Shuttle Atlantis Launches
Space Shuttle Atlantis mid-launch on mission STS-115
Photo uploaded by P C W
This Friday, the Kennedy Space Center will be abuzz with excitement as the Shuttle Atlantis blasts off on mission STS-122, the 24th U.S. mission to the International Space Station. If you’d like to see the launch from KSC’s main Visitor Complex, then you should plan to arrive before 10:30 am for the 4:30 pm launch. After 10:30, the Visitor Complex will only be accessible to those with pre-purchased tickets.
Kennedy Space Center has other launches scheduled for December 10, December 20, and February 14. Of course, you can also experience the thrill of a shuttle launch in the new Shuttle Launch Experience. Read first-hand accounts of this new attraction here and here. Happy travels!
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The Shuttle launch has been delayed until the earliest January 2nd.
Hi Keith,
Thanks for the update!
Susan
Kennedy Space Center, A Trip To Remember.
Even though my family and I had been fortunate to visit Orlando, Florida on numerous occasions, we never quite found the time or if the truth been known, the inclination to visit that attraction far far away. Kennedy Space Center.
So after a request from my 10-year-old son, and the numerous positive reports received from other visitors, we finally decided that it was time to take one small step for mankind.
Staying on Westridge, meant that we had a journey of around 77 miles ahead of us. So leaving early (8.30am) we set out due east, and just under an hour late we where on final approach, as we continued along the NASA Parkway West, we crossed the stunning Indian River. With only a few miles to go, we continued, with a small canal bordering either side of the road, and it was in one of those canals that we saw the first gator of the day, as it raised its head to enjoy the mornings very pleasant weather. Arriving at our final destination less than an hour after leaving our villa, we disembarked, and the terrain was nothing like I had expected. Drastically smaller that the major theme parks, Kennedy Space Center is by comparison tiny, or so it seemed from the outside.
Little did I know that beyond the simple entrance, the feeling that you had just stepped inside the tardis came into being.We opted to incorporate the full tour feature with our entrance tickets, this allows you to be transported around the massive complex taking in each landmark and area of interest, in the comfort of an air conditioned bus complete with a very informative and experienced NASA tour guide.Our first port of call, was the Rocket Garden. Home to over 8 spacecraft, all of varying shapes and sizes. This is a great opportunity and environment to see for yourself the massive effort which has been invested to get man into space. Many of the space craft have been opened to allow visitors to experience the uncomfortable conditions which astronauts endured. The kids loved it!Next it was time for our tour.
After the short walk to the departure area, we boarded our bus. In readiness for our forthcoming tour, our children were given a great activity book and crayons. Then we were off, making our way towards the viewing area used during the launch of the space shuttle, and what a view it was, an open body of water complete with dolphins playing for the visitors, across from which a series of launch pads. nature and technology in perfect harmony. From here we visited numerous other areas, from where we had fantastic views of some of the most amazing sights. including the huge vehicle which transports the shuttle to the launch pad, the scuttle runway and gallery area and one of the largest buildings I have ever seen, which is used to prepare the shuttle pre flight. Coupled with this, our tour guide delivered some fascinating facts, figures and stories about everything NASA. Then it was into an actual control room used during the era of NASA’S Apollo missions. It was here that the dangers involved in the race to achieve superiority of space become obvious, due to a superb mock launch. As with many visitor experience provided at Orlando attractions, this made the hairs on the back stand on end, something which by the looks of other peoples faces I was not alone in feeling.From her we entered a huge hanger type building dedicated to the efforts of the Apollo missions. The fascinating exhibits are like magnets for young and old alike. Unlike many such attractions, visitors are welcomed to get up close to see and feel for themselves the various space craft including space buggies and space suits. It is here that you can take the opportunity to take some of your own fuel on board at the clean and accommodating food hall. You may as I did at this point, check your watch and ask where on earth had the time gone.We finally Returned to the main area, via the space station development viewing area, where you actually see the next piece of the space station to be sent into space being built and the environment in which it occurs.We headed straight for the 3d cinemas, where you can immerse yourself in a manner only NASA an provide. Each show offers something different, and run throughout the day. The mock Space Shuttle was also well received by the children who could see for themselves just how big or small the craft actually is both inside and out. When we arrived and bought out tickets, I wondered why we were told that we could come back the following day free of charge. I now knew why. The park was preparing to close, it was 6pm and we had not seen and experience many areas, including the new space launch experience.Simply put, Kennedy Space Center offers something which no other theme park or attraction can offer. I am in no way an avid follower of all things space, and never have been, which is perhaps one of the reasons I had never really considered visiting Cape Canaveral. That said the educational element provided, applies to visitors of all ages, such is the organisation and manner in which it is provided. A great escape from the hustle and bustle, that is sometimes present at the major theme parks and well worth a visit.
Hi Bob,
Thanks for sharing your experiences at Kennedy Space Center. Sounds like you had a really awesome trip!
Susan