They're going to arrive.
The Artemis 1 moon mission, the first launch for NASA's Space Launch System rocket, is expected to bring in a lot of tourists. Kennedy Space Center is located in the region of Florida called the Space Coast.
It's a good idea for first-time viewers to plan their Space Coast getaways now. Peter Cranis, executive director of Florida's Space Coast Office of Tourism, told Space.com that many beachside hotels are already sold out for the Artemis launches. We recommend getting to your chosen spot early to find parking and have backup locations in mind. There will be a lot of traffic before and after the launch so visitors should make sure they have taken any pre-trip bathroom breaks, stocked the car with snacks or ways to entertain children, and packed their patience.
Photos explain NASA's Artemis 1 moon mission.
"Remember to wear sunscreen, download the Space CoastLaunches app, and keep an eye on NASA and the Space Coast Office of Tourism's official social media feeds for updates," said Cranis. We can see and possibly share any images or video you post on social media.
The history of space shuttle launches at the Cape can give us a hint of what the Artemis 1 launch will be like. It's hard to say what to expect as this is the maiden voyage for the SLS, but we have been told that it will look and feel similar to shuttle launches due to the tremendous power. This will include noises and windows that are far away. Even though you can see a rocket launch through video or even from across the state on a clear day, hearing and feeling the launch up close is the most important thing. We're excited for this next chapter in human spaceflight and space exploration because the Space Coast is the only beach that doubles as a launch pad.
There are rockets launched from Florida.
Over 100,000 tourists are expected to flock to Florida when the space agency launches a big rocket on August 29th. Artemis 1 will launch from Launch Pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center on an uncrewed test flight that will place the Orion spacecraft in space for six to 19 days before it returns to Earth. NASA's future Artemis missions will be tested by the mission.
Therrin Protze, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex's chief operating officer, told Florida Today that they were expecting capacity crowds. Some of the closest public viewing opportunities with distinctive experiences like live commentary from space experts and access to select exhibits and attractions will be included in the special Artemis launch viewing packages.
Cranis said that other missions, such as the recent Crew Dragon launches, have drawn the same number of visitors. There are more than 10,000 hotel rooms and 4,500 vacation rentals in the surrounding county, so there will be plenty of other visitors who won't need to book a room.
The launch watchers who are excited about the Artemis 1 mission are not the only ones. In an interview with Florida Today, Mike Bolger, director of the Exploration Ground Systems, said that the staff is excited for the launch. Bolger said that the sense of energy and excitement that has been building around Kennedy and among our workforce in the last year is tangible. A sense of anticipation is growing as we get closer to the launch.
The entire center is counting down to the launch, according to the director. "You can see it in people's faces, you can hear it in their voices, and when we all stand together with our eyes to the sky, I don't think there will be a feeling in the world like that."
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