Category: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

For Two Days Only, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Invites Guests to ‘Fly With An Astronaut’

New Half-Day Program Offered Sunday, Feb.15 and Monday, Feb. 16 Features Private Tour, ‘Flight’ on Shuttle Launch Experience^® and Lunch with Veteran NASA Astronaut

For the first time ever, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will offer a special, limited-time, limited-capacity program called Fly With An Astronaut, in which guests can spend a thrilling half day experiencing the highlights of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, including a ‘flight’ on Shuttle Launch Experience^®, with a veteran NASA space shuttle astronaut and pilot.

Limited to just 43 guests per day on Sunday, Feb. 15 and Monday, Feb. 16 only (Presidents’ Day weekend), the program includes admission to the Visitor Complex as well as a morning of tours and activities guided by astronaut Jon McBride. One of many highlights of the day is the opportunity to “fly” on Shuttle Launch Experience with McBride, who served as the pilot of STS-41G aboard space shuttle Challenger and is a former naval aviator who has logged more than 8,800 total flight hours, 4,700 of those hours in jets. The experience also includes a catered buffet lunch in a VIP area of the Apollo/Saturn V Center; a panoramic photo stop at the Launch Complex (LC) 39 Observation Gantry, which is otherwise not accessible to guests; an autographed photo of the guest with the astronaut hero; and a retail gift.

“We are proud to offer this extraordinary opportunity to guests who want to learn about and experience America’s space program through the eyes of an experienced, veteran NASA astronaut,” said Therrin Protze, chief operating officer for Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. “What better way to engage and inspire guests of all ages, particularly our future space explorers, than to offer them a chance to ‘fly’ aboard a shuttle with an actual space shuttle pilot, see actual spaceflight operations areas, and hear firsthand his personal recollections of life in space?”

Fly With An Astronaut participants will meet at Space Shuttle Atlantis at 9:30 a.m. each day for a “preflight” briefing and individual photo with McBride – and then the countdown begins! The newly recruited “crew members” will enter Shuttle Launch Experience to find out what it feels like to launch into space aboard a shuttle traveling 17,500 mph – with an experienced NASA astronaut and space shuttle pilot at their side!

“I’ve ridden plenty of launch simulators and I’ve been at the controls of the real space shuttle, so I can tell you that Shuttle Launch Experience is the closest thing to a shuttle launch as you can get without actually leaving Earth,” said McBride. “I’m looking forward to sharing that exhilarating experience with guests who want to come and ‘fly’ with me and spend a few hours learning more about Kennedy Space Center and the past, present and future of our space program from an astronaut’s perspective.”

Participants will then board a bus with McBride for a private tour of Kennedy Space Center, including a drive past the Vehicle Assembly Building and a stop at the LC-39 Observation Gantry. Here, McBride will share stories of his launch aboard space shuttle Challenger and his astronaut experiences as guests take advantage of panoramic photo opportunities of KSC and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in the distance.

The next stop is the Apollo/Saturn V Center, where participants will enjoy a guided tour with McBride, followed by a catered buffet lunch in the upstairs conference room overlooking Kennedy Space Center and Launch Pads 39 A and B. During lunch, guests will receive a printed photo of themselves with McBride and have an opportunity for him to autograph it. At the end of the tour, at approximately 1:30 p.m., guests will receive a retail memento and will be free to continue touring the Apollo/Saturn V Center or board a bus back to the Visitor Complex.

The new, limited-time, limited-capacity program is tremendous value at $199 for adults; $174 for children (ages 3-11), including Visitor Complex admission, a catered lunch, an autographed photo and a retail gift. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex annual pass holders may purchase the program for $149 per adult or $134 per child (ages 3-11)

Seating is limited; for reservations, please call 877-313-2610.

