From the earliest days of America’s storied space program, Kennedy Space Center has been there. Through the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo and Space Shuttle programs, the NASA preparation and launch facility has captured the world’s attention and fed its imagination for the farthest reaches of outer space. Nestled on a placid barrier island on Florida’s “Space Coast” – Cocoa Beach, Titusville, Melbourne and Palm Bay – the endlessly bustling Kennedy Space Center is the epicenter of mankind’s greatest adventure. Now, with a new era of events, attractions and interactive programs unfolding year-round, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is a must-see for every Florida visitor.

Kennedy Space Center’s remarkable collection of rockets, launch pads, NASA aerospace technology components and launch viewing opportunities offer an authenticity and behind-the-scenes access unlike any other Central Florida destination. Home to the legendary Launch Control Center, where NASA engineers have guided launches since the Apollo program of the late 1960’s, Kennedy Space Center also boasts the Vehicle Assembly Building – one of the largest buildings in the world – where Saturn V rockets and space shuttle vehicles have been assembled piece by piece. Stretched north is the 15,000-foot Shuttle Landing Facility, and along the Atlantic shore are the massive space shuttle launch pads. A stone’s skip across the Banana River is Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, site of countless launches and even more launch pads, from the historic Mercury Redstone pads to the active Delta and Atlas launch pads.

Complementing the awe-inspiring collection of giant buildings and space equipment, Kennedy Space Center offers visitors numerous activities and interactive programs that will leave them with a new-found understanding of the U.S. space program, as well as a lasting impression of the individual and team accomplishments that make it all possible.

• KSC Tours - Short of becoming an astronaut, there’s no better way to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Kennedy Space Center than on a NASA Tour. The tour is insightfully narrated and explores the space shuttle program, from launch preparation to lift-off, including up-close views of launch pads, the Vehicle Assembly Building and the six-million-pound crawler-transporter.
• Apollo/Saturn V Center - A fully restored massive Saturn V moon rocket serves as the centerpiece of the Apollo/Saturn V Center. In addition to viewing all 363 feet of the most powerful rocket ever built, visitors can relive the historic launch of Apollo 8 in the Firing Room Theater and catch the harrowing final moments before man landed on the moon in the Lunar Theater. Visitors can experience the Apollo/Saturn V Center along with the LC-39 Observation Gantry on the KSC Tour.
• Shuttle Launch Experience - The Shuttle Launch Experience at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is an incredible journey of vertically launching into space and orbiting Earth aboard the space shuttle. Guest “crew members” strap in for this launch replication, which immerses visitors in the sights, sounds and feelings of a space shuttle launch, designed under the guidance of NASA and veteran space shuttle astronauts. The journey begins as crew members enter the Shuttle Launch Simulation Facility and proceed to the heart of space shuttle operations for the pre-launch briefing. Crew members then strap in for launch in the custom-designed crew cabin. They will see, feel and live the powerful journey to 17,500 mph. The payload bay doors open, to reveal a breath-taking view of Earth from space.
• IMAX® Theaters - Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is home to not one but two, five-and-a-half-story-tall IMAX screens – the only back-to-back 3D IMAX theaters in the world. Now playing: Space Station 3D and the new IMAX film Hubble 3D. Space Station 3D, filmed by 25 astronauts and cosmonauts and narrated by Tom Cruise, takes audiences on an incredible cinematic journey of discovery from planet Earth to the newest star in the sky – the International Space Station. Hubble 3D, narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, brings the furthest depths of the universe to life, transporting audiences to distant galaxies to explore the mysteries of deep space. Hubble 3D offers an inspiring and unique look into the Hubble Space Telescope’s legacy and its profound impact on the way we view the universe and ourselves.
• Astronaut Training Experience® (ATX®) - Take one giant leap toward the dream of being an astronaut or a crew member in the ATX –Astronaut Training Experienceat Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. ATXoffers participants an exciting program of training and preparation for the rigors of spaceflight.  The hands-on program includes true-to-training simulator exercises and a space shuttle mission simulation aboard a full-scale orbiter mock-up. Reservations are required for half day adult ATXCore program or Family ATXprogram.
• Live Space Launches - The noise, the vibrations – and the view! From countdown to blast off, there’s nothing quite like an authentic space launch. An on-going schedule of manned and unmanned space launches keep eyes glued to the skies above Kennedy Space Center throughout the year.
• Rocket Garden - Marvel at seven vintage rockets from the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo space programs at the Rocket Garden. The Apollo 11 gantry arm and Apollo capsule model allow visitors to reenact the heart-pumping moments of countdown and launch, while the Mercury and Gemini capsules let guests experience first hand just how small early spacecraft were.
• Exploration Space: Explorers Wanted - Step into the center of space travel and become part of the future of exciting possibilities at Exploration Space: Explorers Wanted. The 10,000 foot exhibit immerses visitors into an environment of discovery and exploration beyond our home planet. Live theater, interactive experiences and large scale multimedia presentations display what the future of space travel may look like, emphasizing that space exploration is not just about the hardware, but about the people behind the technology that make it all possible.
• Astronaut Encounter - Come face-to-face with one of more than 500 people who have experienced space travel and hear first hand what it is like to live in space at Astronaut Encounter. Held daily at the Astronaut Encounter Theater, the half-hour interactive program features a question and answer session and an opportunity to take a picture with the astronaut. An impressive roster of astronauts have appeared since the program’s inception in 2001. Among them include Gemini and Apollo astronaut Gene Cernan; Apollo astronauts Al Worden, Walt Cunningham and Charlie Duke; space shuttle astronauts Wendy Lawrence, John Blaha and Jon McBride.
• Lunch With an Astronaut - Lunch With an Astronaut offers guests a unique opportunity to dine with a true space hero. Learn about the daily life of an astronaut, ask questions and have a photo taken with the astronaut. Seating is limited and lunch features a delicious meal.
• U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame® - Although much of the story at Kennedy Space Center is about state-of-the-future technology, the Astronaut Hall of Fame is about the brave men and women who have flown in space. The Hall of Fame features the world’s largest collection of astronaut memorabilia, plus stimulating displays, exhibits and tributes to the heroes of the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo and space shuttle programs. A historic collection of spacecrafts includes the Mercury Sigma 7 capsule and a Gemini training capsule. The newest addition is Science On a Sphere, a global display that takes visitors on a three-dimensional journey around the world and throughout the solar system via dynamic, animated images of the atmosphere, oceans and planets. The U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame is open daily from 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Kennedy Space Center is an ecological sanctuary encompassed by the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, home to more state and federally protected wildlife than any other national refuge. Throughout 140,000 acres of estuaries, marshes and coastal dunes are seven distinct habitat types and more than 500 species from manatees to alligators, bald eagles to ospreys, and butterflies to sea turtles. Look for five hiking trails from ¼ mile to five miles long, a seven-mile driving tour and countless photo opportunities.

About Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens at 9 a.m. Closing times vary by season. The Visitor Complex is open daily except December 25 and certain launch days. Admission includes the Kennedy Space Center Tour, Shuttle Launch Experience, 3D IMAX® space films, Astronaut Encounter, STAR TREKTM LIVE, Exploration Space: Explorers Wanted and all exhibits. Admission also includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®, featuring historic spacecraft and the world's largest collection of personal astronaut memorabilia, open from noon until 6:00 p.m. daily. Parking, wheelchairs, strollers and pet kennels are free of charge.