The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, located in Merritt Island, Florida, is one of the premier space exploration destinations in the world. It offers a unique and immersive experience that showcases NASA’s history, future missions, and the achievements of human space exploration. Visitors can see iconic spacecraft, meet astronauts, and learn about the space program’s groundbreaking missions.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Daily 09:00 – 18:00
Closed December 25 and certain launch days
Admission fee
Gift shop
GPS Coordinates
28o30’56.0″N and 80o40’54″W. Locate with GPS devices as Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Do not use Kennedy Space Center as you will be directed to an incorrect location.
Aircraft/rocket collection
Saturn V, Apollo
| N969NA/69
– – Atlantis | Northrop T-38N Talon
Apollo II Saturn V Space Shuttle |
See what you’ve been missing, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida! Get nose to nose with Space Shuttle Atlantis, the only space shuttle orbiter configured as it was for flight, with its payload bay doors open. Try your hand at being an astronaut in the many astronaut simulators, or find out what a launch feels like with the Shuttle Launch Experience. You can also see rare space memorabilia, and touch a piece of the moon, flown back to Earth by the Apollo astronauts.
Atlas-Agena
Delta
Juno 1 and Delta
Juno 1
Northrop T-38N Talon N969NA/69 NASA
Rocket Garden horizontal Saturn 1B
Rocket Garden horizontal Saturn 1B
Saturn 1B
Service and Command module Saturnus V
lunar rover
Key Features:
1. Space Shuttle Atlantis:
- The centerpiece of the complex, the Space Shuttle Atlantis is on display in a state-of-the-art, multi-level exhibit that allows visitors to see the shuttle from every angle.
- The exhibit includes interactive displays, videos, and astronaut experiences related to the shuttle program.
- Visitors can learn about Atlantis’ final mission and the shuttle’s significant contributions to space exploration.
2. Astronaut Hall of Fame:
- Dedicated to the men and women who have made significant contributions to space exploration, the Astronaut Hall of Fame showcases astronaut memorabilia, flight suits, and personal stories from the pioneers of space travel.
- Features exhibits on both American astronauts and international space pioneers.
3. Heroes and Legends:
- This exhibit honors the early pioneers of space exploration and the legacy of NASA’s achievements. It includes artifacts and interactive displays that highlight the Apollo, Mercury, and Gemini programs.
- It also focuses on the achievements of the early space pioneers and the technological milestones of the space race.
4. Mars Exploration:
- A hands-on exhibit that allows visitors to explore NASA’s Mars missions, with models of Mars rovers, landers, and interactive simulations.
- Learn about NASA’s plans for future Mars exploration, including the Artemis program aimed at returning humans to the Moon and eventually sending them to Mars.
5. Rocket Garden:
- The Rocket Garden features a collection of actual rockets and spacecraft from the early days of space exploration. Visitors can walk among these massive pieces of history and learn about the important role they played in space missions.
- Rockets include the Redstone, Atlas, Delta, and Saturn I-B, with informative signage that explains their purpose and significance.
6. Shuttle Launch Experience:
- An exhilarating simulation of what it’s like to launch into space aboard a shuttle. The experience includes realistic motion, sound, and visuals, making it a thrilling way to experience space travel.
7. NASA Kennedy Space Center Tours:
- Cape Canaveral Early Space Tour: A bus tour that takes you around the Kennedy Space Center campus, including stops at historic launch pads, the Vehicle Assembly Building, and the Apollo/Saturn V Center.
- Apollo/Saturn V Center: A must-see for space enthusiasts, this center houses a real Saturn V rocket and exhibits about the Apollo moon missions.
8. Astronaut Meet-and-Greets:
- Throughout the year, the Visitor Complex hosts events where guests can meet real astronauts, hear their firsthand stories, and get autographs.