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 Saturn V Center with an actual Saturn V moon rocket, the new Space ShuttleAtlantis^SM, Shuttle Launch Experience^®, 3D IMAX^® space films, Astronaut Encounter, Exploration Space^®:  Explorers Wanted and many other interactive exhibits. Admission also includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame^®, featuring historic spacecraft and the world’s most comprehensive collection of personal astronaut memorabilia (opens daily at noon; 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. 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.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Guests Can Enjoy Best Public Viewing of SpaceX

Rocket Launch on December 19, 2015

Exclusive Viewing Package Offers a Front Row Seat for the Launch

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is offering an exclusive “front row seat” to view the Dec. 19 SpaceX Falcon 9 launch, which is scheduled for 1:20 p.m. ET. Launch viewing is available at the LC-39 Observation Gantry, located within the secured areas of Kennedy Space Center and just over three miles away from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, where the Falcon 9 will launch from Space Launch Complex 40.

Launch viewing from the LC-39 Observation Gantry offers a premium, up-close view of the rocket on the launch pad and during lift off, and features lawn and bleacher seating, live mission commentary and the opportunity to meet space shuttle astronaut Mike McCulley. The launch viewing package includes launch transportation, a light lunch and a space-themed T-shirt.

Bus boarding from the Visitor Complex to the LC-39 Observation Gantry begins at 11 a.m. A limited number of launch viewing tickets are available and may be purchased for $49 plus tax, in addition to admission, by calling 855-475-8415. Daily admission to the Visitor Complex is $50 plus tax for adults and $40 plus tax for children ages 3-11.

The SpaceX Falcon 9 will carry the Dragon capsule to deliver cargo to the International Space Station (ISS). This is the fifth resupply mission bySpaceX for NASA, bringing food and supplies, including new science experiments and technology research, to the crew aboard the ISS.

The payload includes the Cloud-Aerosol Transport System, or CATS, a laser instrument designed to measure clouds and the location and distribution of pollution, dust, smoke and other particles in the atmosphere. The unique orbit of CATS allows it to observe the same area of Earth several times a day. By providing real time data, CATS improves detection of wildfires and forecasts of air quality and volcanic plumes.

Launch viewing also will be available from the lawn of Space Shuttle Atlantis^SM located in the main Visitor Complex.

On launch day, the Visitor Complex be open until 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., offering a full-day space experience, with such attractions and activities as:

• The annual Holidays in Space celebration, featuring an all new Holiday Rocket Garden Light Show. The new light show takes place daily throughJan. 4 in the ever-popular Rocket Garden, a Visitor Complex hallmark. The outdoor 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. The Visitor Complex also is 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.

• Space Shuttle Atlantis^SM, where visitors can “be the astronaut” as they get nose to nose with a real spaceflown orbiter. Space Shuttle Atlantis is displayed as if floating in space – the only space shuttle orbiter in the world exhibited this way. Guests can also flex their astronaut abilities as they train on various simulators: take a simulated spacewalk, land the space shuttle on the shuttle landing facility, operate the robotic Canadarm or dock with the International Space Station.

• The Apollo/Saturn V Center, where dramatic multi-media shows and numerous hands-on displays provide visitors with an inspirational and exhilarating look into America’s quest for the moon. Guests relive the historic launch of Apollo 8 at the Firing Room Theater, then marvel at a monstrous 363-foot long Saturn V moon rocket, the most powerful rocket ever built and one of only three Saturn V rockets in existence. The Apollo Treasures Gallery showcases treasures from the Apollo moon missions, including Apollo 14 Commander Alan Shepard’s spacesuit and the Apollo 14 Command Module, Kitty Hawk.

Admission tickets may be purchased at www.KennedySpaceCenter.com or by calling 877-313-2610.

Launch date, time and viewing locations are subject to change. 

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, the new Angry Birds^™Space Encounter, 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 Atlantis^SM 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.

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 Atlantis^SM 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.

Twitter: @ExploreSpaceKsc

facebook.com/KennedySpaceCenterVisitorComplex

Launch Viewing Tickets On Sale Now at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for Historic First Launch of Orion Spacecraft December 4, 2014

Public Invited to Witness History in the Making as NASA Tests its Deep Space Orion Spacecraft for the First Time, Paving the Way for Manned Flights to Mars and Beyond

On Thursday, Dec. 4, NASA is scheduled to launch its uncrewed Orion spacecraft into space for the very first time, making history as the spacecraft travels 15 times farther from the Earth than the International Space Station (ISS). This first flight paves the way for future flights that will carry astronauts to asteroids, Mars and beyond. Now, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is giving its guests the chance to share in this historic mission, called Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, with a variety of exclusive launch viewing opportunities and special events.

