KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — We're almost to launch day, but every day there's a group in the background making sure Kennedy Space Center is clean and safe.

"Out here, everybody's a family," said Brevard Achievement Center employee Keith Washington.

In a place known for space for years, as a lead custodian, Washington has kept the Kennedy Space Center spic and span.

From bathrooms, to spacecraft workshops, to bleachers, he and his colleagues use their janitorial skills to clean all around the federal facility.

"Cleaning, disinfecting, picking up the trash," Washington explained.

It's an unsung role, but important. Take a look at the times we are in — a pandemic.

"Making sure we do all the touch points in the buildings to keep the coronavirus from spreading," said Washington.

Under the SourceAmerica umbrella, B-A-C is one of 700 agencies who help disabled people like Washington find jobs at places like the Kennedy Space Center.

"It's really important for the public to know that people with disabilities have the opportunity to do really important work," said Jason Golden of SourceAmerica. 

They're jobs on the ground that are linked to rockets blasting off on the pad.

"The work that they perform literally leads to a successful launch," said Golden. "Very worthy of the spotlight, their work is always essential."

For Washington, knowing his hard work protects astronauts and launch teams is gratifying.

"For those who work with me, that's something they can carry with them for the rest of their lives," he said.