Kennedy Space Center
Florida
General information about Kennedy Space Center
The Kennedy Space Center is NASA's spaceport from which all US manned space missions are launched. In recent years, it also serves more and more commercial missions as a launching point for their rockets, which transport various loads into space. Tourists have the opportunity to watch the launch of such a rocket live. Additionally, you can learn and experience everything interesting in connection with the history of space travel.
Our visits to the Space Center took place in April 1997 and November 2022.
Entrance fees and opening hours
- 75$/person
- Open daily from 9 am - 5 pm.
*The Anual Pass is so to speak the "flat rate" for all Parks managed by the National Park Service. The pass costs a one-time fee of $80 and can be purchased at the entrance to each National Park, National Monument, etc. The pass is valid for 13 months.
Our visits: So far 2 visits in March 1997 and November 2022
Rocket Garden
Description: Here you will find an exhibition of various rockets that have served in past missions as carriers of cargo. However, since most of the rockets are not, or only partially, reused, these exhibits were not in space. They are from missions that were either cancelled, or test rockets that resemble the originals.
Our rating: It was very impressive to walk between the huge rockets and have a close look at them. Not least, they offer beautiful photo motifs.
Space Shuttle Atlantis
Description: Even from a distance, you can see the launch vehicles that mark the entrance to the Space Shuttle Atlantis Hall. Once inside, you can expect a true space experience. Because we don't want to spoil everything, we won't describe it in detail, but it can be said that you shouldn't miss out on a visit here. At the exhibition you can learn everything about the manned space shuttle missions and even take a look at the huge, original Atlantis.
Our rating: The Atlantis exhibition was definitely one of the highlights of our visit at the Kennedy Space Center. As always exhibitions in the US are interesting, interactive and are a lot of fun. Here you can even climb into a simulator and experience a space shuttle launch for yourself. The exhibition was amazing.
Gateway
Description: Gateway is the newest attraction at Kennedy Space Center. "The Deep Space Launch Complex" displays replicas and original spacecraft. Among others, a Falcon 9 booster from Space X is hanging from the ceiling. These boosters usually return to earth after the start and are used again for other missions. The booster here still shows the burn marks from the two missions it was used for. On the upper floor, you can experience the future of space travel by going on several missions in 4D theaters.
Our rating: After we had been able to witness the launch of a Falcon 9 rocket, it was of course especially interesting for us to be able to admire a real rocket booster here in the exhibition. But even beyond that, both the exhibition and the missions you can experience are well worthwhile. You should definitely take a look at the gateway when you visit the Space Center.
Auf dem Gelände der Nasa
Description: While visiting the Kennedy Space Center, you also have the opportunity to tour the rest of the facility. There are several tours that offer this opportunity. On the one hand there is a bus shuttle to the Apollo Hall and on the other hand there is a bus tour where you can see e.g. a rocket launch pad from close up. The bus tour to the Apollo Hall is included in the entrance fee, the other tours have to be booked separately and cost an extra fee.
Our rating: It was exciting to to experience a spaceport up close. Seeing where, for example, the rockets are assembled, or looking at the vehicles that drive the rockets to their launch positions, was very interesting.
Apollo - Saturn V
Description: Everything in the huge Apollo Hall revolves around the past lunar missions. The highlight is certainly the huge Saturn V rocket, which takes up almost the entire length of the hall. With the help of countless exhibits, visitors can learn everything about the Apollo missions to the moon. You can find everything from the moon vehicle to the space suits to real moon rocks. A movie also allows visitors to travel almost up close to the moon themselves.
Our rating: This exhibition is also very interesting and impressive. Anyone interested in space travel will have fun here. We liked the very interestingly designed exhibition very much.
Those who watch a live launch of a rocket usually pass by here because the Banana Creek Launch Viewing stands are located in front of the huge hall and offer a very good view of the two launch pads 39a and 39b.
