NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Fact Sheet


OVERVIEW
Each year, more than 1 million guests from around the world experience their very own space
adventure by exploring the exciting past, present and future of America’s space program at
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Built in 1967, today the visitor complex is one of
Central Florida’s most popular tourist destinations.

Since 1995, when Delaware North began managing the visitor complex, every aspect of this 70-
acre facility has been entirely redeveloped and enhanced. From Heroes & Legends featuring the
U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®, Space Shuttle Atlantis®, live astronaut encounters and larger-
than-life 3D space films to live shows, hands-on
activities and up close tours, Kennedy Space Center
Visitor Complex offers guests an educational,
entertaining and interactive space experience.


DIRECTIONS
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is located
east of Orlando on State Road 405, six miles inside
the Kennedy Space Center entrance. From Orlando,
take State Road 528 east and follow the signs to
Kennedy Space Center. From Interstate 95, take exit 212 northbound or exit 215 southbound.
From Merritt Island or Cocoa Beach, take State Road 3.

GUEST INFORMATION
877-313-2610 or www.KennedySpaceCenter.com

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OPERATING HOURS
The visitor complex opens daily at 9:00 a.m. Closing times vary by season. The visitor complex
offers a full day or more of fun, inspiring experiences.

ADMISSION
Admission is $50 + tax for adults and $40 + tax for children ages 3-11. Includes the Kennedy
Space Center Bus Tour, Space Shuttle Atlantis®, Shuttle Launch Experience®, Apollo/Saturn V
Center, Heroes & Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®, 3D space films and all
attractions and exhibits. For group reservations of 15 or more, call 877-313-2610.





ANNUAL PASS
Annual Passholders have year-round passage (except launch days) to Kennedy Space Center
Visitor Complex, along with additional benefits. The three-tiered Annual Pass offers expanded
value and the ability for guests to select the level that best fits their needs and expectations,
beginning at $89 for adults and $71 for children ages 3-11. An Explorer Annual pass is also
available at $139 for adults and $109 for children ages 3-11. The Ultimate Space Geek Explorer
pass available at $259.89 for adults and $229.89 for children ages 3-11. All three can be
purchased at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, by telephone at 877-313-2610 or on the
web at www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.

SERVICES
Wheelchairs and strollers are available for rental inside the main entrance, and all exhibits and
tours are wheelchair accessible. The visitor complex offers the use of pet kennels. First aid,
automated teller machine and bus parking are available.

SHOPPING
The Space Shop is the largest retail store in the world devoted to space-themed merchandise with
more than 3,000 items. Guests may also order items by telephone at 800-621-9826 or on the web
at www.TheSpaceShop.com.

DINING
Guests may choose from numerous self-service restaurants and specialty food locations with a
wide variety of menu options. Lunch With An Astronaut is available daily at 12 p.m. and
includes a delicious lunch, briefing, Q & A and photo opportunity with a NASA astronaut.

MEETINGS, EVENTS AND CATERING
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is the perfect place to launch your function. From the
finest catering to astronaut appearances, find out why your next meeting should be at America’s
headquarters for space exploration. For more information, call 877-313-2610.

EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Several youth education programs are offered including Camp Kennedy Space Center®,
Overnight Adventure, annual programs for homeschoolers, Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts, field
trips and performance group opportunities. For more information, call 877-313-2610.

EDUCATOR STUDY PASS
Full-time Florida and Georgia educators are eligible for a complimentary annual admission.
Passes are available at Will Call by presenting valid state teaching ID and photo ID.








HEROES & LEGENDS FEATURING THE
U.S. ASTRONAUT HALL OF FAME®
The first stop upon entering Kennedy Space Center
Visitor Complex, Heroes & Legends featuring the
U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame presented by Boeing
uses the early years of the space program to
explore the concept of heroism, and the qualities
that define the individuals who inspired their
generation.

Through engaging storytelling, guests embark on
an awe-inspiring journey through Heroes &
Legends that begins with an immersive exhibit
designed to spark thought and discussion about
how society defines a hero. Next, guests vicariously join NASA’s heroes and legends on the
most perilous stages of their adventures in a theater featuring a 4-D multisensory experience.
Cutting-edge technology, interactive elements and engaging exhibits work together to introduce
visitors to the heroes of the NASA space program: the pioneers who made space exploration
possible.
The culminating exhibit of Heroes & Legends is the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Housed in a
majestic rotunda, the exhibit intimately connects the visitor to each of the nearly 100 astronaut
inductees through the use of state-of-the-art interactive technology. A signature element of the
experience is the ability to capture a memento: a special photo opportunity that allows guests to
pose with one of the Mercury astronaut heroes.

