I boarded my TUI flight to Melbourne Florida, with sunshine, American pancakes, and a touch of space magic on my mind. What I was not planning was a full-blown existential re-evaluation of humankind’s capacity for greatness.
But, as we descended over Florida’s Space Coast, I spotted what looked like an oversized white box from my window seat. I commented that it might be part of the Kennedy Space Centre. Looking back, it feels symbolic of how completely unprepared I was for the literal size and scope of NASA’s operations. What I thought of as a quick museum stop in the schedule ignited a newfound admiration for space travel and a low-key crush on astronauts.
1. To Be Completely, Utterly Inspired
There’s something in the air around Kennedy Space Centre (literally and metaphorically). Before you even arrive at the Visitor Complex, you may see colossal rocket components being transported by road, NASA-branded vehicles cruising by like it’s no big deal, and you might even see real-life astronauts checking out of your hotel. It feels like you’ve stepped into a living science fiction novel, especially when your room service is delivered by Lola the Robot. A neat addition to the Courtyard by Marriott space-themed hotel.
Inside the visitor complex, the storytelling is cinematic. Giant IMAX screens, simulator rides, and original mission footage bring NASA’s history to life in a way that’s emotionally charged and unashamedly patriotic.
What struck me when watching the Apollo 11 spaceflight take off was that this happened before I was born. You’re transported back to July 16, 1969, when mankind launched a rocket to the moon. They have the command deck from the room, video footage from inside the control room, the floor rumbles as the engines ignite, control room lights flash, and you watch the famous lift off, re-created so precisely it gives you goosebumps. You might tear up, there were a few misty eyes in the house.
Then there’s Space Shuttle Atlantis, a jaw-dropping, real-life spacecraft that clocked 33 space missions, hanging from the ceiling. It is pretty incredible seeing these spaceships up close. Kennedy Space Centre isn’t just a tourist attraction, it’s an 144,000-acre active spaceport.
You can hear children gasping, and my own cynical heart started to warm to the idea of space tourism. Regardless of your views on space travel, it’s hard to deny the magic that happens when human intelligence meets ambition. This is how education should be: immersive, emotional, and utterly inspiring.
2. To Witness a Live Rocket Launch
It had not occurred to me that I might have a front-row seat to a real-life rocket launch. But that’s exactly what happened. Kennedy Space Centre isn’t just a tourist attraction, it’s an 144-acre active spaceport.
NASA and its commercial partners aim to launch over 100 rockets this year from Kennedy Space Centre and nearby Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. There are apps that you can download to track rocket launches, and as the time to launch draws closer, the tension builds.
A word of warning: launches are not guaranteed. If conditions aren’t perfect, the mission is “scrubbed” (NASA’s polite way of saying it’s been called off). But if you do get lucky, the countdown alone is worth it. And take off was magical and curiously silent until the sonic boom catches up with you. It’s great to see the things that you have been learning about happen right in front of your eyes.
Visitors will soon have access to a brand-new viewing platform. The Gantry at LC-39 will offer shaded seating, games to play whilst you are waiting, food and drink, and one of the best vantage points around. The midday sun in Florida is intense, and this will become the perfect spot to watch the rocket launches from.
3. To Meet a Real-Life Astronaut
This wasn’t just unexpected, it was surreal. As part of the “Chat with an Astronaut” experience, we got to listen to Dan Tani, a NASA astronaut who’s spent over four months in space.
He is a fantastic public speaker who ran the experience as a Q&A with the audience. Tackling everything from how to wash in space to what chemicals are made of!
I asked what he thought was the greatest impact of the space programme on humanity. His answer? “The intangible benefit of hearing directly from a human what space is like cannot be measured.”
It was not what I was expecting. In a world obsessed with data, the emotional impact of space, the feeling of looking down on Earth, of floating above borders and politics, carries a weight no one can measure.
4. To Be Completely Won Over by Space Travel
Look, I wasn’t the space type. I came for the sunshine and snacks, not existential stargazing. But once I was standing in front of an actual space shuttle, had visited Mars via a simulator, and seeing the Blue Origin offices right there, opposite the visitor complex, suddenly made it all feel very real. No longer the stuff of billionaires and Bond villains, but something, possible and dare I say it probable.
That’s what Kennedy Space Centre Visitor Complex does so well. It shows you what’s been done and whispers, now imagine what’s next.
5. To Buy the Best Merch of My Life
I’m not a merch girl. I don’t usually buy the T-shirt. But NASA’s merchandise game? Obsessed.
From slick typography, the teal green, to the mission badges, all of it, it’s just so cool. I was dying to get my hands on one of those flight suits astronauts walk around in? Unfortunately, they are for legit astronauts only. I did, however, stock up on socks, gifts, and a hat! I even came away with a Space Food freeze-dried ice cream sandwich that astronauts don’t actually eat in space, but it’s fun to pretend.
If this is the impact Kennedy Space Centre had on me, I love to imagine the small, space-obsessed minds leaving there and returning to school with a newfound zest and appreciation for the sciences. I imagine parents patting themselves on the back as they are bombarded with space-related questions on the flight home, knowing that not only have they all had a fabulous time in Florida, but it’s ticked the inspiration box as well.
You can embrace your passion for outer space at the Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Center (www.marriott.co.uk). The hotel offers spectacular views from the hotel’s rooftop bar, The Space Bar (www.spacebarusa.com), which serves local food and drinks and provides a prime viewing area for rocket launches. Rooms start from $170 plus taxes per night, on a room-only basis.
TUI (www.tui.co.uk) offers return flights to Melbourne Orlando Airport, Florida from £362 per person. Price is based on two adults departing from London Gatwick, with 15kg hold luggage and 10kg hand luggage per person, plus complimentary meals and drinks.
Review and Images by Emmie Blower @emmiebhungry
Feature image supplied
