The Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is one of the most iconic and exciting places to visit in Florida, USA. It’s the launch site of every manned mission to space undertaken by NASA since the beginning of the space race in the 1960s. The KSC has a rich history of space exploration and is still used today as a launching pad for both robotic and human missions to space.
If you’re planning to visit the Kennedy Space Center, there are many things to do and see. Here’s a guide to help you make the most of your visit.
Tickets to the Kennedy Space Center
To enter the Kennedy Space Center, you’ll need to purchase Kennedy Space Center tickets. There are several options available, depending on what you want to see and do.
The standard admission ticket includes access to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, the rocket garden, and the bus tour to the Apollo/Saturn V Center. This ticket also includes the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, which features a full-size shuttle, interactive exhibits, and a simulated launch experience. The standard ticket costs $57 for adults and $47 for children aged 3-11.
If you want to explore the Kennedy Space Center in more detail, you can purchase an Explorer Pass. This pass includes everything in the standard ticket, plus additional tours and experiences such as the Launch Control Center tour, the Cape Canaveral Early Space Tour, and the KSC Up-Close Explore tour. The Explorer Pass costs $82 for adults and $67 for children aged 3-11.
If you’re a space enthusiast, you might want to consider the KSC Special Interest Tours. These tours are led by experts in space exploration and offer a unique behind-the-scenes look at the Kennedy Space Center. Some of the tours available include the NASA Up-Close tour, the Launch Director tour, and the Astronaut Training Experience. Prices for these tours vary, depending on the experience.
Things to Do at the Kennedy Space Center
Take the Bus Tour to the Apollo/Saturn V Center
The Bus Tour is one of the best things to do in Kennedy Space Center which is an essential part of any visit to the Kennedy Space Center. It takes you on a journey through the history of space exploration, starting with the early rocket tests at Cape Canaveral and ending with the Apollo moon landings. The tour stops at the Apollo/Saturn V Center, where you can see the largest rocket ever built and learn about the moon landings.
Visit the Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit
The Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit is a must-see for any space enthusiast. It features a full-size shuttle, interactive exhibits, and a simulated launch experience. You can also see the Hubble Space Telescope and the International Space Station.
Watch a Rocket Launch
The Kennedy Space Center is still used today as a launching pad for both robotic and human missions to space. If you’re lucky, you might be able to watch a rocket launch during your visit. Check the launch schedule on the Kennedy Space Center website to see if there are any launches scheduled during your visit.
Explore the Rocket Garden
The Rocket Garden is a collection of rockets and space capsules that have been used in various NASA missions. You can see rockets from the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs, as well as the Mars rovers and the space shuttle.
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Take the KSC Up-Close Explore Tour
The KSC Up-Close Explore tour takes you behind the scenes of the Kennedy Space Center. You’ll see the Vehicle Assembly Building, where the space shuttles were assembled, and the Launch Control Center, where missions to space are managed. You’ll also visit the Launch Pad 39 Observation Gantry, where you can see the launch pad up close.
Visit the Astronaut Memorial
The Astronaut Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center is a tribute to the brave men and women who lost their lives while pursuing space exploration. The memorial features a black granite wall with the names of the fallen astronauts inscribed on it, as well as a tribute to the crew of the Space Shuttle Challenger, who died in 1986. The memorial is a somber reminder of the risks involved in space exploration and the sacrifices made by those who pursue it.
Attend a Presentation or Film
The Kennedy Space Center offers a variety of presentations and films on space exploration. Some of the topics covered include the history of the space program, the challenges of living and working in space, and the search for life beyond our planet. Attending a presentation or film is a great way to learn more about space exploration and to gain a deeper appreciation for the work that goes into it.
Try the Astronaut Training Experience
The Astronaut Training Experience is a hands-on simulation of the training that astronauts undergo before going into space. The experience includes a simulated spacewalk, a microgravity simulator, and a mock-up of the International Space Station. The experience is designed to give visitors a taste of what it’s like to be an astronaut and to help them understand the challenges and rewards of space exploration.
Visit the Mars Base 1 Exhibit
The Mars Base 1 exhibit is a futuristic simulation of life on Mars. Visitors can explore a simulated Martian base, try on spacesuits, and participate in activities such as growing plants in a Mars habitat and launching a rocket from the Martian surface. The exhibit is a fun and educational way to learn about the challenges of living on another planet.
Explore the IMAX Theater
The IMAX Theater at the Kennedy Space Center features films on space exploration that are projected onto a giant screen. The theater offers a unique and immersive experience that makes visitors feel like they’re in space. Some of the films available include “Journey to Space” and “Hubble 3D.”
Conclusion
The Kennedy Space Center is a fascinating and inspiring destination that offers visitors a unique glimpse into the world of space exploration. Whether you’re a space enthusiast or just curious about the cosmos, there’s something for everyone at the KSC. From the Bus Tour to the Apollo/Saturn V Center to the Astronaut Training Experience, there are plenty of things to do and see. So if you’re planning a trip to Florida, be sure to add the Kennedy Space Center to your itinerary – you won’t be disappointed!