SPACE SHUTTLE ATLANTIS®
The world’s most comprehensive attraction devoted
to the space shuttle, the Space Shuttle Atlantis,
brings visitors nose-to-nose with Atlantis as only
astronauts have seen it before – with payload bay
doors open as if it were floating in space.

More than 60 exciting, educational touch-screen
experiences and high-tech simulators invite guests
of all ages to “be the astronaut,” bringing to life the
people, passion and patriotism behind NASA’s 30-
year Space Shuttle Program as well as the complexity of the engineering marvel that launched
the Hubble Space Telescope and built the International Space Station (ISS). Visitors can spend
their vacations making memories such as conducting a virtual spacewalk, docking to the ISS,
creating sonic booms and gliding down the Re-entry Slide.




Shuttle Launch Experience®, part of Space Shuttle Atlantis, is an incredible journey of
vertically launching into space and orbiting Earth aboard the space shuttle. Guest “crew
members” strap in for this all-too-real simulation, which immerses visitors in the sights, sounds
and feelings of a space shuttle launch. The five minute launch experience in the one-of-a-kind
custom-designed crew cabin culminates with a breath-taking view of Earth from space. Included
with admission.

Forever Remembered, this permanent memorial designed to honor the crews of the Columbia
and Challenger tragedies, pay tribute to the spacecraft and emphasize the importance of learning
from the past. The memorial contains the largest collection of personal items of both flight
crews. It also includes recovered hardware from both Challenger and Columbia, never before on
display for viewing by the public.

TOURS
Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour (included in daily
admission):
A must-see experience, this tour takes guests on a narrated,
video supplemented bus tour of Kennedy Space Center.
Visitors pass the launch pads where Apollo astronauts first
lifted off for the moon. They’ll also see iconic space
program images such as NASA’s Press Site, the 525-foot-
high Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) where rockets and
the space shuttles were stacked in preparation for launch
and one of the crawler transporters used to move Apollo
moon rockets and space shuttles to the launch pad.

The tour culminates at the Apollo/Saturn V Center, where dramatic multi-media shows and
numerous hands-on displays provide visitors with an inspirational 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 three Saturn V rockets in existence. The Lunar Theater provides a rare look at the harrowing
final moments before man landed on the moon. The Apollo/Saturn V Center is also home to the
Moon Rock Cafe, the only place in the world where guests can dine next to a genuine moon
rock.


Apollo Treasures Gallery: Located at the Apollo/Saturn V
Center on the Kennedy Space Center Tour, the gallery
showcases treasures from the Apollo moon missions,
including Apollo 14 Commander Alan Shepard’s spacesuit
and Command Module, Kitty Hawk, along with a rare
collection of spacesuits and other gear used by the Apollo


moonwalkers. Other memorabilia include Apollo 16 astronaut John Young’s cuff checklist with
instructions on how to deploy the American flag on the moon and Apollo 13’s spacesuit repair
kit.

Ad Astra Per Aspera - A Rough Road Leads to the Stars:
It's been 50 years since the crew of Apollo 1 perished in a fire at
the launch pad, but the lives, accomplishments and heroism of Gus
Grissom, Ed White II and Roger Chaffee are celebrated in a
dynamic, new tribute that is part museum, part memorial and part
family scrapbook. It showcases clothing, tools and models that
define the men as their parents, wives and children saw them as
much as how the nation viewed them. It also includes recovered
hardware, never before on display for viewing by the public.

KSC Special Interest Tours
 KSC Explore Tour offers visitors an insider’s view of the U.S. Space Program, from the
launch sites of today at Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to
the past and future of space exploration at Kennedy Space Center. See the massive, 525-
foot-high Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), the Shuttle Landing Facility's nearly 3-
mile-long runway and rocket launch pads supporting launches by NASA, SpaceX and
United Launch Alliance. Price is $25 for adults and $19 for children (ages 3-11) plus tax,
in addition to admission.

