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‘Rocket Hobo’ who created Brevard area code remembered on 321 day

Ozzie Osband, 72, passed away last summer after decades of MCing launches at Space View Park

TITUSVILLE, Fla. – March 21, known as 321 Day in Brevard County, came and went for the first time without the “Rocket Hobo” who pushed for the county’s countdown area code.

Ozzie Osband passed away in his sleep last summer.

For decades, the 72-year-old was synonymous with watching launches at Space View Park as he broadcast updates using his microphone and speaker.

So on the first 321 day without Osband, the American Space Museum honored its longtime friend with a celebrational ceremony.

Ozzie’s hat and green shirt were on display from where he would guide visitors through watching a launch whether they were first-timers or regulars. Osband wore green because it was symbolic of “go for launch.”

Ozzie’s brother, Steve Osband came to Thursday’s celebration of 321 Day and stuck around for a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launching supplies and science to the International Space Station.

“That’s what he would be here for — another great, large rocket going in the sky and a resupply mission to continue to have manned space be a part of the human experience,” Steve Osband said.

News 6 reporter James Sparvero asked Steve Osband what he learned about spaceflight from his brother.

“To dream, to show up and experience what’s going on in the world,” Steve Osband said.

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