Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Exploration: A Guide to Exploring the Space Center

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is a must-visit destination for space enthusiasts and anyone interested in the history of space exploration. Located in Merritt Island, Florida, the complex offers a variety of exhibits, attractions, and experiences that showcase NASA's achievements and future plans for space exploration. The complex is operated for NASA by Delaware North and is entirely visitor-funded.

Visitors to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex can experience the thrill of space travel through interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, and behind-the-scenes tours. The complex features several permanent exhibits, including the Apollo/Saturn V Center, which houses the iconic Saturn V rocket and tells the story of the Apollo program. Visitors can also explore the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, which showcases the history of the Space Shuttle program and offers a close-up look at the Atlantis orbiter.

In addition to its permanent exhibits, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers a range of special events and experiences. Visitors can witness rocket launches from nearby launch pads, explore the center's rocket garden, or take part in an astronaut training experience. The complex also offers a range of dining and shopping options, making it a great destination for a day trip or extended stay.

Plan Your Visit

When planning a visit to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, it is recommended to start with the suggested itinerary provided on their website. This itinerary provides top recommendations on how to make the most out of a trip to the complex, but visitors can also customize their itinerary based on their interests.

Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour

One of the most popular attractions at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is the bus tour. This tour takes visitors on a journey through the NASA space center, where they can see historic launch sites, the Vehicle Assembly Building, and the Apollo/Saturn V Center. The tour is included with admission, and it is recommended to reserve a spot in advance.

Map

To help visitors navigate the complex, a map is available on the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex website. The map shows the location of all the attractions, exhibits, and shows, as well as dining options and restrooms. Visitors can also download the official Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex app, which provides complete details on the various attractions, exhibits, and shows, as well as the ability to customize their itinerary.

When planning a visit to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, it is important to keep in mind that the complex is located in Merritt Island, which is about an hour's drive from Orlando. Visitors should plan accordingly and allow enough time to explore all the attractions. Additionally, the complex is entirely visitor-funded, so visitors can feel good knowing that their admission fees support the continued operation and preservation of this historic site.

Exhibits and Attractions

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers a range of exhibits and attractions that are designed to inspire and educate visitors about space exploration. Here are some of the highlights:

Journey to Mars

The Journey to Mars exhibit is a fascinating look at NASA's plans to send humans to Mars in the 2030s. Visitors can learn about the challenges of living and working on the Red Planet, as well as the technologies that will be required to make the journey. The exhibit includes interactive displays, models of Mars rovers, and a full-scale model of the Orion spacecraft that will take astronauts to Mars.

Spaceport of the Future

The Spaceport of the Future exhibit explores the future of space travel and the technologies that will make it possible. Visitors can learn about NASA's plans for a deep space gateway, a lunar orbiting platform that will serve as a staging point for missions to Mars and beyond. The exhibit also includes a model of the Space Launch System (SLS), the most powerful rocket ever built.

Authentic Spacecraft

The Authentic Spacecraft exhibit features real spacecraft that have flown on NASA missions. Visitors can see the Mercury-Atlas 8 spacecraft, which carried astronaut Wally Schirra on a six-orbit mission around the Earth in 1962, as well as the Gemini IX spacecraft, which was flown by astronauts Tom Stafford and Gene Cernan in 1966.

Asteroid Hunters

The Asteroid Hunters exhibit explores the threat posed by asteroids and the efforts to detect and deflect them. Visitors can learn about NASA's asteroid detection program, which uses ground-based telescopes and spacecraft to search for potentially hazardous asteroids. The exhibit includes a model of the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, which is currently on a mission to study the asteroid Bennu.

Mission Status Briefing

The Mission Status Briefing exhibit provides visitors with up-to-date information on current NASA missions. Visitors can learn about the latest discoveries from the Mars rovers, the status of the International Space Station, and the progress of NASA's commercial crew program. The exhibit includes interactive displays and live video feeds from NASA mission control.

Space Shuttle Atlantis

The Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of the space shuttle program. Visitors can see the actual Space Shuttle Atlantis, which flew 33 missions in space and traveled over 125 million miles. The exhibit includes interactive displays, simulators, and a full-scale model of the Hubble Space Telescope.

Overall, the exhibits and attractions at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex provide a unique and exciting look at the past, present, and future of space exploration. Visitors can learn about NASA's space shuttle program, explore the technologies that will take us to Mars and beyond, and see real spacecraft that have flown on historic missions.

Interactive Experiences

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers interactive experiences that allow visitors to get a hands-on feel for space exploration. These experiences are designed to be both fun and educational, making them perfect for visitors of all ages.

Moon Rock

One of the most popular interactive experiences at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is the Moon Rock exhibit. This exhibit features a real moon rock that visitors can touch and explore. The moon rock was brought back to Earth by the Apollo 17 mission in 1972 and is one of only a few that are available for public viewing.