 Launch Control Center (LCC) Tour takes visitors inside Firing Room 4, one of the
LCC’s four firing rooms and from which all 21 space shuttle launches since 2006 were
controlled. Discover the role of the launch director and the process to make the final call
on whether launch was a “Go” or “No Go.” Price is $25 for adults and $19 for children
(ages 3-11) plus tax, in addition to admission.

 KSC Cape Canaveral Early Space Tour: This narrated, in-depth journey guides
visitors through the Cape’s 50-year history of space exploration. Highlights include
Launch Complex 5/6, site of the first two Mercury launches and the birthplace of
NASA’s manned space program; the Air Force Space and Missile Museum, the Mercury
Memorial, and Launch Complex 19, site of 10 manned missions in two years. The tour
stops at Launch Complex 34, site of the 1967 Apollo 1 tragedy in which astronauts Gus
Grissom, Edward White, and Roger Chaffee perished in a fire during a launch test. The
tour culminates at the Apollo/Saturn V Center. Photo ID is required for guests age 18 and
older. International guests must present a valid passport to participate. Price is $25 for
adults and $19 for children (ages 3-11) plus tax, in addition to admission.

3D Space Films


Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is home to the only
back-to-back IMAX® theaters in the world, showcasing two
large-format 3D motion pictures on five-and-a-half story tall
screens. Included with admission.

Journey To Space 3D captures the spirit of human
exploration and describes how it is at the core of human
DNA. The film showcases NASA’s bold plans for the
future, including landing astronauts on Mars and capturing asteroids, while recognizing the
Space Shuttle Program and its many accomplishments. Narrated by film and television legend
Sir Patrick Stewart, Journey To Space highlights the enormous risks associated with human
spaceflight, accentuating the bravery of all space travelers.

View Earth as only astronauts do – from space aboard the International Space Station. A
Beautiful Planet 3D welcomes audiences for a stunning portrait of Earth as we’ve never seen it
before – from space. Made in cooperation with NASA,
the film features a unique perspective of our magnificent
planet and the effects humanity has had on it over time.
The breathtaking 3D documentary was captured by
astronauts and is narrated by Academy Award®- winner
Jennifer Lawrence.

LAUNCHES
The noise, the vibrations – and the view! From
countdown to lift off, there’s nothing quite like an
authentic space launch. An ongoing schedule of space launches from adjacent Cape Canaveral
Air Force Station keep eyes glued to the skies above Kennedy Space Center throughout the year.
Special launch viewing opportunities are available for select launches at the LC-39 Observation
Gantry and the Apollo/Saturn V Center.

LIVE SHOWS AND PROGRAMS
Astronaut Encounter: Come face to face with one of more than 500 people who have
experienced space travel and hear first-hand how astronauts eat, sleep and 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. Included with admission.
Mission Status Briefing: Space experts give a fascinating first-hand briefing on a variety of
topics including the International Space Station and rocket launches at the Mission Status
Briefing. Learn about astronauts currently living and working
aboard the International Space Station and understand more
about NASA’s plans for astronauts to return to the moon and


travel to Mars. The presentation features a question-and-answer session. Included with
admission.
Lunch With An Astronaut: Sit down to a delicious hot meal as one of NASA’s veteran
astronauts shares personal recollections of his or her time in space. Guests have the opportunity
to ask questions and have photos taken with the astronaut. Price is $29.99 for adults and $15.99
for children (ages 3-11) plus tax, in addition to admission.

Journey to Mars: Explorers Wanted: Discover what’s next for NASA by stepping into the
center of space travel and become part of the future of exciting possibilities at Journey to Mars:
Explorers Wanted. Be immersed in 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. The
main show, Explorers Wanted, runs twice an hour. New destinations for space travel are
introduced as space pioneers of tomorrow are invited to embark on new missions and embrace
the challenges of future space exploration. Included with admission.

Eyes on the Universe: View the farthest reaches of the universe in “Eyes on the Universe:
NASA’S Space Telescopes,” the newest and only 3D 4K resolution show at Kennedy Space
Center Visitor Complex. During this live presentation, traverse back in time 13.4 billion years
ago through the eyes of the Hubble Space Telescope to search for the origins of life. Discover
what may yet be seen with the next great observatory under development: NASA’s James Webb
Telescope. Included with admission.