Guests at the Visitor Complex will be able to see the fiery glow and hear the thunderous roar as the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket lifts off from Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Not only will guests get to experience the sights, sounds and sensations of a rocket launch from within miles of the launch pad, they will also witness firsthand the dawn of the next space exploration program that will one day send humans to and from Mars. The two-orbit, 4.5-hour flight is designed to test the systems that are critical to safely sending humans into deep space – systems including avionics, attitude control, parachutes and the heat shield.

httpv://youtu.be/KyZqSWWKmHQ

As guests will see and hear, traveling 3,600 miles into space requires one of the most powerful rockets ever built. The nearly 235-foot-tall Delta IV Heavy is capable of lifting more than 50,000 pounds into low-Earth orbit. After jettisoning its Launch Abort System and making one orbit of Earth, the rocket’s upper stage will fire again, taking the spacecraft farther than any vehicle designed for manned flight has gone in more than 40 years.

During its journey, Orion will twice pass through areas of extreme radiation called the Van Allen Belts. As it reenters Earth’s atmosphere, it will travel at speeds close to 20,000 mph and generate temperatures up to 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit, almost twice the temperature of molten lava – putting its heat shield, the largest of its kind ever made, to the ultimate test. Three sets of parachutes are needed to slow the Orion capsule to a gentle 20 mph splashdown in the Pacific Ocean, where the U.S. Navy and NASA’s Ground Systems Development and Operations Program will recover it and the flight data. In the future, Orion will launch on NASA’s new heavy-lift rocket, the Space Launch System (SLS).

The launch window is set for the morning of Dec. 4, beginning at 7:05 a.m. and extending to 9:44 a.m. Guests may choose from two viewing sites: the Apollo/Saturn V Center located within secured areas of Kennedy Space Center or the Space Shuttle Atlantis^SMattraction, situated at the main Visitor Complex. The Apollo/Saturn V viewing area overlooks the scenic Banana Creek and offers a lawn area and bleacher seating with a view of Launch Pad 37, just 8 miles away at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. This location is accessible only by bus from the Visitor Complex. A limited number of tickets are available for launch viewing from the Apollo/Saturn V Center for $20 plus the cost of admission. Bus transportation to the Apollo/Saturn V Center is available from 3 a.m. to 6 a.m.

Launch viewing, astronaut appearances, live mission control commentary and a variety of Orion-related displays, demonstrations and exhibits by various NASA contractors are available at the main Visitor Complex. Join John Zarrella, former CNN space expert and correspondent, for the Journey with Orion program leading up to launch and the Countdown to Splashdown program later in the day. Prime launch viewing areas, 7 miles from Launch Pad 37, are located on the north side and east side of the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction, where guests will have a view of the rocket once it clears the tree line. This viewing opportunity is included in regular admission. Admission and launch viewing tickets can be purchased online at www.kennedyspacecenter.com.

“We are excited to share this historic launch with our guests and to give them the chance to see firsthand how NASA continues to push farther into space with the Orion program,” said Therrin Protze, chief operating officer of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. “This is only the beginning of the story for Orion and we look forward to sharing many more successful chapters on the journey to Mars.”

After launch, guests can spend the day exploring Space Shuttle Atlantis, Exploration Space: Explorers Wanted, Rocket Garden and other attractions. At dusk, the Visitor Complex presents its all-new Holiday Rocket Garden Light Show in the majestic Rocket Garden featuring a choreographed light and music program. Guests also will be treated to a stunning array of decorations, including a 41-foot Christmas tree and a giant NASA “meatball” ornament.

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 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 Atlantis^SM 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.

Renowned Photographer Michael Soluri Hosts Presentation and Signing Event to Celebrate Space-Themed Book Release at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Guests to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will meet renowned photographer Michael Soluri November 8 for a book signing and presentation for his new book, “Infinite Worlds: The People and Places of Space Exploration.”

Guests are invited to a 30-minute presentation by Michael Soluriat noon in the Hubble Theater at Space Shuttle Atlantis, which features 19 of Soluri’s images of the NASA and Kennedy Space Center workforce. At 1 p.m., a one-hour signing opportunity will follow the presentation on the lower level of Space Shuttle Atlantis. This event is included in daily admission to the Visitor Complex.

Michael Soluri has documented humankind’s space exploration journey for more than 15 years. His new book takes a behind-the-scenes look at NASA’s centers in Florida, Texas and Maryland. Published by Simon & Schuster, “Infinite Worlds: The People and Places of Space Exploration” features more than 300 fascinating images, 15 essays and a forward by legendary former astronaut and Senator John Glenn.

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 Atlantis^SM 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.

Celebrate World Space Week with Kennedy Space Center GeoTour Scavenger Hunt

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will celebrate World Space Week 2014 and its theme of “Space: Guiding Your Way” with the Kennedy Space Center GeoTour that will take participants on a scavenger hunt with prizes throughout the state of Florida.

The Kennedy Space Center GeoTour kicks off Oct. 6 as part of World Space Week (WSW), which is observed annually Oct. 4-11. WSW is an international celebration of science and technology supported by the United Nations General Assembly.

In honor of this year’s WSW theme, the Visitor Complex and Groundspeak, Inc., the company that created Geocaching.com, are partnering to bring guests the Kennedy Space Center GeoTour. The interactive experience allows guests to use the free Geocaching application and the Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates of Central Florida with their very own geo-trackable marble.

Ten different cache locations throughout Florida house a specific password. Cache locations can be found through www.Geocaching.com/adventures/geotours/kennedy-space-center going live Oct. 6. Users may download a passport from www.kennedyspacecenter.com/events/2014/october/geocache.aspx. Users then present their passport to The Will-Call Window at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to receive their trackable item and special admission offers.

Geocachers who bring their passport to The Will-Call Window will receive:

• For a 20 percent completed passport, receive a $5 off admission coupon and a trackable item
• For a more than 50 percent completed passport, receive a Buy One Get One Free admission and a trackable item
• For a 100 percent completed passport, receive a Buy One Get One Free admission, a retail item and a trackable item

The Geocaching app is free. Admission or an annual pass is required for entry to the Visitor Complex. The KSCVC GeoTour will continue through 2015.

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 Atlantis^SM 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.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Celebrates One-Year Anniversary of Space ShuttleAtlantis^SM with Atlantis Astronaut Adventure October 9

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will celebrate the one-year anniversary of the $100-million Space Shuttle Atlantis^SM attraction with Atlantis Astronaut Adventure on Thursday, Oct. 9 featuring 12 NASA astronauts, all of whom flew on the historic orbiter.

The 12 Atlantis astronauts – Clayton Anderson, Bo Bobko, John Creighton, Charlie Walker, Hoot Gibson, Fred Gregory, Ken Ham, Mike McCulley, Jerry Ross, Brian Duffy, Bob Springer and Dan Tani – will participate in a first-of-its-kind Lunch with an Astronaut from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Oct. 9. Visitor Complex guests who purchase special Lunch with an Astronaut tickets will have one of the astronauts sitting at their table and receive a space shuttle keepsake signed by that astronaut and a Kodak photo with the astronaut as well. Lunch with the Atlantis Astronauts is $39.99 for adults and $29.99 for children, in addition to daily admission. Please call 855-378-0169 for reservations, as seating is limited.

In addition, the astronauts will be featured throughout the day in Astronaut Encounter at the Visitor Complex. Each astronaut will give a 30-minute“Mini Mission Recap” highlighting their missions aboard Atlantis. Astronaut Encounter is included in daily admission.

The 12 astronauts also will participate in signing opportunities in the Space Shop throughout the day with lithographs and books available for sale and signing.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex annual passholders can attend a special presentation featuring a question and answer session with the astronauts in Space Shuttle Atlantis from 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.

