Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Offers Exclusive Experience for Historic Orion Launch Dec. 4

Witness history in the making Dec. 4 during NASA’s Orion launch from Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (Dec. 2, 2014) — KENNEDY SPACE CENTER – There’s no better place to be on the morning of Thursday, Dec. 4 than Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, where guests can witness firsthand Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, the test flight of the uncrewed Orion spacecraft from America’s gateway to space and experience a complete pre-launch-to-post-splashdown program, including Orion-related activities, exhibits, astronaut appearances and live coverage and commentary.

“The Orion launch will be visible from many areas across the Space Coast, but there’s only one way to feel the rumble, experience the excitement and get up to date, minute-to-minute information from NASA TV, astronauts and space experts — and that’s at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex,” said Therrin Protze, chief operating officer of the Visitor Complex. “This is your chance to be part of history in the making and tell your kids and grandkids you were here when we achieved our first steps toward Mars.”

EFT-1 featuring the Orion capsule aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket, is set to lift off from Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station as early as 7:05 a.m. The two-orbit, 4.5 hour mission culminates with a splashdown of the capsule in the Pacific Ocean.

The following programs are exclusive to those who choose to view the historic launch from Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex:

 Journey with Orion and Countdown to Splashdown programs with John Zarrella

Join John Zarrella, former CNN space expert and correspondent, for the Journey with Orion program leading up to launch, beginning at 5:30 a.m. and the Countdown to Splashdown program, beginning one hour prior to splashdown. Mission experts and astronauts join Zarrella on stage to share their unique perspective during the mission. Guests will be invited to ask questions and participate in giveaways. A CNN veteran for 32 years, Zarrella has covered more than 75 shuttle missions including the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope and repair missions, John Glenn’s return to flight, the loss of Challenger and Columbia and the return to shuttle flight, as well as the final shuttle mission, STS-135.

Live NASA TV Coverage

Live NASA TV coverage of the mission, beginning at 4:30 a.m., will be broadcast throughout the Visitor Complex on Jumbotron screens in the Rocket Garden and outside of Space Shuttle Atlantis^SM, on giant IMAX^® Theater screens and in the Astronaut Encounter Theater. Live coverage will also be displayed at the Apollo/Saturn V Center throughout the launch countdown and launch.

 Astronaut Appearances

Astronaut appearances are scheduled at various locations during the launch countdown including NASA veteran space shuttle astronauts Sam Durrance, Bruce McCandless, Mike McCulley, Jerry Ross and Winston Scott.

Displays and Exhibits

NASA, Mars and Orion interactive displays and models are located throughout the Visitor Complex, adding to the excitement of launch, offering guests additional opportunities to learn more about NASA and the significance of these first steps to eventually launch astronauts to Mars. Displays run from Dec. 2 through Dec. 4 and include:

• Exploration Systems Development exhibit featuring Mars, with interactive screens, high-resolution models and a photo op with a mock-up space suit, NASA
• Space Launch System presentation of five-segment rocket motor and Launch Abort System, with representatives available for questions, ATK
• Full-size RL10 upper stage engine and a RS-68 booster-stage engine model used for Delta IV Heavy Lift Rocket, Aerojet Rocketdyne
• Delta IV rocket and EFT-1 mission displays, United Launch Alliance
• Social media photo booth with ¼ scale replica of Orion crew capsule; EFT-1 flight pattern and Orion heat shield displays, Lockheed Martin
• “I’m On Board” banner signing opportunity, NASA
• Space Launch System and Orion inflatable, NASA
• Commercial Crew Program, NASA
• Launch Services Program, NASA
• Technology Transfer, NASA
• Armstrong Visitor Center, NASA
• Mars Rover display, NASA

Photographer Michael Soluri

Guests may meet renowned photographer Michael Soluri on Dec. 3 for a book signing and presentation for his new book, “Infinite Worlds: The People and Places of Space Exploration.” A 30-minute presentation by Soluri will be held at 12 p.m. in Exploration Space^®: Explorers Wanted. Soluri will be available to sign copies of his book at 1 p.m. at The Space Shop. Visit Space Shuttle Atlantis^SM to view 27 of Soluri’s images of the NASA and Kennedy Space Center workforce.

