the basic admission is the bus tour. This is the only way to experience the Kennedy Space Center. Below are some of the pictures from that tour. The old crawler is still there. This machine slowly carried the Space Shuttle from the Machine Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39a (SpaceX now) or 39b (United Launch Alliance now). The last picture is an attachment that ULA will use to repurpose the crawler for the use of carrying its rockets to the launch pads.
The SpaceX compound at Launch Pad 39a was the next stop. Here you can see the rocket assembly building where they are loaded onto the strongback horizontal and then taken up to the pad and stood up for launch.
The next stop was Launch Pad 39b (United Launch Alliance). In 2019, they were not very far along with their pad, you can see the makings of it here. Again, apologies for the pictures through vehicle glass.
One of the most recognizable buildings at Kennedy Space Center is the Vehicle Assembly Building. It is also one of the largest single room buildings on Planet Earth. You see this building from miles away as you drive in to Kennedy Space Center. This is where the Space Shuttle was tilted upright and its booster rockets and external fuel tank attached.
The next stop is the Apollo/Saturn V Center. Here you get to see what the control room looked like and experience a recreated launch. You then move on to see a Saturn V rocket laid on its side and in each of its sections to appreciate the sheer size of the vehicle. Outside of the center is a viewing area for Launch Pad 39a and Launch Pad 39b. Here you can experience the serenity of Kennedy Space Center and observe the wildlife.
Once you are finished at the Apollo/Saturn V Center, you board the buses and return back to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is the next experience that we did. Here you get to see the Space Shuttle Atlantis suspended as if it is in flight. Truly a wonderful experience!
We ended our journey to Kennedy Space Center by walking through the Rocket Garden, where you can see numerous rockets and other nostalgic pieces. Some of you might remember the famous countdown clock for the Space Shuttle missions. It is there too!
