-Carolyn_Y._Ng.jpeg?w=1024)
By Linda Herridge
NASA’s John F. Kennedy Space Center
Hundreds of Kennedy Space Center employees and their guests toured the space center on two wheels during Kennedy’s Diamond Tour de KSC from 8 a.m. to noon on Oct. 22. This unique event, held for the first time since 2019, was part of the Safety organization’s Fall Into Safety and Health event, and named “diamond” to honor the center’s 60th anniversary.
“The Tour de KSC has been a tradition at Kennedy Space Center for more than a decade, and there’s always so much anticipation around this event.” said Jennifer Kunz, associate director, technical. “The weather was gorgeous, the crowd was excited, and I can’t think of a better way to commemorate 60 years of Kennedy’s contributions to science, technology, and space exploration.”
Starting at nearby Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, bicyclists completed their travels covering several miles, depending on the route or routes they selected. They rode past landmarks and facilities, including the Vehicle Assembly Building, where NASA’s Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft are being readied for rollout to Launch Complex 39B; and the Launch Control Center, where the launch team will conduct the countdown and launch of Artemis I.
Another route included various facilities in the Industrial Area Loop, and the third route took cyclists up and down the runway at the Launch and Landing Facility Loop. Those who completed all of the loops covered about 37 miles. Cyclers were treated to refreshments at two rest locations along the routes by participating contractors TOSC-Jacobs and the Herndon Group.
NASA’s Associate Administrator Bob Cabana, retired NASA astronaut and former Kennedy center director, visited with and bicycled alongside participants.
“The weather was amazing, the food was excellent, and the music was wonderful,” said Tai Victor, the event coordinator. “It seemed like everyone wanted a t-shirt with our 60th Diamond logo, a selfie with the Tour de KSC selfie frame, and a picture with the visitor complex Spaceperson or our real-life astronaut.”
The center’s Communication and Public Engagement directorate and the NASA Exchange helped plan the event. Employees may view and download photos from the event using Kennedy’s internal website.