Visiting Orlando’s Theme Parks? Take a Side Trip To Natural Wonders Of Florida’s Springs

Visiting Orlando’s Theme Parks? Take a Side Trip To Natural Wonders Of Florida’s Springs

Three Sisters Spring
Photo: Three Sisters Spring website

When one thinks of Florida, images of sun-soaked beaches and theme parks often come to mind. However, nestled within the state’s lush landscapes are a series of natural wonders that offer a refreshing escape from the bustling city life. Florida’s springs, with their crystal-clear waters and serene environments, provide a perfect retreat for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Located just a short drive from Orlando, these springs promise a rejuvenating experience. Here’s a guide to some of the most captivating springs you can visit, each with its own unique charm.

Starliner, Cygnus and Crew 9 Oh My! ISS is Full.  

Starliner, Cygnus and Crew 9 Oh My! ISS is Full.  

Cygnus spacecraft for NG-21 resupply mission. Credit: NASA
Cygnus spacecraft for NG-21 resupply mission. Credit: NASA

The International Space Station (ISS) is an island of international cooperation and scientific research. As of July 2024, the ISS has been hosting a variety of spacecraft, including the Boeing Starliner, SpaceX Dragon Endeavour, Soyuz MS-25, and the Russian Progress 87 and 88 resupply ships. The current mix of 5 vehicles and 12 astronauts ensures that the ISS is a bustling beehive of activity, supporting a diverse range of scientific experiments and international visitors. But soon, in the days and weeks to come two more spacecraft and four more astronauts will join the activities. 

Florida Highway Patrol Wins Best Looking Cruiser Competition for Second Consecutive Year

Florida Highway Patrol Wins Best Looking Cruiser Competition for Second Consecutive Year

This year's winning entry shows a Florida Highway Patrol Cruiser with ULA's Delta IV Heavy (April 18) launching in the background. Photo: FHP
This year’s winning entry shows a Florida Highway Patrol Cruiser with ULA’s Delta IV Heavy (April 18) launching in the background. Photo: FHP

The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has once again clinched the title in the American Association of State Troopers (AAST) 2024 Best Looking Cruiser Competition, marking their second consecutive win. The announcement came Monday afternoon, and with it, FHP’s cruiser will grace the cover of the AAST 2025 calendar.

100th Mission: Last Space Force Launch on Atlas V 

100th Mission: Last Space Force Launch on Atlas V 

Payload fairing on the second stage of a ULA Atlas V rocket carrying a classified satellite for the Space Force. Image by Richard P Gallagher
Payload fairing on the second stage of a ULA Atlas V rocket carrying a classified satellite for the Space Force. Image by Richard P Gallagher

Cape Canaveral, FL — On July 30, 2024, United Launch Alliance (ULA) will reach a milestone of sorts with the launch of the USSF-51 mission aboard an Atlas V rocket. The launch will be from Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station , and is scheduled for 6:45AM. This mission is not only important for the United States Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC) but also the last national security mission that the ULA will execute using the workhorse Atlas V rocket. Future national security launches will be utilize the new ULA Vulcan booster. 

NG-21 Resupply Mission Honors Challenger Commander Dick Scobee

NG-21 Cygnus resupply module will be named in honor of Challenger Commander Dick Scobee Photo: NASA
NG-21 Cygnus resupply module will be named in honor of Challenger Commander Dick Scobee Photo: NASA

It is Northrop Grumman’s tradition to name each Cygnus spacecraft in honor of individuals who have made substantial contributions to human spaceflight. NG-21, the upcoming Cygnus resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS), is now officially named the S.S. Francis R. “Dick” Scobee. Scobee is a former NASA astronaut whose contributions to aeronautics and space exploration have left a lasting legacy. The mission will launch no earlier than Saturday, August 3rd from Cape Canaveral.

SpaceX Returns to Launch Status with Successful Mission 

SpaceX Returns to Launch Status with Successful Mission 

A long exposure streak image from last night successful SpaceX Falcon 9 return to flight rocket launch. Image by Richard P Gallagher
A long exposure streak image from last night successful SpaceX Falcon 9 return to flight rocket launch. Image by Richard P Gallagher

Cape Canaveral, FL – After a brief grounding by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), SpaceX successfully launched its Falcon 9 rocket and deployed its Starlink Group 10-9 satellites early in the morning on July 28, 2024. This launch marked the company’s return to flight status following an anomaly during a mission earlier in the month. 

Big Changes Coming To Crew Dragon Splashdowns

Big Changes Coming To Crew Dragon Splashdowns

Workers secure  Space X Crew Dragon capsule after Crew 7 astronauts splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico last March. Image: NASA
Workers secure Space X Crew Dragon capsule after Crew 7 astronauts splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico last March. Image: NASA

NASA’s Crew Dragon spacecraft will be making its final splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean next year . The upcoming Crew-9 mission, set to launch no earlier than August 18, 2024, could be the last to conclude with a landing off the U.S. East Coast.

SpaceX Starlink 10-9 Set For Early Saturday Liftoff

SpaceX Starlink 10-9 Set For Early Saturday Liftoff

A Falcon 9 launching from LC-39A Photo: Charles Boyer/FMN
A Falcon 9 launching from LC-39A Photo: Charles Boyer/FMN

SpaceX plans to launch a Falcon 9 carrying twenty-three Starlink satellites from Kennedy Space Center’s Pad LC-39A early Saturday morning. The launch window for the Falcon 9’s “return to flight” opens at 12:21 AM EDT on July 27 and extends until 04:21 AM the same day. If needed, the company has a backup launch window at the same time, twenty-four hours later, on July 28.