Space Shuttle Atlantis has become a “must-see” experience for Central Florida tourists following its grand opening on June 29, 2013. Guests experience the inspiring accomplishments of the U.S. space shuttle program at the unique 90,000-square-foot attraction where visitors get nose to nose with a real spaceflown orbiter. The Atlantis orbiter is displayed as if floating in space as if departing from the International Space Station – the only space shuttle orbiter in the world exhibited this way.

Guests also can train on various realistic Space Shuttle Atlantis simulators: take a simulated spacewalk, land the space shuttle on the shuttle landing facility, operate the robotic Canadarm or dock with the International Space Station. Shuttle Launch Experience®, part of Space Shuttle Atlantis, is an incredible journey of vertically launching into space and orbiting Earth aboard the space shuttle.  Guests also strap in for an all-too-real simulation, which immerses visitors in the sights, sounds and feelings of a space shuttle launch, including simulated weightlessness.

Since Space Shuttle Atlantis opened, the Visitor Complex has added the new Great Balls of Fire interactive exhibit which allows guests to discover the risks that asteroids, comets and meteorites present to our planet. The exhibit explores how we keep track of near-Earth objects while examining the effects of possible impacts. Within the Great Balls of Fire exhibit is Asteroid Encounter, where guests can climb aboard a “spaceship” and blast off to the asteroid belt and Jupiter while compiling data about asteroids and comets. Guests also can explore what would happen if one of these celestial bodies were to hit their hometown, determine Science Fact or Science Fiction of Hollywood movie clips and much more.

Also new is the KSC Up-Close Explore Tour, which gives an insider’s view of the U.S. Space Program, from the launch sites of today at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to the past and future of space exploration at Kennedy Space Center. The KSC Up-Close Explore Tour includes up-close views of the massive, 525-foot-high Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) (one of the largest structures in the world) and the Shuttle Landing Facility. The tour stops in between the Kennedy Space Center launch pads for a close-up photo opportunity, in front of the VAB, and on the NASA Causeway where guests are surrounded by a panoramic view of launch pads at Cape Canaveral that are currently accommodating rocket launches by NASA, SpaceX and the United Launch Alliance.

The Visitor Complex also provides some of the closest public launch viewing areas for the ongoing schedule of rocket launches taking place at Kennedy Space Center/Cape Canaveral Air Force Station each year. Guests can experience the sights, sounds and ground-shaking vibrations as rockets launch, carrying not only NASA science missions and government satellites, but also commercial space endeavors, such as SpaceX.

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 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 Atlantis^SM 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.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex guests at the Apollo/Saturn V Center inside Kennedy Space Center experienced the unforgettable sights, sounds and earth-shaking vibrations of an Atlas V rocket launch last week. United Launch Alliance launched the Atlas V rocket carrying a classified CLIO satellite for the U.S. Government.

“I don’t think I could have ever expected that,” said Villa Collins visiting from San Jose, California. “I was extremely excited from the beginning but the anticipation to actually see it light up, feel the growl and just the amazing fact that I got to see a launch was the best experience I’ve had in a lifetime.”

 httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJR8jhZFyeg

“We’ve been waiting to see a launch and we came over in March when one was due and it never went off, so we were back on holiday and came today just to watch and see the launch go off,” said Elaine and Andy Eggett of Yorkshire, England. “It was brilliant, it was really exciting.”

Last week’s launch is one of numerous rocket launches taking place at Kennedy Space Center/Cape Canaveral Air Force Station each year, carrying not only NASA science missions and government satellites, but also testing commercial space endeavors such as SpaceX.

2014 Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Rocket Launch Schedule: 

** Schedule subject to change **

Sept. 19 (no earlier than)                    SpaceX 4 commercial resupply services flight

Oct. 29                                                Atlas V: GPS IIF-8

December TBD                                   Delta IV: ULA Orion Exploration Flight Test-1

Dec. 5                                                 SpaceX 5 commercial resupply services flight

A list of upcoming launches, launch-related activities, and other special events are available online at www.KennedySpaceCenter.com/events or by calling 866-737-5235.

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 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 Atlantis^SM 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.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Offers Best Public Viewing

of Atlas V Rocket Launch on Sept. 16

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex guests can experience the breathtaking sights and sounds of the launch of an Atlas V rocket as it lifts off on Tuesday, Sept. 16. Visitors may enjoy a front row seat to view the launch from the Apollo/Saturn V Center, the closest possible public viewing area, and from viewing areas at the Visitor Complex. Launch viewing is included in daily admission.

