Discover Kennedy Space Center: Meet Retired Astronaut Winston E. Scott
By C.S. Howard
A new attraction, The Gantry at LC-39, will open at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in June. The Gantry at LC-39 is an exciting next step in the Center’s mission to inspire and educate the next generation of explorers. It will become a great place to watch rocket launches by allowing the closest view of a launch. Each day at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, located at Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, Florida, families can talk with an astronaut, learn about the future of space, enjoy immersive rides and experiences, and make life-long memories while inspiring a child’s imagination.
Meet Winston E. Scott (CAPTAIN, USN RET.). Scott has an extensive career with NASA and is the astronaut in residence at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. He was in Sarasota recently and met with Sarasota City Commissioner Kyle Battie to talk about upcoming events at Kennedy Space Center and about his career with NASA. Scott currently works for Delaware North, the company that operates Kennedy Space Center. He has an opportunity to regularly share his story and inspiration with those who visit the Complex.
Scott was born i n Miami and received a bachelor of arts degree in music from Florida State University, a master of science degree in aeronautical engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, and was awarded honorary doctorates from Florida Atlantic University and Michigan State University. He entered Naval Aviation Officer Candidate School after graduation from Florida State University in December 1972, completed flight training in fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft and was designated a Naval Aviator in August 1974. He then served a 4-year tour of duty with Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light ThirtyThree (HSL 33) at the Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island, California, flying the SH-2F Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS) helicopter. In 1978, Scott was selected to attend the Naval Postgraduate School at Monterey, California, where he earned his Master of Science degree in aeronautical engineering with avionics.
After completing jet training in the TA4J Skyhawk, Scott served a tour of duty with Fighter Squadron Eighty-Four (VF-84) at NAS Oceana, Virginia, flying the F14 Tomcat. In June 1986 Scott was designated an Aerospace Engineering Duty Officer. He served as a production test pilot at the Naval Aviation Depot, NAS Jacksonville, Florida, flying the F/A-18 Hornet and the A-7 Corsair aircraft. He was also assigned as Director of the Product Support (engineering) Department. He was next assigned as the Deputy Director of the Tactical Aircraft Systems Department at the Naval Air Development Center at Warminster, Pennsylvania.
Scott has an impressive resume and is a great role model for our youth and anyone interested in becoming an astronaut. He offers this advice: “I would encourage young people to believe that anything is possible. You have to be ready for the opportunity when it comes,” he said.
“Do not believe people who say that you can’t do something; it’s available to you and you can do anything you set your mind to. Secondly, always study because everything that’s worthwhile requires work and perseverance. Prepare yourself and never give up.
Becoming an astronaut was not something Scott was initially interested in. “I didn’t grow up thinking I would become a pilot or an astronaut,” he said.
“I love music and I was a music major in college. But I was taught by my parents to go above and beyond and believe that you can do anything. That’s what I did throughout my career.”
Each day at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, families can talk with an astronaut such as Scott, learn about the future of space, enjoy immersive rides and experiences, and make life-long memories while inspiring a child’s imagination. For more information, visit kennedyspacecenter.com
