Entertainment

SpaceX Launches South Korean Satellite on Moon Landing Anniversary

Published

6 years ago

July 20, 2020

The ANASIS-II satellite, shipped from France to Florida in preparation of its flight to geostationary orbit. (Photo: NASA)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – SpaceX launched the ANASIS-II from Kennedy Space Center today on the 51st anniversary of the moon landing.

July 20th, 1969, Neil Armstrong famously declared, “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind”as he stepped onto the surface of the moon. 51 years to date, private space exploration company SpaceX sends ANASIS-II into orbit aboard Falcon-9.

ANASIS-II is South Korea’s first dedicated military communications satellite. It will be held in geostationary orbit above the Korean Peninsula (which means the satellite will move at the same speed as the Earth, appearing to be fixed in the sky). South Korea is a U.S. ally, and its satellite information will help the U.S. monitor the region in a time of constant threat from North Korea.

After a brief weather delay, the rocket was launched at 5:30 EST, and has successfully arrived in its orbit.

The rocket carrying the satellite Falcon-9, used a first-stage booster to help get past Earth’s gravitational pull. This booster is the same used two months ago on the SpaceX mission that sent American astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken to the International Space Station.

Falcon-9’s reusable rocket component design was groundbreaking, but is only the first step for Elon Musk, founder and inventor of SpaceX and Tesla. His team is currently working on the “Starship” rocket, which will be completely reusable and capable of taking up to 100 passengers to the Moon and Mars.

As Elon Musk and SpaceX have shocked the world with its ingenious designs and daring missions, visitors have flocked to Kennedy Space Center to watch.

In May, SpaceX’s first human flight attracted tens of thousands of visitors to Florida, with more than 10 million people watching online. Buzz Aldrin, who accompanied Neil Armstrong on the Apollo 13 mission, was watching from home, tweeting, “This brings back good memories.”

Today, the beaches and parks were again crowded with eager onlookers. People barbecued and swam as they counted down to the event.

Attending rocket launches is a local tradition for Florida residents, and a favorite vacation trip for those around the country. The alluring nature of Florida’s coast, the fun experiences the Space Visitor Complex has to offer, and the sheer thrill of seeing rockets launch inspire generation after generation to return.

Since the 1960’s, Kennedy Space Center has been allowing visitors to witness the awe-inspiring launches from large viewing stands that directly face the launch sites. Their website describes it as a “jaw dropping, bucket-list experience.”

But the entertainment complex has much more to offer. Huge rockets grace the entrance, and visitors peer into the sky as they stand in line for tickets. Stepping through the gates is like stepping back in time to the 1960’s. The architecture, colors, uniforms, and food are all period, and help immerse visitors. There are a slew of rides, simulators, exhibits, tours, and galleries to explore. The Center hosts astronaut meet and greets for families, astronaut training for adults, and space exploration camps for kids.

In “The World’s Largest Space Shop”, guests can buy actual meteorite fragments, dehydrated ice cream, and historical mission patches. The park welcomes over 1.5 million visitors every year, and is constantly adding and updating its amenities.

In 2019, the center celebrated the 50-year anniversary of the moon landings with special exhibits and celebrations. A year later, it celebrates with the ANASIS-II satellite launch.

This latest launch only proves that space exploration is thriving. SpaceX is developing new technologies and leading the mission to Mars. NASA is continuing its research into off-planet life sustainability, and Kennedy Space Center is keeping the public interested, engaged, and donating.

Any visitors to Florida should schedule their trip around a launch, because while Orlando is the theme park capital, an entirely unique experience is only an hour-and-a-half away.

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Marcos Barrios is a Florida National News contributing writer. The avid writer and musician is passionate about politics and entertainment in Florida and abroad.

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Entertainment

Blue Man Group Orlando Launches $25 Kids Ticket Offer at ICON Park Through Dec. 31

Published

1 day ago

July 6, 2026

FNN NEWS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Families can enjoy Blue Man Group Orlando for less this summer and fall thanks to a new ticket promotion that allows children to attend performances for $25 with the purchase of a full-priced adult ticket.

The limited-time offer is available for online purchases through Dec. 31, 2026, making one of Orlando’s newest live entertainment attractions more affordable for families.

Special Kids Ticket Offer

Under the promotion, guests who purchase a full-priced adult ticket may purchase a children’s ticket for $25.

The offer is valid for performances:

Monday through Thursday
Fridays at 5 p.m.

The promotion is not valid for:

Saturday performances
Sunday performances
Fridays at 8 p.m.

New Orlando Production at ICON Park

Blue Man Group opened its new resident production at ICON Park in May inside a custom-built theater located along Orlando’s International Drive entertainment district.