EXHIBITS
Rocket Garden: The ever-popular Rocket
Garden is a Kennedy Space Center Visitor
Complex hallmark. The outdoor garden features
eight authentic rockets from the past. It includes
a Mercury-Atlas rocket similar to the one used to
launch John Glenn into space in 1962. Elements
consist of dramatic lighting, water features,
“climb-in” Mercury and Gemini replicas, seating
and informative graphic elements.

Nature and Technology: This exhibit showcases the unique balance between technology and
nature at Kennedy Space Center, which shares a common boundary with the 140,000 acre
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

Space Mirror Memorial: Dedicated in 1991, the Space Mirror Memorial honors the 24 U.S.
astronauts who gave their lives for space exploration. The 42.5-foot high by 50-foot wide
“Space Mirror” brilliantly illuminates the names cut through the monument’s black granite
surface. Operated by the Astronauts Memorial Foundation.



Science On a Sphere®: Imagine looking at Earth from
space! Science On a Sphere is 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 located in the IMAX theater.


COSMIC QUEST®: Cosmic Quest is an interactive experience designed to engage and educate
guests of NASA’s current and future space science and exploration endeavors, with a strong
emphasis on STEM programs to inspire the next generation of space explorers. Using a custom
Comic Quest Activation Device, guests interact with
educational progression points and touch screens
positioned throughout Kennedy Space Center Visitor
Complex. Robonaut is the virtual narrator and guide,
and he introduces each mission as the guests embark
on five immersive NASA-inspired adventures. Each
adventure culminates at a final encounter challenge
where they must use the knowledge gained from the
mission to launch a rocket, capture an asteroid or
complete experiments. The adventures are: Deep
Space Asteroid Adventure, Space Launch System
Adventure, Space Colony Adventures and ISS Research Adventures. Price is $19.95 plus tax for
a Cosmic Quest badge with a one day activation. Guests can upgrade their badge to a year
activation for $5 (plus tax).

ASTRONAUT TRAINING EXPERIENCE®
(ATX®):
Astronaut Training Experience (ATX) offers
participants a true taste of spaceflight experience.
Developed with input from veteran NASA
astronauts, the hands-on, heads-engaged half day
program includes an orientation and mission
briefing by a member of the U.S. astronaut corps,
true-to-training simulator exercises and the
culmination of training: a team-oriented space
shuttle mission from launch to landing in a space shuttle mock-up and Mission Control Center.
Family ATX offers a half-day program for adults and children (ages 7-13) to reach for the stars
in an out-of-this-world bonding experience.

The intensity of ATX offers a realistic look at what astronauts and mission control achieve
together every time NASA launches a manned mission. The ATX package includes an ATX
polo, a class photograph with an astronaut and a graduation ceremony for successfully


completing the program. ATX is available for participants ages 14 and older. Participants under
the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Due to the program’s highly interactive nature,
ATX crews are small and advance reservations are required. Cost is $145 per person.

OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST
Children’s Play Dome: Adventures await “junior astronauts” at the Children’s Play Dome. As
children play among conceptual spacecraft and rockets that may travel to places beyond Earth
orbit, their imaginations will soar. They can lift-off in spacecraft, climb a moon rock wall, crawl
through rocket tunnels and slide to the surface of the moon.

Spaceperson: Guests have the opportunity to meet and take photos with the spaceperson
character throughout the day.

Robonaut: Robonaut is a NASA robot used onboard the International Space Station. Guests
have the opportunity to meet and take photos with the Robonaut character throughout the day.

Constellation Sphere: Guests can reach for the stars of the sleek nine-ton black granite sphere
as it “floats” on a thin fountain of water. The sphere, measuring more than five feet in diameter,
boasts 88 constellations and 1,100 stars.

NASA’s EDUCATOR RESOURCE CENTER
Located at the Visitor Complex, the center provides expertise to help educators access and use
technology, science and mathematics instructional products. For details or to make an
appointment, call 321-867-4090.

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Media Contacts:
Rebecca Shireman, rshireman@delawarenorth.com, 321-449-4273,
Lauren Eisele Walbert, Sandy Hillman Communications, lwalbert@hillmanpr.com, 410-616-
8943