Florida’s Space Coast, 72 miles of Atlantic coastline east of Orlando, is home to the Kennedy Space Center and the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. All orbital launches from American soil carrying NASA astronauts have departed from either KSC or Cape Canaveral.
Why Florida? One reason has to do with the Earth's rotation. The Earth rotates from west to east, with the highest rotational speed at the equator. Launching eastward from this region adds that rotational speed to the rocket’s velocity, making it more fuel-efficient. Another is that launching from a sparsely populated area towards open water minimizes the risk to people in the event of debris from a failed launch. This combination of safety and efficiency makes Florida's East Coast ideal for space launches.
Want more geeky facts? Or maybe some gripping stories of space exploration, true and fictional? Read on:
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will have you looking to the heavens, but there are plenty of amazing things to do and see on Florida's Space Coast. You can take in the area's natural beauty with a guided tour of the Indian River Lagoon. Kayak with manatees, fish with dolphins and experience the awe of summertime bioluminescence kayaking tours. Don’t forget to visit the Brevard Zoo, get wild on an alligator-seeking airboat ride, or search for sea turtle tracks at sunrise.
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