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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