Soluri has documented humankind’s space exploration journey for more than 15 years. His new book takes a behind-the-scenes look at NASA’s centers in Florida, Texas and Maryland. Published by Simon & Schuster, “Infinite Worlds: The People and Places of Space Exploration” features more than 300 fascinating images, 15 essays and a forward by legendary former astronaut and Senator John Glenn.

Speakers

NASA and Orion experts are scheduled to speak Dec. 3 and Dec. 4 on a variety of topics including NASA’s new Orion spacecraft and the Space Launch System.

The launch window is set for the morning of Dec. 4, beginning at 7:05 a.m. and extending to 9:44 a.m. Guests may choose from two viewing sites: the Apollo/Saturn V Center located within secured areas of Kennedy Space Center or the Space Shuttle Atlantis^SM attraction, situated at the main Visitor Complex. The Apollo/Saturn V viewing area overlooks the scenic Banana Creek and offers a lawn area and bleacher seating with a view of Launch Pad 37, just 8 miles away at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. This location is accessible only by bus from the Visitor Complex. A limited number of tickets are available for launch viewing from the Apollo/Saturn V Center for $20 plus the cost of admission. Bus transportation to the Apollo/Saturn V Center is available from 3 to 6 a.m. Viewing from Space Shuttle Atlantis is included in admission. Admission and launch viewing tickets can be purchased online at www.kennedyspacecenter.com. (Visit the website for additional information, including the launch scrub policy).

After launch, guests can spend the day exploring Space Shuttle Atlantis^SM, Exploration Space: Explorers Wanted, Rocket Garden and other attractions. At dusk, the Visitor Complex presents its all-new Holiday Rocket Garden Light Show in the majestic Rocket Garden featuring a choreographed light and music program. Guests also will be treated to a stunning array of decorations including a 41-foot Christmas tree and a giant NASA “meatball” ornament.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex brings to life the epic story of the U.S. space program, offering a full day or more of fun and educational activities, including the Kennedy Space Center Tour featuring the Apollo/Saturn V Center with an actual Saturn V moon rocket, Shuttle Launch Experience^®, 3D IMAX^® space films, Astronaut Encounter, Exploration Space^®: Explorers Wanted and many other interactive exhibits. The new $100 million home for Space Shuttle Atlantis^SM opened June 29, 2013. Admission also includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame^®, featuring historic spacecraft and the world’s largest collection of personal astronaut memorabilia, which opens daily at noon and closing times vary by season. Only 45 minutes from Orlando, Fla., Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens daily at 9 a.m. with closing times varying by season. Admission is $50 + tax for adults and $40 + tax for children ages 3-11. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers annual passes starting at $75 + tax for adults and $60 + tax for children ages 3-11.

For more information, call 877-313-2610 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.

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See SpaceX Rocket Launch on July 14 at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is offering a “front row seat” to view the July 14 SpaceX Falcon 9 launch, which is scheduled for 9:21 a.m. The Visitor Complex will open early at 7:30 a.m. to accommodate launch viewing opportunities and provide the closest possible public viewing area: the Apollo/Saturn V Center inside Kennedy Space Center.

From the Apollo/Saturn V Center, guests will have a direct view of the Falcon 9 rocket on the launch pad and the exciting liftoff. Viewing also will be available at the Visitor Complex. Both  viewing areas feature live launch commentary and are included in daily admission. Admission to the Visitor Complex is $50 plus tax for adults and $40 plus tax for children 3-11. 

Bus boarding to the Apollo/Saturn V Center for guests will be available via the KSC Tour Buses beginning at 7:30 a.m. Guests should arrive at the Visitor Complex no later than 8:30 a.m. to allow time for transportation to the Apollo/Saturn V Center for launch viewing. 

The viewing area at the Apollo/Saturn V Center features an open lawn and bleacher section overlooking the Banana River. Food concessions and restroom facilities are available at the Apollo/Saturn V Center.