The rocket will blast off from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station with the launch scheduled for 5:44 p.m. EST. United Launch Alliance is launching an Atlas V rocket carrying a classified CLIO satellite for the U.S. Government.

 httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJR8jhZFyeg

The last bus taking guests to the Apollo/Saturn V Center for Atlas V launch viewing will depart at 4 p.m.

Located along the Banana River and only three miles from the launch pad, the Apollo/Saturn V viewing area offers the closest public viewing opportunity in Brevard County. This viewing area will feature live launch countdown commentary. Space for launch viewing at the Apollo/Saturn V Center is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Launch viewing from select areas at the Visitor Complex also will feature live mission control commentary.

Visitor Complex admission tickets may be purchased at www.KennedySpaceCenter.com or by calling 877-313-2610. The Visitor Complex will be open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sept. 16.

Launch date and time are subject to change.

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 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 Atlantis^SM 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.

Astronaut Bruce McCandless II Joins Apollo 11 45^th Anniversary Celebration

at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will celebrate the 45^thanniversary of the historic Apollo 11 moon landing on July 20 with a special appearance by Bruce McCandless II, Apollo 11 capsule communicator and space shuttle astronaut.

McCandless is a veteran astronaut who served as the Apollo 11 capsule communicator for the first lunar spacewalk. During this momentous event, he was responsible for communication between Mission Control and the three Apollo 11 astronauts: Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins. McCandless began his NASA career in 1966, serving in numerous capacities until his opportunity for spaceflight during the Space Shuttle Program. He flew two shuttle missions, but is best known for his first, STS-41B, when he made the first, untethered free flight spacewalk. The iconic picture of McCandless using the Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU) was taken by crewmember Robert “Hoot” Gibson.

On July 20, guests can participate in a 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. meet-and-greet session with McCandless in Space Shuttle Atlantis^SM. In addition, during a special Astronaut Encounter with McCandless beginning at 4 p.m. in the Astronaut Encounter Theater, guests will have the opportunity to relive the Apollo 11 moon landing and hear first-hand what it was like to communicate with the astronauts as they made that remarkable step in history. These events with McCandless are included with daily admission to the Visitor Complex. All Visitor Complex guests also will receive a special commemorative Apollo 11 pin recognizing one of humankind’s greatest achievements, landing on the moon.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is also offering an exclusive opportunity to annual passholders, who can join McCandless for a private tour through the Apollo/Saturn V Center as he recounts his experience communicating with the Apollo 11 astronauts during their extraordinary mission. This is a limited capacity tour designed exclusively for annual passholders and advanced reservations are required by calling 866-714-9795.

In addition to enjoying the Apollo 11 45^th anniversary special events, Visitor Complex guests can relive the Apollo program at the Apollo/Saturn V Center. Guests can explore and experience the tremendous accomplishments of the Apollo Program through dramatic multi-media shows and numerous hands-on displays that provide an inspirational and exhilarating look into America’s quest for the moon.

At the Apollo/Saturn V Center, guests experience the historic launch of Apollo 8 at the Firing Room Theater, where three screens ignite with original news clips from the early years of NASA and ends with footage from Apollo 8. The theater is an authentic representation of the 1960s Firing Room, containing the actual launch consoles NASA used during Apollo. Visitors then experience a re-creation of the Apollo 11 moon landing in the Lunar Theater.

The centerpiece of the Apollo/Saturn V Center is a monstrous 363-foot long, fully restored Saturn V moon rocket, the most powerful rocket ever built and one of only three Saturn V rockets in existence.

The Apollo Treasures Gallery, also located in the Apollo/Saturn V Center, showcases treasures from the Apollo moon missions, including Apollo 14 Commander Alan Shepard’s spacesuit and Command Module, Kitty Hawk. The Apollo Treasures Gallery also features an extensive and rare collection of developmental spacesuits and other gear used by Apollo moon walkers on the lunar surface.

