When COVID Led Me to Space Travel
A Canceled Trip That Opened Another Door
In 2022, I got COVID and had to cancel my two-week trip to Chile.
At the time, it felt like a huge disappointment. I had been looking forward to that trip, and suddenly it was gone. But in an unexpected twist, that difficult experience ended up leading me to something even more unforgettable.
For the second week, I decided to go to Orlando to try to watch the Artemis launch.
It had always been on my bucket list, but I never truly thought it would happen. It felt like one of those distant dreams—something exciting to imagine, but unlikely to become real. And yet, there I was, heading to Florida with hope.
Lucky Timing After Repeated Cancellations
The launch was canceled several times and postponed on different days.
Because of those repeated changes, many people lost the opportunity to see it. Travel plans fell apart, hotel reservations no longer matched, and some simply could not stay longer or come back again. I was very lucky. At the last minute, I managed to get both a ticket and accommodation.
Looking back, I realize how narrow that window was. If things had gone slightly differently, I could have missed it too.
Solo Travel, Chance Encounters, and Orlando Without a Car
At my hotel, I met a woman who was also a solo traveler and happened to be in Florida for the same reason. We ended up taking taxis together, which made the experience a little easier and more memorable.
Orlando, however, was not friendly for non-drivers at all. There was no practical public bus to the launch area, and I ended up spending more on Uber rides than I had spent on my flight from New York.
Even getting there felt like part of the mission.
The Night the Sky Turned to Day
Because of all the delays, the rocket finally launched after midnight.
And it was absolutely worth it.
For the first time in my life, I felt the ground shaking beneath me and heard a thunderous, Mach-like roar. The blast was massive, and the brightness was so intense that it felt as if night had suddenly turned into midday.
It was overwhelming in the best possible way.
This was not a human launch, and even then, the force of it was enough to leave me in awe. I still remember the woman I met saying that she might be worried when the next launch carried astronauts. After witnessing that power in person, I understood exactly what she meant.
The Reality After the Wonder
The launch itself was extraordinary, but getting back was another story.
The reception in the area was terrible, and with so many people trying to leave at once, it was very hard to get a car back to the hotel. That frustrating part also stayed in my memory—the confusion, the exhaustion, and the feeling that we had just witnessed something rare and massive, yet were suddenly back in ordinary human inconvenience.
A Deeper Appreciation at Kennedy Space Center
The next day, I fully enjoyed the Kennedy Space Center.
That visit deepened the entire experience for me. Seeing the exhibits, learning more about the missions, and understanding the scale of the effort behind space exploration gave me a new appreciation for it all.
For the first time, I truly felt the power of the United States in this area—not just in terms of technology, but in ambition, coordination, and persistence. I came away with real respect for the people behind these projects.
Watching the Next Launch From Afar
A few days ago, when astronauts finally launched on a recent mission, I watched NASA and CNN live at the same time.
As the countdown continued, I found myself remembering that night in Florida—the shaking ground, the sound, the light, and the anticipation. This time, because human lives were involved, I felt even more emotional. I genuinely wished them the best from my heart and hoped everything would go safely.
Space, Mystery, and My Own Beliefs
Space travel inspires both wonder and humility.
I once heard a story about the commander of one of the last Apollo missions saying that he had witnessed and received a message from aliens telling humans not to disturb the Moon’s residents. Whether others believe that or not, I found the story fascinating.
As someone who has witnessed UFOs three times, I am open to mysteries that science may not fully explain yet. Because of that, I also find myself hoping that current and future space projects will move forward safely and respectfully.
Would I Ever Go to Space Myself?
If I were ever given the chance to leave Earth myself, I am honestly not sure I would do it.
By nature, I am adventurous. But I also have light claustrophobia, and I am not willing to go through the kind of training needed to adapt to extreme conditions and gravity changes. So while I admire the people who are ready to take those risks, I think my place is probably here on Earth—watching with awe and cheering them on.
Why I Still Recommend Watching a Launch
Still, I would absolutely recommend that people experience a rocket launch at least once in their lives if they ever have the chance.
To feel the Earth shake.
To hear that roar in your body.
To see the sky suddenly turn bright in the middle of the night.
It is more than a spectacle. It is a once-in-a-lifetime, life-changing experience.
Final Reflection
For me, space travel did not begin with becoming an astronaut or even planning a space-related trip.
It began with disappointment.
A trip to Chile was canceled because of COVID, and out of that loss came an experience I never expected to have. Sometimes life closes one door and quietly opens another—one that leads somewhere far beyond what we originally planned.
In my case, it led me to a rocket launch, a shaking Earth, a sky turned bright, and a memory I will never forget.
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