Visitors can learn about the scientific significance of the moon rock and the history of the Apollo missions that brought it back to Earth. This exhibit is a great opportunity for children to learn about science in a fun and engaging way.

International Space Station

The International Space Station exhibit is another popular interactive experience at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. This exhibit allows visitors to learn about the science and technology behind the International Space Station and the role it plays in space exploration.

Visitors can see a full-scale model of the International Space Station and learn about the day-to-day life of astronauts living and working on the station. This exhibit is a great opportunity for children to learn about space and science in a fun and interactive way.

Journey to Space

The Journey to Space exhibit is a hands-on experience that allows visitors to simulate a space mission. Visitors can learn about the challenges of space travel and the technology that makes it possible.

This exhibit includes a variety of interactive displays and activities, including a simulated spacewalk, a Mars habitat, and a rocket launch. Visitors can also learn about the history of space exploration and the future of space travel. This exhibit is a great opportunity for children to learn about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in a fun and engaging way.

Overall, the interactive experiences at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex are a great way for visitors to learn about space exploration and science. These exhibits are designed to be both fun and educational, making them perfect for visitors of all ages.

Future of Space Exploration

As space exploration continues to evolve, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is at the forefront of showcasing the latest advancements in technology and NASA missions. With its state-of-the-art facilities and immersive experiences, the complex offers visitors a glimpse into the future of space exploration.

Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex

One of the most exciting developments in the future of space exploration is the Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex. This new attraction promises to be part museum of the now and part simulated spaceport of the future. Visitors will be able to choose between four different journeys that launch to unimaginable locations throughout the universe. Following the path of robotic explorers like Cassini and Juno, this journey to Saturn and Jupiter offers stunning up-close views of the gas giants and two of their most famous moons—Titan and Europa.

Commercial Partners

Commercial partners are also playing a significant role in the future of space exploration. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is home to a variety of spacecraft and prototypes from commercial partners like SpaceX, Boeing, and United Launch Alliance. These companies are working with NASA to develop new technologies and spacecraft to explore deep space, including the red planet, Mars, and other planets in our solar system.

In addition to showcasing these technologies, the complex also offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the science behind space exploration. From the physics of rocket propulsion to the challenges of space travel, visitors can explore the science behind space exploration through interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences.

Overall, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is an exciting destination for anyone interested in the future of space exploration. With its cutting-edge technology, immersive experiences, and knowledgeable staff, visitors can learn about the latest advancements in space exploration and be inspired to explore the universe themselves.

Rocket Launches

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is the perfect place to experience the thrill of a rocket launch. Visitors can witness the awe-inspiring sight of rockets soaring into the sky from various locations throughout the complex. The complex offers a variety of launch viewing opportunities, including special events and package deals.

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is a key location for rocket launches. It is located just south of the Kennedy Space Center and is home to several launch pads. Visitors can watch rockets launch from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

The complex offers a variety of viewing locations for rocket launches from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Visitors can watch launches from the Rocket Garden, which features a collection of historic rockets and space vehicles. The complex also offers special viewing packages that include access to exclusive viewing areas.

The Delaware North-operated Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is the only place where visitors can experience the thrill of a rocket launch up close. The complex offers a variety of launch viewing opportunities, including special events and package deals. Visitors can witness the awe-inspiring sight of rockets soaring into the sky from various locations throughout the complex.

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is the perfect place to experience the thrill of a rocket launch. Visitors can watch rockets launch from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station from various locations throughout the complex. The complex offers a variety of viewing locations for rocket launches from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, including the Rocket Garden and exclusive viewing areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the hours of operation for Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex?

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is usually open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. However, the hours of operation may vary depending on the season and scheduled events. Visitors are advised to check the official website for up-to-date hours of operation.

Are there any rides at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex?

Yes, there are several rides and simulators available at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, including the Shuttle Launch Experience, the Astronaut Training Experience, and the Mars Base 1. These rides and simulators are designed to give visitors a taste of what it's like to be an astronaut.

What is included in the Explore tour at Kennedy Space Center?

The Explore tour at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is a guided bus tour that takes visitors to some of the most important areas of the space center, including the Vehicle Assembly Building, the Launch Control Center, and the Apollo/Saturn V Center. The tour also includes stops at various exhibits and displays, as well as a chance to see the launch pads up close.

How can I purchase tickets for Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex?

Tickets for Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex can be purchased online through the official website or at the entrance to the complex. Visitors are advised to purchase tickets in advance to avoid long lines and ensure availability.

Is it possible to see a launch from Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex?

Yes, it is possible to see a launch from Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. However, launch schedules are subject to change, and visitors are advised to check the official website for the latest information. The Visitor Complex also offers special launch viewing packages for an enhanced experience.

Can visitors experience zero gravity at Kennedy Space Center?

Yes, visitors can experience zero gravity at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex through the Zero-G Experience. This is a unique opportunity to experience weightlessness in a specially designed aircraft that simulates the feeling of being in space. However, this experience is not included in the regular admission ticket and requires a separate reservation.