Welcome to the Space Coast, a unique region in the state of Florida with some incredible history! From the launch pads of the Apollo missions to the modern-day rockets taking off from Kennedy Space Center, Florida’s Space Coast has been a key part of the history of space exploration. Let us explore this fascinating area of Florida, which also features our Harvard Apartments complex in Melbourne, and its story to see how it has flourished from its humble beginnings.
Humble Beginnings
Florida’s Space Coast stretches from Canaveral National Seashore in the north to the Sebastian Inlet in the south. Before becoming the Space Coast, the area was primarily known for its agriculture including citrus and sugarcane farming as well as its fishing. It was a quiet, rural region with a handful of small towns. However, with the advent of the Space Race and the launch of Sputnik by the Soviet Union in 1957, the United States became determined to beat the Soviets in the exploration of space.
Why the East Coast of Florida?
You may be wondering why the United States chose the east coast of Florida for their space headquarters. Well, it was chosen for its strategic location on the Atlantic Ocean and its proximity to Cape Canaveral, which had already been established as a missile test range in the 1940s. In 1958, NASA was established, and the area quickly began to change. The Kennedy Space Center was built, along with numerous other facilities to support the Apollo missions. Hotels, restaurants, and housing started to pop up to accommodate the influx of workers and tourists.
NASA and The Apollo Missions
“We choose to go to the moon!” John F. Kennedy
The Space Coast quickly became synonymous with space exploration, scientific innovation, and technological advancements. Some of the most iconic moments in American history took place on the beaches and launchpads of this region. One cannot ignore the immense impact that NASA and the Apollo missions have made including the launch of the first American astronaut into space, the moon landing, and other numerous rocket launches.
The Apollo missions not only put a man on the moon but also paved the way for groundbreaking discoveries and technological advancements. The scientific data and samples collected during these missions have greatly contributed to our understanding of the universe and have influenced countless scientific breakthroughs.
The Kennedy Space Center
The launch site for these historic missions was none other than the Kennedy Space Center, located on Merritt Island, just off the coast of Florida. This facility, operated by NASA, quickly became the heart of the Space Coast. The Kennedy Space Center not only served as a launch pad for the Apollo missions but also for countless other missions, including the iconic Saturn V rocket.
New to the area and looking for something to do? Witness history by visiting the Kennedy Space Center and watching an actual rocket launch! Coming in late July (Date TBD) packages are available to watch the launch of the SpaceX Falcon Heavy EchoStar JUPITER 3.
Exploring the Space Coast Today
The Space Coast may have been made famous by its association with NASA and the Apollo missions, but it also offers a wide range of activities that attract tourists from around the world. From pristine beaches like Cocoa Beach to unique fishing experiences and kayaking, the Space Coast is truly a gem in the state of Florida.
Harvard Apartments
Located just an hour south of the Space Coast in Melbourne, FL is Harvard Apartments. Come live in one of our beautiful 1, 2, and 3 bedroom units to experience all our community has to offer. Luxury living at its finest, we offer nothing but the best for our renters. We offer everything from central air-conditioning and ceiling fans, which are sure to help you beat the Florida heat, to beautiful patios and balcony spaces to enjoy on cooler Florida nights.
We all live on a budget so if you are worried about expenses, we help lower your electric bill by outfitting all our units with Energy Star compliant appliances like dishwashers, ovens, garbage disposals, and refrigerators. Speaking of appliances, no more packing and transporting your dirty laundry to the local laundromat. Harvard Apartments also offers personal washer and dryers within the units so laundry can be done within your own space.
Harvard Apartments also understands that living without a sense of community is no way to live. That’s why we are a pet-friendly property that also offers playgrounds and BBQ pits to make socializing and getting to know your neighbors easy. If you like to get to know people through exercise and fitness activities look no further! Between the tennis courts, sand volleyball pits, pool, and our state-of-the-art fitness center, friends will be made in no time. Your children will also be taken care of by way of a great education in the Brevard County school district.
Harvard Apartments truly has what you are looking for to help build a home for you and your family. With its proximity to the Space Coast there is no shortage of activities, restaurant options, and shopping to take part in outside of your community. Take a relaxing day at many of the area’s beaches, visit the Canaveral National Seashore, or have a little retail therapy in one of the shops in Melbourne or Cocoa Beach. The Brevard Zoo will give you and your family a fun-filled and educational day out. Perhaps you find space exploration fascinating. The area’s name comes from this region’s impact on space exploration. Melbourne and the Space Coast have everything you need to live a wonderful and fulfilled life in The Sunshine State.