We Choose To Go To Kennedy

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 importance of maintaining that forward momentum into the next big leap towards Mars.Join your host Danielle and retired NASA engineer and project manager Jon Cowart in a conversation about the “amazing orchestra of things” that make up NASA’s past and present, and how it shapes future space history.Have any questions? Message us on social at @ExploreSpaceKSC on X and @kennedyspacecenter on Facebook and Instagram. Go beyond and discover somethingreal at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

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 feature history as it’s unfolding? Join your host Jenna and National Air and Space museum curators Emily Margolis and Margaret Weitekamp in a chat of space culture and connecting to the community of makers and engineers that construct the fascinating artifact loans on display.Have any questions? Message us on social at @ExploreSpaceKSC on X and @kennedyspacecenter on Facebook and Instagram. Go beyond and discover something real at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

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 at @ExploreSpaceKSC on X and @kennedyspacecenter on Facebook and Instagram. Go beyond and discover something real at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

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 on X and @kennedyspacecenter on Facebook and Instagram.Go beyond and discover something real at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

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 complexities of this mission to best share with the public. To do so, he says that he sits in with the launch team through all simulations and exercises to prepare for the fast-paced day.“When you hear these engineers work through problems and issues and in creative ways, (you think) ‘Wow, how did they come up with that?’ It's been really neat to just observe, and my job is to take in this information to understand it as best I can.”With the rocket on the pad and the launch window opening as early as Feb. 6, NASA is working diligently towards this next stride in space exploration.

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 you're standing there, there are people on the Moon," Robert said.Plus, learn about the all-new drone show and the creative minds behind the annual Holidays in Space with education and events aficionado Dionne.Have any questions? Message us on social @ExploreSpaceKSC on X and @kennedyspacecenter on Facebook and Instagram.Go beyond and discover something real at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

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 advantage of opportunities that come your way.”Plus, learn how astronauts celebrate Thanksgiving in orbit and the methods behind designing menus fit for the unique conditions of space with Vickie Kloeris.Have any questions? Message us on social at @ExploreSpaceKSC on X and @kennedyspacecenter on Facebook and Instagram.Black Friday and Cyber Monday are just around the corner! Keep an eye out on kennedyspacecenter.com to secure the season’s best savings.Go beyond and discover something real at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

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 of a full circle moment-- you know what I mean? I've done a lot of things in my life, a lot of fun cool things, but this is going to be way up there on the list.Plus, marvel at some mad science with Shelby and Russell for a sneak peek of the fun S.T.E.A.M. Halloween activities on October 25 and 26.  Have any questions? Message us on social at @ExploreSpaceKSC on X and @kennedyspacecenter on Facebook and Instagram.Does Chef Jon Ashton’s bangers and mash have you hungry after this episode? Snag your ticket to Taste of Space: Celebrity Chef Edition here.Go beyond and discover something real at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

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 Information counter.“I’ve met many that have said ‘Oh, I had no idea what you guys had and I fell in love—it’s a wonderful place,’” Livia said. “To enjoy where you work and to work at a cool place where our magic is real, it’s very special.”Plus, listen in on Jenna and Russ as they share the status briefing on the upcoming events this fall.  Have any questions? You can message us on social at @ExploreSpaceKSC on X and @kennedyspacecenter on Facebook and Instagram.Planning your visit after this episode? Explore opportunities and itineraries fit for you here.Go beyond and discover something real at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

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 the highly anticipated after-hours event. Plus, get a glimpse into the vastness of space and the celestial bodies that will stud the night sky with Dr. Luis Quiroga-Nuñez, director of the Ortega Observatory at Florida Tech. Chart your own course at the visitor complex! Have any questions? You can message us on social at @ExploreSpaceKSC on X and @kennedyspacecenter on Facebook and Instagram.Go beyond and discover something real at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

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 platform is one of many upcycledartifacts and interactives that stud the newly renovated Gantry at LC-39.On episode 1.03, Jenna, Shelby and Richard tour the bus stop, observing the intersection between nature and technology. Plus, stick around for a sneak peek into the new Earth Information Center.  Join your hosts as we explore rocketry in an all-new way through effortlessly educational displays and the unbeatable 360° launch pad views.“We have the other pads that the space partners shoot from across the way. You can literally feel it in your soul when these rockets take off.” Chart your own course at the visitor complex! Have any questions? You can message us onsocial at @ExploreSpaceKSC on X and @kennedyspacecenter on Facebook and Instagram.Go beyond and discover something real at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. 

“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 space like never before on “We Choose to Go to Kennedy”, the official podcast of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.On episode 1.01, Jenna and Danielle share their first small steps at the visitor complex and the effortlessly educational exhibits in store. Resident astronaut Winston Scott ventures through all things launch simulators, shut-eye in the shuttle and his new window on the world following his spaceflights. Tune in each month as our hosts give the mission brief on all things new and upcoming at the visitor complex through conversations with leaders in the space industry.Chart your own course at the visitor complex! Have any questions? You can message us on social at @ExploreSpaceKSC on X and @kennedyspacecenter on Facebook and Instagram.Go beyond and discover something real at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

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 watching the F104s fly right over. I’ll never forget the owner looking at me and he goes ‘I can see his face,’—that’s how close it was.”In episode 1.02, Jenna and Therrin discuss the ins and outs of designing Carl Sagan-inspired windows to the cosmos in the motion theaters of Spaceport KSC. Through Gateway’s rotating exhibits and real flight flown artifacts, Therrin shares how it truly epitomizes the effortlessly educational experience.“This is the next of NASA, the future and commercial space crews are in here. We really developed relationships with some great companies who then provided fantastic content and even real rockets right in this place.”Chart your own course at the visitor complex! Have any questions? You can message us on social at @ExploreSpaceKSC on X and @kennedyspacecenter on Facebook and Instagram.Go beyond and discover something real at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.