From Bratwurst to Spaceships

Already known as the 'Bratwurst Capital of the World,' friendly Sheboygan, Wisc., wants to add "spaceport" to its list of accomplishments. The Wisconsin legislature passed a bill this week authorizing a Wisconsin Aerospace Authority, much like the space-business authorities already existing in Florida, California and other states.
Eventually, the authority could build a real rocket-launching spaceport in Sheboygan, located on the western shores of Lake Michigan.

"This is one giant leap for northeast Wisconsin," said Rep. Tom Nelson, the Wisconsin state lawmaker who represents the city. Not to be confused with Bill Nelson, the Florida senator who actually flew on a space shuttle mission and who now very much supports Florida's bid for a private spaceport, located near the Kennedy Space Center. So, the question becomes will the Midwest Bratwurst Belt become the alternative to Florida's Space Coast?

The state is already home to some incredible attractions, including huge plastic cows, a real big penny and the world's biggest fiberglass fish (143 feet long), according to a recent Chicago Tribune story. But perhaps most tantalizing are the contributions Sheboygan could make to launch day tailgate parties. The city is home to the Sheboygan hard roll, which is typically filled with two bratwurst or "brats" (rhymes with "lot").

Of course, launch day "brats" would have to be served with cold beer, another Wisconsin tradition. To learn more about bratwurst, Wisconsin's "soul food," check here. To learn more about commercial spaceports, go to the Federal Aviation Administration's Office of Commercial Space Transportation.