Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral in Florida

The Kennedy Space Center (KSC), located on Merritt Island near Cape Canaveral, Florida, is one of NASA’s most iconic and historically significant facilities. Since its establishment in 1962, the Kennedy Space Center has been the primary launch site for human spaceflight in the United States. It played a central role in the Apollo missions, including the historic Apollo 11 launch that first took humans to the Moon in 1969, and continues to support modern space programs such as the Artemis missions and private spaceflight launches.

Spanning more than 140,000 acres, KSC includes launch complexes, vehicle assembly buildings, research facilities, and visitor attractions. It shares space with the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, making the area a hub of both government and commercial space activity. The site has evolved into a collaborative spaceport that supports both NASA and private companies such as SpaceX and Blue Origin.

A major draw for the public is the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, which offers an immersive experience into the world of space exploration. Visitors can see real spacecraft, including the Space Shuttle Atlantis, displayed in a dramatic exhibit that highlights the shuttle's legacy. The complex also features the Rocket Garden, where guests can walk among historic rockets from NASA’s Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs.

Another popular attraction is the Heroes and Legends exhibit, which houses the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. This exhibit tells the stories of American astronauts through personal artifacts and interactive displays. The Apollo/Saturn V Center, accessible via a short bus ride, showcases a massive Saturn V rocket, the type that carried astronauts to the Moon. The exhibit also includes multimedia presentations and authentic mission artifacts.

The Kennedy Space Center is not only a museum of past achievements but also a working spaceport with ongoing missions. Today, it plays a vital role in launching cargo and crew to the International Space Station (ISS) and is central to NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and eventually send astronauts to Mars.

KSC also hosts live rocket launches that can be viewed by the public. These launches, conducted by NASA and commercial partners, offer a thrilling glimpse into the future of space travel. With frequent events, astronaut encounters, and educational programs, the Kennedy Space Center inspires visitors of all ages.

In addition to its visitor attractions, KSC remains a key center for innovation and research. It supports the development of new technologies for spacecraft, launch systems, and space habitats. As the frontier of space continues to expand, Kennedy Space Center stands as a symbol of exploration, ambition, and human ingenuity.

Whether you're a history buff, science enthusiast, or simply curious, a visit to the Kennedy Space Center is both educational and awe-inspiring. It captures the past, present, and future of human space exploration like no other place on Earth.

Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Liberty Bell is one of the most iconic symbols of American freedom and independence, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Cast in 1752 in Whitechapel, London, the bell was originally commissioned by the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly for the Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall. It cracked on its first test ring and was recast twice in Philadelphia by local founders John Pass and John Stow. Their names are still inscribed on the bell.

The bell is made of bronze and weighs over 2,000 pounds. It bears the inscription, “Proclaim LIBERTY Throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants Thereof,” taken from the Bible (Leviticus 25:10). While the Liberty Bell is most famously associated with the American Revolution, there is no contemporary evidence it rang on July 4, 1776. It likely rang on July 8, 1776, to summon citizens for the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence.

The bell acquired its famous crack sometime in the early 19th century. The exact cause is unknown, though it is believed to have expanded during use and split further when attempts were made to repair it. By the 1840s, abolitionists adopted the bell as a symbol of their movement and gave it the name “Liberty Bell.”

Today, the Liberty Bell is housed at the Liberty Bell Center in Independence National Historical Park. It draws millions of visitors each year, who come to reflect on its historical significance and the ideals it represents. Though it no longer rings, the bell remains a powerful symbol of liberty, justice, and resilience for people around the world. Its enduring message continues to inspire generations in their pursuit of freedom and equality.

Photographing the Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival

Over this past weekend I had the pleasure of utilizing my media pass and photographing the Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival in Medicine Hat, Alberta for the 4th year in a row. Featuring a variety of launches, flights, glows, and a handful of custom "googly eyed" memes, my content this year reached over 300K people on the Editing Luke socials in just the first 4 days of the festival. 

The Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival is a vibrant, free, and family-friendly event held annually in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Launched by Willy and Cindy Taillon in collaboration with the nonprofit Our Collective Journey, the festival aims to uplift spirits and promote mental wellness through the awe-inspiring spectacle of hot air balloons soaring over the city.

Scheduled on May 22–25, 2025, the festival featured nearly 30 balloons from around North America and involved morning and evening flights, weather permitting. A highlight was the mesmerizing Balloon Glow event at Kin Coulee Park on the Friday night, where tethered balloons illuminated the night sky creating a magical experience for the attendees.