Elizabeth Schneider, founder of the specialty space-tourism company Galactic Medallion, was featured on the “Stay Curious” livestream hosted by the American Space Museum on March 25, 2025. During the conversation with host Mark Marquette, Schneider explored her company’s unique offerings and her deeply personal connection to astronomy, inspired by her grandfather.
From Earthbound to Galactic
Initially a freelance tour guide focused on Orlando’s theme parks, Schneider shifted her entrepreneurial vision during the COVID-19 pandemic. Amid the halt in tourism, she founded Galactic Medallion in 2021. Schneider decided it was time to leave behind Disney and Universal Studios, instead choosing to share her enthusiasm for the Kennedy Space Center and Florida’s Space Coast.
“At this stage of life, I want to share the experience of the Kennedy Space Center and space tourism,” Schneider explained.
Exclusive Experiences Tailored for Visitors
Galactic Medallion tours offer exceptional access, including aerial sightseeing tours via helicopter, landing directly at exclusive locations such as Orlando’s Ritz Carlton Hotel. “Our top-tier tour involves flying guests directly from Orlando to Titusville, taking them over iconic landmarks such as Launch Pads 39A and 39B, Blue Origin, and Port Canaveral,” Schneider detailed.
Additionally, Galactic Medallion provides tailored experiences curated to individual interests and budgets. Tours range from luxury helicopter trips to “Drive-It-Yourself” packages, making space exploration accessible and memorable for various clientele.
Collaboration with Orlando’s Ritz Carlton Hotel
Schneider emphasized Galactic Medallion’s notable collaboration with the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Orlando. Guests staying at this prestigious property benefit from exceptional convenience, as the EC130 Eurocopter lands directly at the hotel’s location. Schneider explained that this partnership allows visitors to avoid traffic entirely, embarking effortlessly on a luxurious 15-minute helicopter journey directly to Florida’s Space Coast. This collaboration underscores Galactic Medallion’s commitment to providing guests with seamless, high-end travel experiences.
Exclusive Aerial Tours with the EC130 Eurocopter
Galactic Medallion’s premium offerings include exclusive aerial tours utilizing the luxurious EC130 Eurocopter, known for its superior comfort and panoramic views. These helicopter excursions provide guests with unparalleled sights of the Kennedy Space Center, Blue Origin facilities, and Port Canaveral from approximately 700 feet above ground. Departing directly from locations like the Orlando Ritz Carlton Hotel, guests avoid traffic and enjoy a swift, scenic 15-minute flight, dramatically enhancing their overall tour experience on Florida’s iconic Space Coast.
Drive-It-Yourself Tours Offer Broader Accessibility
Understanding the diverse needs of visitors, Galactic Medallion also offers a more accessible “Drive-It-Yourself” option. Elizabeth Schneider noted that these tours enable guests to independently drive to designated meeting points, often starting at convenient locations such as the Courtyard Marriott near Kennedy Space Center. This option significantly reduces costs and increases flexibility, allowing families and budget-conscious travelers to enjoy personalized, engaging tours of Florida’s Space Coast, while still benefiting from expert guidance and insights.
Fostering Dreams with “My Special Place in Space”
Schneider also highlighted her charitable initiative, “My Special Place in Space,” developed in partnership with the Orlando-based nonprofit Fostering Kindness. This initiative grants foster children access to Kennedy Space Center, aiming to inspire self-esteem and educational ambition among vulnerable youth.
“We expose them to opportunities in the 21st-century space economy,” she emphasized. Schneider believes firmly in the potential of these experiences to motivate foster youth towards continuing education, noting that Florida offers full tuition coverage through doctoral programs for students who successfully exit the foster system.
Collaboration with the National Space Society
Galactic Medallion maintains a strong working relationship with the National Space Society (NSS), particularly since NSS relocated its headquarters to the Center for Space Education near Kennedy Space Center. Her company has designed exclusive multi-day tours specifically for NSS members. This partnership not only highlights important locations on the Space Coast but also promotes NSS’s mission by giving members unique opportunities to visit space-related destinations and engage deeply with the region’s rich aerospace history.
A Family Legacy of Astronomy
Schneider’s passion for space is deeply personal, originating from childhood summers with her grandfather, Irving Goetz, in Hamburg, New York. A self-taught astronomer, Goetz constructed a backyard observatory, painstakingly grinding telescope mirrors and documenting celestial phenomena. “He was smarter than anyone with a college degree,” Schneider fondly recalled, crediting him for her enduring fascination with astronomy.
The American Space Museum: A Hidden Gem
Discussing Titusville’s American Space Museum, Schneider described it as a “hidden gem,” full of tangible history like original mission control consoles and astronaut manuals. The Spacewalk Hall of Fame, featuring handprints of legendary astronauts, offers a personal connection to space history, providing visitors a chance to “feel the heartbeat” of America’s space exploration.
Space Coast Renaissance and Future Prospects
As the Space Coast continues experiencing a renaissance, fueled primarily by SpaceX’s frequent launches, Schneider believes the region’s role in space exploration is more vital than ever. She anticipates increased interest in upcoming launches, such as SpaceX’s Starship, which is slated for operations near Kennedy Space Center.
“This is truly a rocket renaissance,” she concluded, emphasizing that her mission remains to educate and inspire visitors from across the globe about America’s dynamic role in space exploration.