Admission tickets may be purchased at www.KennedySpaceCenter.com or by calling 877-313-2610.

Guests Can Enjoy Best Public Viewing of SpaceX

Rocket Launch on July 14 at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is offering a “front row seat” to view the July 14 SpaceX Falcon 9 launch, which is scheduled for 9:21 a.m. The Visitor Complex will open early at 7:30 a.m. to accommodate launch viewing opportunities and provide the closest possible public viewing area: the Apollo/Saturn V Center inside Kennedy Space Center.

From the Apollo/Saturn V Center, guests will have a direct view of the Falcon 9 rocket on the launch pad and the exciting liftoff. Viewing also will be available at the Visitor Complex. Both  viewing areas feature live launch commentary and are included in daily admission. Admission to the Visitor Complex is $50 plus tax for adults and $40 plus tax for children 3-11.

Bus boarding to the Apollo/Saturn V Center for guests will be available via the KSC Tour Buses beginning at 7:30 a.m. Guests should arrive at the Visitor Complex no later than 8:30 a.m. to allow time for transportation to the Apollo/Saturn V Center for launch viewing.

The viewing area at the Apollo/Saturn V Center features an open lawn and bleacher section overlooking the Banana River. Food concessions and restroom facilities are available at the Apollo/Saturn V Center.

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will lift off from Launch Pad 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The Falcon 9 rocket will launch six second-generation ORBCOMM communications satellites to provide two-way data messaging services for global customers.

On launch day, the Visitor Complex will remain open until 7 p.m., offering a full-day space experience, with such attractions and activities as:

• Space Shuttle Atlantis^SM, where visitors can “be the astronaut” as they get nose to nose with a real spaceflown orbiter. Space Shuttle Atlantis is displayed as if floating in space – the only space shuttle orbiter in the world exhibited this way. Guests can also flex their astronaut abilities as they train on various simulators: take a simulated spacewalk, land the space shuttle on the shuttle landing facility, operate the robotic Canadarm or dock with the International Space Station.

• KSC Up-Close Explore Tour, which gives visitors an insider’s view of the U.S. Space Program, from the launch sites of today at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to the past and future of space exploration at Kennedy Space Center. The KSC Up-Close Explore Tour includes up-close views of the massive, 525-foot-high Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) and the Shuttle Landing Facility. The tour stops in between the Kennedy Space Center launch pads for a close-up photo opportunity, in front of the VAB, and on the NASA Causeway where guests are surrounded by a panoramic view of launch pads at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

• The Apollo/Saturn V Center, where dramatic multi-media shows and numerous hands-on displays provide visitors with an inspirational and exhilarating look into America’s quest for the moon. Guests relive the historic launch of Apollo 8 at the Firing Room Theater, then marvel at a monstrous 363-foot long Saturn V moon rocket, the most powerful rocket ever built and one of only three Saturn V rockets in existence. The Apollo Treasures Gallery showcases treasures from the Apollo moon missions, including Apollo 14 Commander Alan Shepard’s spacesuit and the Apollo 14 Command Module, Kitty Hawk.

Admission tickets may be purchased at www.KennedySpaceCenter.com or by calling 877-313-2610.

Launch date, time and viewing locations are subject to change.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Celebrates July 2 Grand Opening

Of Great Balls of Fire Exhibit

with Astronaut Tom Jones

Great Balls of Fire, a new new interactive exhibit, will be opening at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on July 2, 2014.

At the Great Balls of Fire exhibit, guests will discover the risks that asteroids, comets, and meteorites present to our planet. The exhibit explores how we keep track of near-Earth objects while examining the effects of possible impacts.

To help celebrate the Grand Opening Dr. Tom Jones, a four-time space shuttle astronaut, will be the guest of honor. As a senior research scientist at the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, Jones will focus on the future direction of human space exploration, uses of asteroid and space resources and defending Earth from asteroid impacts.

Within the Great Balls of Fire exhibit is Asteroid Encounter, where guests can climb aboard a “spaceship” and blast off to the asteroid belt and Jupiter while compiling data about asteroids and comets. Guests also can explore what would happen if one of these celestial bodies were to hit their hometown, determine Science Fact or Science Fiction of Hollywood movie clips and much more.

