Space enthusiasts relish firsthand stories about rocket launches, behind-the-scenes tours, and the bold future humanity envisions beyond Earth. On October 17, 2024, the American Space Museum’s podcast Stay Curious delivered exactly that, hosting a lively conversation between Mark Marquette and recurring guest Burt Dicht, Managing Director of Membership for the National Space Society (NSS). Their discussion swept across everything from Florida alligators near launchpads to the excitement of co-developing insider tours at Kennedy Space Center.
Kindred Spirits on the Space Coast
From the moment Dicht and Marquette settled into their seats, their friendly rapport was evident. Semi-retired but constantly on the move, Dicht recalled his early days at the National Space Institute in 1977, joking with Marquette about how his involvement evolved into a passionate pursuit of bringing space advocacy to the public. While Dicht offered updates from recent travels—like a Space Vision conference in Denver—Marquette praised the National Space Society’s ongoing support of the museum’s outreach efforts. Their synergy underscored the broader mission they share: making the space industry understandable and inspiring to everyone, whether a casual observer or a seasoned enthusiast.
Rocket Launches and the Allure of Real-Time Access
Living close to Cape Canaveral, Marquette has front-row seats to rocket launches—an experience that never grows old for him. Dicht agreed wholeheartedly, likening these events to potato chips: “Once you see one launch, you have to see more.” The pair compared notes on everything from SpaceX’s brisk launch pace to the cameo appearances by local wildlife—chiefly, the mythical runway alligators that some astronauts insist lurk near the landing strips.
While the vibe remained playful, their stories revealed the complexities of modern spaceflight logistics: analyzing pre-launch weather, coordinating emergency egress procedures, and ensuring the reliability of commercial crew rotations. Dicht, who has personally witnessed dozens of launches, described the thrill of hearing sonic booms when rocket boosters return to Earth. Marquette added that each successful mission—manned or otherwise—brings a buzz of pride to the entire Space Coast.
Galactic Medallion Tours: Beyond the Expected
Midway through their chat, Dicht turned the spotlight on the Galactic Medallion Tour, a collaboration with NSS that grants visitors unprecedented access to Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Kennedy Space Center, and other storied locations. He teased a new “menu-style” approach for the January 2025 tour, inviting guests to pick and choose from specialized events—whether a single-day excursion or a full, multi-day immersion. The highlight? A rare guided look at the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, led by Mike Leinbach, a former NASA launch director who oversaw the final 37 shuttle missions.
Dicht described Leinbach’s stories as transformative. “Even if you’ve seen Atlantis countless times, hearing it from the man who was in the launch control room changes everything,” he said. Marquette agreed, pointing out that ordinary museum-goers often drift toward Leinbach’s group, transfixed by the detail in his first-person recollections. The two hosts praised the collaborative spirit of this effort, focusing less on tourism and more on the shared wonder of spaceflight history.
Educational Mission and Future Plans
Beyond the immediate excitement of tours and rocket sightings, Marquette and Dicht emphasized that the overarching goal of both the American Space Museum and NSS is education—particularly for the next generation. Dicht mentioned NSS-sponsored events such as forums on space elevators and orbital mechanics, all open to the public. Meanwhile, Marquette highlighted how the Museum plans to expand its partnerships in 2025 to include joint membership offerings.
Despite the playful tone, the pair touched on deeper concerns, including NASA’s evolving commercial crew strategies and the long-term future of human exploration. But before the show concluded, their camaraderie shone once more. Marquette joked about awarding Dicht a standing invitation to return. Dicht answered that he needed little convincing: “We’re on the same path,” he said, “and there’s always more to discover.”
A Friendly Finale to a Lively Episode
As October 17 wound down, Stay Curious gave its characteristic sign-off, “Bridging the space between us,” inviting listeners to stay connected with the museum’s offerings and NSS events. Much like the rocket missions launching regularly along Florida’s coast, this podcast’s energy captured the sense of boundless possibility that keeps space enthusiasts—and the simply curious—coming back for more.
