We Choose To Go To Kennedy

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

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.

  1. May 28

    2.05 Mars or Bust

    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.

    23 min

  2. Apr 23

    2.04 Space for the Ages ft. the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum

    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.

    18 min

  3. Mar 27

    2.03 Behind the Glass: Preserving Rocket History

    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.

    25 min

  4. Feb 26

    2.02 Go/No Go: Inside the Firing Room

    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.

    20 min

  5. Jan 29

    2.01 Back to the Moon and Beyond

    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.

    27 min

  6. 12/17/2025

    1.08 New Year, New Moon Rocket with Robert Pearlman

    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.

    36 min

  7. 11/20/2025

    1.07 A Freeze-Dried Turkey Feast and NASA Space Food Systems

    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.

    33 min

  8. 10/20/2025

    1.06 Mad Science Tricks and International Treats

    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.

    32 min
See All (13)

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
  • Show Website
    We Choose To Go To Kennedy