05/01/2026
We had the honor of bringing students and teachers from Yinghua International School to Cape Canaveral for a few days they will never forget.
1. Watching a United Launch Alliance Atlas V launch at night:
As the rocket ignited, night turned into day. The students gasped as light filled the sky and the sound shook the ground around us.
Afterward, we stood together and talked through orbital dynamics, the rocket equation, sustainability, reusability, and where spaceflight is heading next. It was one of those moments where the questions came naturally because the experience had already done the teaching.
2. Touring Blue Origin’s rocket manufacturing facility at Rocket Park:
Led by two incredible members of the Blue Origin team, Debbie Stuckey and Jillian Gloria, representing Club for the Future, students saw the Blue Moon lunar lander, massive BE-4 engines, and the manufacturing floor where New Glenn is being built.
They also met real people doing the work. STEM jobs became reachable as students asked questions and shook hands with the people building lunar landers and rockets.
The Jim Lovell quote above stands at the entrance of Blue Origin’s building. It was the perfect way to frame the visit.
3. Visiting NASA's Kennedy Space Center:
Students stood beneath and beside symbols of human achievement: Saturn V, Space Shuttle Atlantis, and more.
They heard stories of people who pushed into the unknown so humanity could see farther, learn more, and imagine differently.
They walked away proud of what people can accomplish when courage, science, teamwork, and imagination come together.
4. Watching a SpaceX Falcon Heavy launch:
In daylight, students watched Falcon Heavy lift off, saw the twin boosters return from space, and heard the unforgettable sound of sonic booms.
Afterward, we talked about sonic booms, geosynchronous orbit, reusable launch systems, and the advances in manufacturing that are changing what humanity can do in space.
That is the power of industry and education working together. We can help students move from “I could never do that” to “Maybe I belong there”.
This experience was enhanced because of YHIS school’s leadership and its focus on a culture of learning and respect. We are excited for the bright future ahead for their students!