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will lift off from Launch Pad 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The Falcon 9 rocket will launch six second-generation ORBCOMM communications satellites to provide two-way data messaging services for global customers.

On launch day, the Visitor Complex will remain open until 7 p.m., offering a full-day space experience, with such attractions and activities as:

 

• Space Shuttle Atlantis^SM, where visitors can “be the astronaut” as they get nose to nose with a real spaceflown orbiter. Space Shuttle Atlantis is displayed as if floating in space – the only space shuttle orbiter in the world exhibited this way. Guests can also flex their astronaut abilities as they train on various simulators: take a simulated spacewalk, land the space shuttle on the shuttle landing facility, operate the robotic Canadarm or dock with the International Space Station.

 

• KSC Up-Close Explore Tour, which gives visitors an insider’s view of the U.S. Space Program, from the launch sites of today at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to the past and future of space exploration at Kennedy Space Center. The KSC Up-Close Explore Tour includes up-close views of the massive, 525-foot-high Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) and the Shuttle Landing Facility. The tour stops in between the Kennedy Space Center launch pads for a close-up photo opportunity, in front of the VAB, and on the NASA Causeway where guests are surrounded by a panoramic view of launch pads at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

 

• The Apollo/Saturn V Center, where dramatic multi-media shows and numerous hands-on displays provide visitors with an inspirational and exhilarating 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 only three Saturn V rockets in existence. The Apollo Treasures Gallery showcases treasures from the Apollo moon missions, including Apollo 14 Commander Alan Shepard’s spacesuit and the Apollo 14 Command Module, Kitty Hawk.

 Admission tickets may be purchased at www.KennedySpaceCenter.com or by calling 877-313-2610.

Launch date, time and viewing locations are subject to change.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex brings to life the epic story of the U.S. space program, offering a full day or more of fun and educational activities, including the Kennedy Space Center Tour featuring the Saturn V Center with an actual Saturn V moon rocket, the new Angry Birds^™ Space Encounter, Shuttle Launch Experience, 3D IMAX^® space films, Astronaut Encounter,Exploration Space: Explorers Wanted and many other interactive exhibits. The new $100 million home for Space Shuttle Atlantis^SM opened June 29, 2013. Admission also includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame^®, featuring historic spacecraft and the world’s largest collection of personal astronaut memorabilia, which opens daily at noon and closing times vary by season. Only 45 minutes from Orlando, Fla., Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens daily at 9 a.m. with closing times varying by season.  Admission is $50 + tax for adults and $40 + tax for children ages 3-11. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers annual passes starting at $75+ tax for adults and $60 + tax for children ages 3-11. For more information, call 877-313-2610 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.

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Celebrate ‘Holidays in Space’ Nov 29-Jan 5 at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

3rd Annual ‘Holidays in Space’ at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex takes place Nov. 29-Jan 5.

From Nov. 29 through Jan. 5, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex celebrates the third annual “Holidays in Space.” The Visitor Complex will be adorned with a stunning array of holiday decorations, host daily visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus and spark the imagination with the new “Through the Toy Box: An Out-of-this-World Collection,” featuring toys, both vintage and contemporary, inspired by outer space.

From ray guns and space ships to coin banks and cosmic action figures, “Through the Toy Box: An Out-of-this-World Collection” represents mankind’s fascination with space over the last 100 years in the form of toys. The collection features nearly 100 treasured toys children have used to play out their fantasies of space travel, some of whom turned those dreams into reality. The compilation of space-themed toys from around the world will be displayed in IMAX East alongside Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Sitting on beautiful gold thrones and surrounded by a gorgeous Winter Wonderland scene, Santa and Mrs. Claus will greet visitors daily from Nov. 29 through Dec. 24. Each day, the first 200 children to visit Santa will receive a voucher for a free gift. In addition, Kodak representatives will be on hand to snap the perfect family photo, sitting with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and provide prints for sale.

