Did you know that there are still launches from the Cape Canaveral area? Did you know you can see them from the Walt Disney World area? You can even see them from the Gulf Coast at times! Seeing a launch could be a fantastic addition to any vacation. There are also locations where you can see launches up close. Informational tours are also conducted at the Kennedy Space Center.
Cape Canaveral, which is about an hour east of Orlando, is home to The Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The Kennedy Space Center itself is midway through its transition from government-focused launch facility to multi-user spaceport. It will be able to handle the needs of any future space exploration in addition to the ambitions of commercial companies. You can learn all about that and more, even visit launch pads, on the many tours offered. Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) is part of the United States Air Force Space Command‘s 45th Space Wing, headquartered at nearby Patrick Air Force Base. It is has three active launch pads. Launches are scheduled from time to time. Wouldn’t it be awesome to see one while on vacation? Either up close and personal by traveling to the Space Coast area or by looking to the east when the launch goes to see if you can spot the rocket in the sky.
I have not seen a launch up close or from Disney property. I have seen pictures on line from Guests that have. I did see two recently from my back yard and I live about 25 minutes west of Disney property. One was at night and one was in the afternoon. Both were brief and spectacular. Best viewing would be on a clear day or night both my sightings were cut short when the rocket went behind a cloud. I am still glad I took the time to watch.
For tour information, launch schedules and places to watch check kennedyspacecenter.com or nasa.gov. For even more launch information check spaceline.org/launch. You might be able to add some space magic to your next Florida visit.
