In an episode that drew the space community’s attention, Burt Dicht, the Managing Director of Membership for the National Space Society (NSS), shared his insights on the American Space Museum’s podcast Stay Curious. Hosted by Mark Marquette, this conversation ranged from NSS’s milestones to exciting upcoming space events and Dicht’s own journey within the space advocacy realm.
Exploring Space Up Close: Galactic Medallion’s National Space Society’s Tour
A unique highlight of the conversation between Burt Dicht and Mark Marquette was the upcoming NSS Galactic Medallion Tour. Scheduled for January, this exclusive experience offers space enthusiasts a behind-the-scenes look at the Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, and several other historically significant sites. Dicht emphasized the level of access and excitement this tour provides, describing it as a way to see space technology from a unique perspective that the average visitor rarely experiences.
“This isn’t your usual tour,” Dicht explained. “We’re collaborating with Galactic Medallion to design an immersive experience that goes far beyond what a standard visit to the Space Center might offer. We’ve planned everything from specialized tours to unique guest speakers who bring stories and insights you won’t hear anywhere else.”
The Galactic Medallion Tour also includes personalized tours of the Space Shuttle Atlantis, guided by former NASA Space Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach. Dicht recounted the excitement attendees felt during the previous tour: “Every time Mike shares his experiences, he draws a crowd. His stories about launching the last 37 space shuttles bring Atlantis to life in a way only he can. Even if you’ve seen Atlantis before, it’s an entirely new experience hearing about it from someone who was in the control room.”
For those who might not be able to commit to the full experience, NSS and Galactic Medallion have created options allowing participants to select the tour portions that interest them most. This flexibility makes the tour accessible to those who may only be available for a single day or specific activity.
“We want people to choose their own space adventure,” Dicht said, describing how the new menu options are designed to cater to different schedules and budgets. From day trips to full immersion experiences, attendees will have the freedom to build a personalized itinerary. “There are options for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned space enthusiast or someone looking to make their first trip to the Space Coast.”