“Holidays in Space” wouldn’t be complete without festive space-themed décor throughout the Visitor Complex. A towering, 42-foot International Space Station (ISS)-themed Christmas tree located in the Rocket Garden will be adorned with warm-white bulbs, strobe lights and 600 miniature flags from the 15 ISS partner countries. The ISS mural just outside the Rocket Garden will be swathed in holiday candlelight. Decorative wreaths, garlands, lights, ribbons and bows throughout the Visitor Complex add to the holiday festival atmosphere.

“Holidays in Space” is included in admission to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Souvenir photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus are available at an additional charge.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call 877-313-2610 and visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.

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Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Offers ‘Atlantis Crew’ Special Admission Discounts to Celebrate New Space Shuttle AtlantisSM Attraction

Getting nose-to-nose with the real space-flown orbiter Atlantis is just one part of the experience to be had at new $100 million Space Shuttle AtlantisSM attraction at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The immersive experience invites guests to “be the astronaut” with never-before-seen, technologically sophisticated multimedia presentations and more than 60 interactive, touch-screen experiences and high-tech simulators.

In celebration of the new $100 million Space Shuttle Atlantis^SM attraction that opened June 29, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex guests who assemble their own “Atlantis Crew” can save up to 20 percent off regular admission.

The larger the crew, the greater the savings. For a party of two, admission is $90 plus tax, or 10 percent off regular admission. A party of three will receive 15 percent off regular admission, or $127.50 plus tax. A party of four will pay only $160 plus tax, or 20 percent off regular admission. Tickets must be purchased by Sept. 2. For savings on groups of five or more, call 866-768-2167.

Space Shuttle Atlantis is the world’s most comprehensive and interactive attraction devoted to NASA’s 30-year Space Shuttle Program. Of the three space-flown orbiters distributed by NASA to science centers and museums throughout the country, only Atlantis is the focal point of a $100 million, 90,000-square-foot attraction containing four multimedia and cinematic productions and more than 60 interactive experiences that invite guests to “be the astronaut” and to celebrate the people, passion and patriotism behind the shuttle program. Space Shuttle Atlantis also includes Shuttle Launch Experience, an incredible simulated journey of vertically launching into space and orbiting Earth aboard the space shuttle.

Only at Space Shuttle Atlantis can guests come literally nose-to-nose with an actual space shuttle orbiter that flew in space 33 times and still bears the scars, scorch marks and space dust of its last mission. Only at Space Shuttle Atlantis can guests have a nearly 360-degree view of Atlantis as only astronauts have seen it before, tilted on its side at a 43.21-degree angle, seeming to float in space with its payload bay doors open and its robotic arm extended, as if it has just undocked from the International Space Station (ISS). And, only at Kennedy Space Center can guests say they saw a shuttle at the home of human spaceflight, where all 135 space shuttle missions from 1981 to 2011 were launched and processed.

Located only 45 minutes from Orlando, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex features many attractions and year-round interactive programs, including meeting real astronauts. The standard bus tour, included with admission, explores the history of the Apollo moon and space shuttle programs with panoramic views of Kennedy Space Center, the Vehicle Assembly Building’s (VAB) exterior and a stop at the Apollo/Saturn V Center, where visitors see an authentic 363-foot Saturn V moon rocket and relive the historic Apollo missions that saw man land on the moon.

Other Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex attractions and activities include Angry Birds Space^™ Encounter, Astronaut Training Experience ^® (ATX^®), Rocket Garden, two IMAX^® theaters, Astronaut Encounter, Lunch With an Astronaut, U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame^® and Exploration Space: Explorers Wanted.

Visitors also can share mankind’s greatest achievements and future of the space program with the entire family and receive rare access to areas of Kennedy Space Center that have been off limits to the public for decades. The KSC Up-Close Tour Series includes tours of the VAB, Launch Control Center (LCC), and Launch Pad. All Up-Close Tours are $25 per adult and $19 per child (ages 3-11) plus tax, in addition to admission.

For more information on Kennedy Space Center Complex, visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.

About Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex brings to life the epic story of the U.S. space program, offering a full day or more of fun and educational activities, including the Kennedy Space Center Tour featuring the Saturn V Center with an actual Saturn V moon rocket, the new Angry Birds^™ Space Encounter, Shuttle Launch Experience, 3D IMAX^® space films, Astronaut Encounter, Exploration Space: Explorers Wanted and many other interactive exhibits. The new $100 million home for Space Shuttle Atlantis^SM opened June 29, 2013. Admission also includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame^®, featuring historic spacecraft and the world’s largest collection of personal astronaut memorabilia, which opens daily at noon and closing times vary by season. Only 45 minutes from Orlando, Fla., Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens daily at 9 a.m. with closing times varying by season.  Admission is $50 + tax for adults and $40 + tax for children ages 3-11. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Commander’s Club Annual Pass is $63 + tax for adults and $53 + tax for children ages 3-11.  For more information, call 877-313-2610 or visit http://www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.

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New Pick-Up Site for Spaceport America Tours in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico

The hot springs capital of the Southwest – Truth or Consequences (T or C), New Mexico – will be the site of a new pick up and drop off point for the popular Spaceport America Preview Tours offered by Follow the Sun Inc./FTS Tours. Beginning Friday, Aug. 2, 2013, the pick up/drop off location will be at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites in T or C.

FTS Tours has been offering 3 1/2 hour Spaceport America Preview Tours since May 2011 on Fridays and Saturdays at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., and on Sundays at 9 a.m only.  Tours typically sell out.

“We are excited not only to bring people here for the Spaceport tours, but to give them a chance to experience the historic landmarks, art galleries, and hot springs in T or C,” said Adrian Sandoval, Holiday Inn Express General Manager. “The Holiday Inn Express is the first thing you see at the top of the hill when coming into town, so we’re easy to find and are very accommodating not only to our guests but to guests of the Spaceport America tours.”

“We are elated at our new partnership with the Holiday Inn Express,” said Rose Bleth, President of FTS Tours. “They truly understand customer service, so our guests will be unquestionably well taken care of. It is not just a pick up location – it will be part of our Spaceport tour experience. We certainly appreciate the hospitality that Adrian has shown to FTS Tours and will show our future guests.”  

Beginning on Aug. 2, Holiday Inn Express will offer complimentary hot breakfasts until 10 a.m. to anyone taking the morning tour; and hot tea, coffee and cookies for those taking the afternoon tour. Tour guests interested in staying overnight at the hotel will receive a 10 percent discount with purchase of a Spaceport America Preview Tour ticket.

Tour guests can wait for shuttles in the lobby of Holiday Inn Express, which accommodates up to 60 people. Guests can park at the hotel’s parking lot which accommodates up to 75 vehicles.  

Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites is located at 2201 F.G. Armin St. in T or C, NM. Call 575-894-3900 for reservation details.

FTS Tours’ Spaceport America Preview Tours feature guided, exclusive access to the spaceport site and provide guests with an up close and personal encounter only available during the pre-operational phase. Guests will learn about the area’s colorful history including that of T or C, Elephant Butte Dam, the ghost town of Engle, Jornada del Muerto (Journey of the Deadman), media mogul Ted Turner’s 350,000-acre Armendaris ranch, and the historic El Camino Real (Royal Road) leading to Spaceport America.  

The tour ventures inside the Spaceport perimeter to see the horizontal launch area, spaceway (runway), operations center, and areas still under development, including the fuel storage complex and the iconic Virgin Galactic Gateway building. Guests will hear stories of Virgin Galactic, Space X, Armadillo Aerospace and others, and learn about trends in the emerging commercial space industry, among many fascinating bits of information.

FTS tour prices are $59 for adults 18 and over; $49 for teens ages 13-17; and $29 for children 12 and under. Reservations and a minimum of three guests are required per tour. For reservations, call 575-740-6894 or book online at spaceplacenm.com.

The New Mexico State Board of Finance recently authorized a $20.8 million loan to fund construction of two new visitor centers at Spaceport America which is expected to draw more than 200,000 visitors annually.

Visit www.sierracountynewmexico.info/home-of-spaceport-america or www.spaceplacenm.com for more information.

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