Here is the Great Balls of Fire Exhibit Grand Opening Schedule:

**All times are subject to change**

2 p.m.                     Grand Opening of Great Balls of Fire: Therrin Protze, chief operating officer, Kennedy Space                                       Center Visitor Complex Dr. Tom Jones, four-time space shuttle astronaut and asteroid expert

3 p.m.                    Asteroid presentation by Dr. Tom Jones

4 p.m.                    Autograph signing, Dr. Tom Jones, The Space Shop

Enjoy Best Public Viewing of SpaceX Night Rocket Launch on June 12

at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Space fans looking for the perfect way to spend the day of theSpaceX launch on June 12 will find Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex the ideal destination for space exploration. Visitors may enjoy a front row seat to view the stunning night-time launch from the Apollo/Saturn V Center, the closest possible public viewing area. The launch is scheduled for 9:07 p.m. from Launch Pad 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

httpv://youtu.be/ujX6CuRELFE

A limited number of tickets are available for purchase for launch viewing from the Apollo/Saturn V Center, located within Kennedy Space Center and approximately five miles from the launch pad. Launch viewing includes mission control coverage and commentary by four-time space shuttle astronaut Bob Crippen beginning at 8 p.m. and is available for Visitor Complex guests for $20 plus the cost of admission. Admission to the Visitor Complex is $50 plus tax for adults and $40 plus tax for children 3-11. Bus boarding for the Apollo/Saturn V Center begins at 5:45 p.m. Guests should arrive at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex no later than 7:30 p.m. to allow time for transportation to the Apollo/Saturn V Center.

The viewing area at the Apollo/Saturn V Center features an open lawn and bleacher section overlooking the Banana River. Launch Pad 40 is located southeast of the viewing area and guests have a direct view of the rocket on the launch pad and lift-off.

In addition to providing launch commentary, Crippen also will be featured in special 20-minute Astronaut Encounter shows in the Lunar Theater at 6:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.

Food concessions and restroom facilities are available at the Apollo/Saturn V Center.

This is the second Falcon 9 launch within three months following the successful April 18 launch of the Dragon capsule to the International Space Station. The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch six second-generation ORBCOMM communications satellites to provide two-way data messaging services for global customers.

On launch day, the Visitor Complex will open at 9 a.m. and remain open until 7 p.m., offering a full-day space experience. Guests can enjoy such attractions and activities as:

• Space Shuttle Atlantis^SM, where visitors can “be the astronaut” as they get nose to nose with a real spaceflown orbiter. Space Shuttle Atlantis is displayed as if floating in space – the only space shuttle orbiter in the world exhibited this way. Guests can also “be the astronaut” as they train on various simulators: take a simulated spacewalk, land the space shuttle on the shuttle landing facility, operate the robotic Canadarm or dock with the International Space Station.

• KSC Up-Close Explore Tour, which gives visitors an insider’s view of the U.S. Space Program, from the launch sites of today at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to the past and future of space exploration at Kennedy Space Center. The KSC Up-Close Explore Tour includes up-close views of the massive, 525-foot-high Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) and the Shuttle Landing Facility. The tour stops in between the Kennedy Space Center launch pads for a close-up photo opportunity, in front of the VAB, and on the NASA Causeway where guests are surrounded by a panoramic view of launch pads at Cape Canaveral Airforce Station.

• The Apollo/Saturn V Center, where dramatic multi-media shows and numerous hands-on displays provide visitors with an inspirational and exhilarating look into America’s quest for the moon. Guests relive the historic launch of Apollo 8 at the Firing Room Theater, then marvel at a monstrous 363-foot long Saturn V moon rocket, the most powerful rocket ever built and one of only three Saturn V rockets in existence. The Apollo Treasures Gallery showcases treasures from the Apollo moon missions, including Apollo 14 Commander Alan Shepard’s spacesuit and the Apollo 14 Command Module, Kitty Hawk.

Admission tickets may be purchased at www.KennedySpaceCenter.com or by calling 877-313-2610.

Launch date, time and viewing locations are subject to change.