Named after the late President John F. Kennedy, the Kennedy Space Center was opened on the 1st of July, 1962. The space center is one of the most important base locations for NASA’s missions and Space Shuttle launch and landing operations. Spread across 144,000 acres, the space center has 700 facilities and buildings including the visitor’s complex. Owned by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Kennedy Space Center is known to manage both robotic and commercial crew missions. Some of the most important launches like the Apollo and Skylab were launched from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39.
The Kennedy Space Center is known for being the launch site for many important projects such as the Mars Rover Project and the Hubble Space Telescope. The space center also launched New Horizons which is known to be the first spacecraft in the world to visit Pluto. One of the most popular attractions is the visitor complex which is home to many attractions and exhibitions. Visitors can get a chance to learn more about the History of Kennedy Space Center and the world of space and technology through many interactive experiences.
Must visit places at the Kennedy space center
Rocket Garden
One of the most popular attractions amongst kids, head to the rocket garden to marvel at the display of historic rockets which have helped launch many satellites in space. The rocket garden has all original rockets except the Mercury-Atlas which is available in a full-scale replica model.
U.S. Astronaut Hall Of Fame
Learn more about the brave men and women who have had the opportunity to visit and explore space. Try out the interactive exhibits and videos which will help you learn more about their achievements and accomplishments.
Apollo/Saturn V Center
Spread across 100,000-square-foot, the Apollo/Saturn V Center is home to the restored Saturn V launch vehicle which helped many astronauts reach the moon. You can also visit many other exhibitions which are displayed here and learn the history of Kennedy space center and the Apollo program.
Shuttle Launch Experience
Head over to the Shuttle Launch Experience where you can experience a simulated shuttle launch. Spread across 44,000-square-foot, the building is home to four simulators and has the capacity to accommodate 44 people.
History of the Kennedy Space Centre
1. After the Mercury program developed in 1963, NASA started self-guided tours for the public.
2. By 1964, the Kennedy Space Centre allowed more than 250,000 self-guided visits on Sundays from 1PM to 4PM. This helped people learn more about the History of the Kennedy Space Centre.
3. Kurt H. Debus, the director of the Kennedy Space Centre, received $2 million in 1965 to build a 42-acre, full-scale visitor center.
4. The Kennedy Space Centre Visitor Complex saw a steady rise in popularity in 1969 as NASA got closer to landing on the moon. It rose to become Florida’s second-most popular attraction in the same year.
Kennedy Space Center Tickets & Tours
Kennedy Space Center 1-Day Admission with Live Guide Tour and Transfers:
Get your ticket and get a chance to meet a real-life astronaut once you reach the space center. Go on a guided tour and explore many attractions such as the Space Shuttle Atlantis and the visitor’s complex. You can also get a chance to try over 60 interactive touchscreen experiences and simulators which will help you experience being an astronaut. You can also head over to the shuttle launch and learn many interesting stories about the NASA’s launches.
Highlights
Heroes & Legends:
Heroes & Legends is one of the most popular attractions in the Kennedy space center. This exhibition focuses on the legends of the space programs that helped the world to learn more about the world of space.
Shuttle: A Ship Like No Other
Enjoy looking up at a real space shuttle with the payload doors open. You can also get a chance to witness Atlantis which is one of the three shuttles which is on display in the united states.
NASA now
One of the most exciting attractions, learn the history of the Kennedy Space Centre, the present-day missions, and the future plans.
Go Shopping
The Kennedy space center has some amazing shops where you can collect souvenirs and space memorabilia. Some of the popular shops are the ‘The Space Shop’ and ‘The Right Stuff’ at the Visitor Complex.
Location and Timings:
- Location: Address: Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953, Unites states
- Timings: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM