Although taking a trip in a space rocket is not impossible, it is improbable and way past most folks' pay packets. The feather technology and high velocity thrusters of rocket ships are reserved for the wealthy few, it seems.
But a trip to take in a real life rocket launch site IS within most people's means, and something all true space fans should consider as a fun, space-themed vacation alternative, whether you’re an adult fan, have kids who might enjoy the trip, or are simply space-curious.
Here’s a run down of some recent launch sites of the last decade, and where you can find them:
Cape Canaveral, Florida
It’s a rocket hot spot where you might even be able to view a launch. Several of the most famous Apollo missions have blasted off from here, as well as this year’s SpaceX launches.
Vandenberg Air Force Base, California
It is the site from which many SpaceX craft have jetted off from.
NASA's Wallops Flight Facility, Wallops Island, Virginia
There are frequent resupply missions to the International Space Station from this base, check out their schedule and try to catch one in action.
The Baikonur Cosmodrome, Russia
It has launched the Soyuz MS-07 spacecraft, amongst others. This particular ship has carried people to the International Space Station.
Plesetsk Cosmodrome
It is another Russian rocket base. It is most well known as the site from which the environmental trip of satellites known as Swarm were launched. Their aim was to discover more about how the Earth's magnetic fields work.
The Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center
Based in China and it has launched missions such as Shenzhou 11 in 2016.
Satish Dhawan Space Centre
Based in Sriharikota, India, and has sent satellites into space, if not actual ships.
If you're in Asia, then it's unlikely you'll be able to get to the near impenetrable North Korea, but if you happen to be able then Tongchang-ri is an active launch site.
In theory, then, you could create a trip out of these sites, but in reality many of them are on different continents and possibly only one would be on your itinerary to visit. We dare say that it’s far easier to visit those sites right here in the USA, but let’s not forget that space travel is an international pursuit and not a homegrown monopoly. Where there are men, there are men gazing at the moon, and wondering how to get there. It’s something that unites us, around the globe, wherever we might be.