The production blends music, comedy, technology and audience participation, while featuring many of the signature moments fans expect from Blue Man Group alongside new material created exclusively for the Orlando production.

Global Entertainment Phenomenon

Since debuting in 1991 at New York’s Astor Place Theatre, Blue Man Group has entertained more than 50 million people worldwide through resident productions and international tours.

The show continues to expand with performances in Orlando, Las Vegas, touring productions across North America and an upcoming tour in Japan.

Blue Man Group is owned and operated by Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group.

Central Florida News

Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs Presents ‘HYPE HAIR’ Exhibit by Peppermint Sandy in Downtown Orlando

Published

4 weeks ago

June 8, 2026

FNN NEWS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs will present “HYPE HAIR,” a new exhibition by multidisciplinary artist Peppermint Sandy, in the Atrium Gallery at the Orange County Administration Center in downtown Orlando.

The exhibit will be on display from June 11 through June 25, 2026, showcasing Sandy’s wearable sculptures and mixed-media works that explore beauty, fashion, culture, and identity through the lens of Black hair and lived experiences.

Opening Reception Scheduled June 11

An opening reception will be held Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Orange County Administration Center.

Doors open at 5 p.m.
Program begins at 5:45 p.m.
Admission is free
Advance registration is requested

Exploring Beauty, Culture and Identity

Peppermint Sandy is a multidisciplinary artist whose work incorporates fabric, hair, textiles, and mixed media to examine cultural and societal perceptions of beauty, fashion, and personal identity.

“HYPE HAIR is a series of wearable sculptures inspired by not just my relationship with Black hair, but a dedication and love letter to all Black women and girls everywhere with our hair as well,” Sandy said. “From the beginning of time, Black hair is not only art, but a form of communication.”

The exhibition highlights the artistic, historical, and cultural significance of Black hair while celebrating self-expression and identity through contemporary art.

Exhibit Information

The exhibition will remain on display through June 25, 2026, in the Atrium Gallery at the Orange County Administration Center, located at 201 S. Rosalind Ave. in downtown Orlando.

The Administration Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., excluding holidays.

The exhibit is presented by Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs as part of its ongoing commitment to showcasing diverse artistic voices and cultural perspectives throughout Central Florida.

Entertainment

USF Credit Union Named Presenting Sponsor of ‘Rainbow To Your Door’ With $5,000 Challenge Match Grant

Published

1 month ago

June 1, 2026

FNN NEWS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The production team behind Rainbow To Your Door announced that USF Credit Union has joined the upcoming theatrical production as its Presenting Sponsor, accompanied by a $5,000 Challenge Match Grant aimed at encouraging community support and helping fully fund the project.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to arts, education, and community engagement across Central Florida. Organizers say the challenge grant will match community contributions dollar-for-dollar up to $5,000, helping expand public access and educational opportunities connected to the production.

Original Play Celebrates Florida’s Artistic Legacy

Rainbow To Your Door is an original stage production written by Los Angeles-based playwright Kenneth Brown. The play is inspired by the historic friendship and artistic exchange between acclaimed author and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston and artist Jules André Smith.

Set in 1938 at the historic Maitland Art Center, the production explores the challenges, triumphs, and purpose of artists navigating a rapidly changing world while preserving their creative voices.

“This partnership represents more than sponsorship. It is an investment in storytelling, culture, and preserving the legacy of artistic voices that helped shape Florida’s creative identity,” Brown said. “We are incredibly grateful to USF Credit Union for believing in this vision and helping us create meaningful community impact through the arts.”

Challenge Match Campaign Aims to Fully Fund Production

As part of the sponsorship, USF Credit Union will provide a $5,000 Challenge Match Grant to encourage community participation and charitable giving. Production organizers say that once the matching goal is reached, Rainbow To Your Door will be fully funded.

Donations generated through the campaign will support expanded accessibility initiatives, educational programming, community outreach, and audience engagement efforts associated with the production.

“USF Credit Union is proud to support initiatives that enrich the communities we serve,” said Rick Skaggs, CEO of USF Credit Union. “Rainbow To Your Door reflects the power of culture, education, and the arts to inspire meaningful conversations and strengthen community connections.”

Production Scheduled for October 2026

Media relations and promotional efforts for the production are being coordinated by Fierce Entertainment.

Rainbow To Your Door is scheduled for Oct. 10–11, 2026, at the Timucua Arts Foundation in Orlando.

Additional information regarding ticket sales, sponsorship opportunities, and the community challenge campaign will be announced in the coming weeks.

Media Contact:
Rob Henlon
Fierce Entertainment
rob@alwaysfierce.com

For sponsorship information and production updates, visit Rainbow To Your Door.