Kennedy Space Center-A Trip to the Cosmos
Recently Lenny and I had friends visiting us from out of town so we took them to Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Located about an hour’s drive from Orlando on Merritt Island, KSC is America’s premier multi-user spaceport. For decades, KSC name is synonymous with space exploration from low Earth orbit, to Apollo missions to the Moon, to future missions to Mars and space probes into deep space. The spaceport now is a government run operation that has partnerships with over 90 private enterprises.
Upon arrival at KSC, you are greeted with the rocket garden. Some of these rockets flew in space while others are replicas of rockets that NASA and its private partners have used.
Kennedy Space Center Rocket Garden
KSC pays homage to America’s past space exploration while looking to the future of spaceflight. One of the highlights of KSC is a visit to the Saturn V rocket center. You will need to take a bus from the main KSC, which takes you on an informative tour of the base, to this facility. The first can’t miss exhibit is the launch center for Apollo 11. This launch center has the actual consoles that were used for this historic event. The Saturn V center does a great job immersing you in history, as if you are at KSC during the launch.
Apollo 11 Control Room
Another exhibit you can not miss is the Space Shuttle Exhibit. From the walk up to the building alongside a model of the Shuttle to the Welcome Home Atlantis, this building is full of surprises around every corner. You can even “ride” on a Space Shuttle simulator. Don’t worry, this ride is gentle as elderly relatives have done this in the past. There is also a tribute to America’s fallen space heroes, a reminder that exploring the cosmos is not without risk.
Model of the Space Shuttle welcomes you to the exhibit
Introduction to Space Shuttle Atlantis
Space Shuttle Atlantis
The Shuttle Launch Experience is a shuttle ride simulator
The building which contains all of the information about the partners with America’s Spaceport, Gateway, The Deep Space Launch Center, has multiple interactive exhibits and rides. The ride simulates visiting Mars and other aspects of the Cosmos. A Falcon 9 rocket (used by SpaceX) and a Dragon capsule (SpaceX) are also on display. This is a great exhibit for people interested in America’s future space endeavors.
Looking at the cosmos in wonder
KSC Visitor’s Center is a full day adventure. We were there from 9AM to 5PM and did not see it all. Tickets can be purchased on the website https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/info/tickets
There are plenty of opportunities to purchase food and souvenirs. Please be advised that since you are in Florida, hydration is key. Please see the link for a water bottle below. I bring my own water bottle everywhere.
Have a great day a Kennedy Space Center!
All the best,
Jennifer
