Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Invites Guests to Celebrate ‘Holidays in Space’ with All-New Light Shows and Laser Spectacular
Attraction Celebrates the Season Space-Age-Style Nov. 28 through Jan. 4 with First-Ever 3D Projection Mapping Show Set against a Rocket and Holiday Laser Light Spectacular Visible from Space
Looking for something new and unique to do this holiday season? Start a new tradition at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, where the holidays go high-tech with a first-of-its-kind 3D show “projection mapped” onto a rocket, and a laser and light show so spectacular, astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) should be able to see the beam.
Beginning Friday, Nov. 28, the day after Thanksgiving, the Visitor Complex will be adorned for the holiday season with a stunning array of decorations including a 41-foot Christmas tree, a giant NASA “meatball” ornament, garlands, lights, ribbons, bows and more.
As the season progresses, so does the fun. From December 2 through January 4, the Visitor Complex presents the new Holiday Rocket Garden Light Show featuring a choreographed light and music show.
The excitement accelerates Dec. 22 through Dec. 31 when a second element is added to the show: a 3D projection mapping presentations shown on the side of the 223-foot-long Saturn 1B rocket. Also called spatial augmented reality, this technology is used to project images onto irregularly shaped objects, such as bridges, buildings, and now, a rocket. This remarkable presentation, a first at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, features custom animation blended with historic footage of actual launches and awe-inspiring views of Earth from the ISS. The show takes guests on a walk through NASA history, from our first launches to the moon, through the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and the assembly of the ISS, and onto the surface of Mars, thanks to actual images captured by NASA’s Curiosity and Opportunity robotic exploration rovers.
From Dec. 26-Dec. 31, a Holiday Laser Light Spectacular will be added to the festivities, featuring an incredible music and laser light show that will be visible in Orlando and throughout Central Florida. The green rays from the laser show are bright enough for astronauts aboard the International Space Station to see them.
“Many astronauts have told us that they have felt no greater sense of peace and hope for humankind than when looking down on the blue marble of Earth from space,” said Therrin Protze, chief operating officer of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. “Through these truly unique and 3D light and laser shows, we hope to share that incredible feeling with all our guests this holiday season.”
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s Rocket Garden features a majestic collection of real and replica capsules and rockets,soaring 80-, 90-, and 100 feet into the sky, demonstrating how manned space flight progressed through the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo eras.
All holiday activities are included with Visitor Complex admission; no advance reservations are required. Light shows begin at dusk each day. The Visitor Complex is open 365 days a year, including Christmas Day, Dec. 25.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s holiday hours of operation are:
Nov. 28-Dec. 25: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Dec. 26-Dec. 30: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
About Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex brings to life the epic story of the U.S. space program, offering a full day or more of fun and educational activities, including the Kennedy Space Center Tour featuring the Apollo/Saturn V Center with an actual Saturn V moon rocket, Shuttle Launch Experience®, 3D IMAX® space films, Astronaut Encounter, Exploration Space®: Explorers Wanted and many other interactive exhibits. The new $100 million home for Space Shuttle AtlantisSM opened June 29, 2013. Admission also includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®, featuring historic spacecraft and the world’s largest collection of personal astronaut memorabilia, which opens daily at noon and closing times vary by season. Only 45 minutes from Orlando, Fla., Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens daily at 9 a.m. with closing times varying by season. Admission is $50 + tax for adults and $40 + tax for children ages 3-11. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers annual passes starting at $75 + tax for adults and $60 + tax for children ages 3-11. For more information, call 877-313-2610 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.
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