There is an unsung Space Coast celebrity who has appeared in millions of photographs, shook countless hands, acted as ambassador to international guests from all over the world and yet nobody knows his name! He’s the "Spaceman" character at Kennedy Space Center SPACEPORT USA.
The sophistication of the space suit worn by the SPACEPORT USA "Spaceman" recently took a giant leap forward from the Apollo era to the Space Shuttle era with the purchase of three new suits.
The new space suits were custom made by Robert Delaney of Ocala, Florida. Mr. Delaney specializes in manufacturing space-related garments and exhibits, having made replicas of Mercury, Gemini, Apollo and Space Shuttle suits for clients worldwide. It would be hard for the untrained eye to distinguish between the close-weave nylon replicas made for SPACEPORT USA and those worn by NASA astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle.
In the same way Space Shuttle suits are adapted to the harsh environment of space, the new SPACEPORT USA "Spaceman " suits have been adapted for the daily rigors of life as a character. Because the SPACEPORT USA "Spaceman" is in costume for one hour shifts of greeting visitors, weight savings was important. The replica suit weighs 38 pounds compared to the 170 pound weight of a real suit. For those hot days in July and August, a battery powered fan directs fresh air throughout the head and torso of the suit (no, it is not air-conditioned). Finally, for shaking the many hands that are extended in friendship, cotton gloves with silicone rubber tips are designed for easy replacement.
The SPACEPORT USA "Spaceman" appears for several hours daily to interact with visitors. As many as three Spacemen are out at one time during busy periods, such as Christmas and Easter. A staff of seven SPACEPORT USA employees take turns filling the Spaceman’s boots.
During the month of September 1991, 166,419 guests visited SPACEPORT USA. Year-to-date attendance stands at 2,069,605.
SPACEPORT USA is operated and managed by TW Recreational Services, Inc. for NASA, John F. Kennedy Space Center. The facility is entirely self-supporting, with all funds for growth and expansion coming from visitor sales. No taxpayer dollars are expended to operate the facility.