Issue #577: Where to Watch Artemis II Launch | NASA’s Toughest Spacesuit Yet | Tampa Chef Shines | Rays Clubhouse Buzz

4/1/2026

Author

Ted Grellner
01 Apr

Keep your finger on the Pulse!

GOOD MORNING

Sorry about half the space in this issue going to space, but I remember watching all of the initial test flights in preparing for landing on the moon, as well as watching that first boot hitting the lunar surface. This is an exciting time. I even had dinner with Astronaut Buzz Aldrin years ago which makes this all the more meaningful. Enjoy!

Dr Ted
USAF Retired

 
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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar 

Please post events of interest to our NT|WC Live Events Calendar; its easy to do.

Local News

— Where to Watch NASA’s Artemis II Lift Off Along the Space Coast

— Next-Gen Spacesuit Built to Withstand Harsh Lunar Dust

Food

— Tampa Chef Breaks Decade-Long Drought with James Beard Nod

Sports

— Inside the Rays’ Clubhouse: Why This Team Feels Different

Where to Watch NASA’s Artemis II Lift Off
Along the Space Coast

NASA’s Artemis II mission is set to make history Wednesday evening, marking the first crewed journey toward the moon in more than 50 years. The four-person crew will embark on a lunar flyby, reigniting human exploration beyond low Earth orbit. The two-hour launch window opens at 6:24 p.m. ET, with liftoff from Kennedy Space Center.

Prime Viewing Spots Across Brevard County

Spectators planning to watch in person have several accessible options along the Space Coast. Popular viewing locations include Marina Park, Sand Point Park, Playalinda Beach, Space View Park, and Parrish Park. Officials expect increased traffic throughout Brevard County, urging visitors to arrive early and plan ahead.

At-Home Viewing Also Available

For those unable to attend in person, NASA has provided guidance on where the launch may be visible across Florida and southern Georgia, making backyard viewing a viable option.

The Artemis II mission represents a critical step toward future lunar landings and long-term space exploration.

Next-Gen Spacesuit Built to Withstand Harsh
Lunar Dust

Axiom Space is giving the public a closer look at the next-generation spacesuit astronauts will wear during future lunar missions, including surface operations planned for Artemis IV. The suit was showcased at Kennedy Space Center just ahead of the Artemis II flyby launch.

Built for the Moon’s Harsh Environment

The suit features three key components: a pressure garment, life support system, and power avionics. Engineers designed it specifically to withstand the moon’s abrasive dust, a major issue during Apollo missions. Astronauts will also use specialized tools to remove dust buildup.

Designed for Flexibility and Future Missions

While the final lunar suits will be white, the version on display was a dark gray prototype. Beyond moon missions, Axiom says the suit will also support spacewalks in low-Earth orbit, including missions aboard the International Space Station and the planned Axiom Station.

NASA awarded Axiom Space $228.5 million to develop the suit, marking a major step toward returning humans to the lunar surface by 2028.

Tampa Chef Breaks Decade-Long Drought with James Beard Nod

Tampa Bay’s culinary scene is back in the national spotlight as chef Bryce Bonsack of Rocca earns a finalist nomination for Best Chef: South in the prestigious James Beard Awards. This marks the region’s first finalist in over 10 years, signaling renewed recognition for local dining.

A Milestone for Tampa’s Food Scene

Bonsack, executive chef and owner of Rocca, has helped elevate Tampa’s reputation with his Italian-inspired cuisine and growing restaurant group. He credited his team for the achievement, calling it a reflection of their collective effort and vision.

Competitive Field and Regional Recognition

He will compete against top chefs from across the South, including contenders from Jacksonville, New Orleans, and Arkansas. Notably, Florida has only two finalists this year, with major cities like Miami and Orlando absent from the list.

Awards Return After Years of Gaps

The recognition follows years of limited acknowledgment for Tampa Bay, with the last major finalist appearing in 2015. Winners will be announced June 15 in Chicago.

Inside the Rays’ Clubhouse: Why This Team
Feels Different

The Tampa Bay Rays are already embracing a strong sense of unity early in the 2026 season, with players and staff pointing to exceptional clubhouse chemistry as a defining strength. Veteran outfielder Jake Fraley quickly noticed the difference during Spring Training, calling the group “fun” and tightly connected.

Veterans and Youth Creating Balance

New additions like Steven Matz, Nick Martinez and Cedric Mullins have blended seamlessly with younger talent, helping foster a supportive, ego-free environment. Players say the mix of personalities keeps things light while encouraging everyone to compete harder on the field.

Camaraderie Extends Beyond the Field

From group dinners on the road to constant interaction in the clubhouse, the team’s bond is evident. Pitcher Shane McClanahan noted that genuine relationships translate into stronger performances, as players push each other to succeed.

While chemistry alone doesn’t guarantee wins, the Rays believe their connection could be a key factor in a promising season ahead.

Top Events in Tampa Bay for week of
Mar 25th
Source:

tampabay.com

 
Things to do Around Tampa this w/e:
3/ - 3/
Source:


Things to do Around
Tampa & WC
4/2- 4/8
Source:
tampabeacon.com

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