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Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Photo Credit: Orlando/Orange County CVB, Inc.

Forget the rockets' red glare and instead, watch for the space shuttle's white fire. At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, you can enjoy an unsurpassed view of Discovery, Atlantis, or Endeavour climbing skyward with 7 million pounds of thrust. Even when a shuttle launch is not scheduled, the Visitor Complex provides a wealth of information on America's exploration of space. And in the interest of engaging visitors of all ages, the Visitor Complex includes hands-on exhibits and IMAX theaters.

The Visitor Complex occupies a 70-acre plot on the 140,000-acre Kennedy Space Center site, 6,000 acres of which are dedicated to Space Center operations (the remaining acres are a wildlife sanctuary). In the wake of the September 11th tragedy, the Kennedy Space Center has become a highly restricted area. Visitors can, however, still tour the Visitor Complex, which a private company operates for NASA.

Ever since Alan Shepard rode Freedom 7 into space in 1961, NASA's manned space program has relied on the Kennedy Space Center, the defining element of Florida's "Space Coast." Guests to the Visitor Complex are offered a number of learning opportunities. They can ask questions of an astronaut, learn about manned and robotic exploration, view launch pads from a 60-foot observation tower, see the 6.2 million-pound Saturn V moon rocket, walk through a "garden" of NASA rockets, enter a shuttle Explorer replica, read the Astronaut Memorial, and touch a meteorite from Mars. Two IMAX films on five-story-high screens highlight the thrill of space missions, and a 15-minute film explores the possibility of life on other planets.

If all that exploration leaves you hungry, check out the eateries and refreshment carts on the grounds. And don't miss the Kennedy Space Center gift shop, the world's largest store devoted to space memorabilia and collectibles.

Location
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is located in Cape Canaveral, about 45 miles east of Orlando. Driving directions are available at the Space Center Web site.

Hours of operation
The Visitor Complex is open every day, except Christmas and certain launch days, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The last Kennedy Space Center tour departs each day at 2:15 p.m..

Admission

Adults	$26
Children (ages 3-11)	$16

On-site parking is provided free of charge.

Contact information

• Call the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex at (321) 449-4444.
• For launch viewing information, call (800) KSC-INFO.
• E-mail at kscinfo@dncinc.com.

Disabled access

• The Visitor Complex is wheelchair accessible, as are many tour buses.
• Wheelchair rentals are free of charge.
• Advance reservations are recommended for sight-impaired and hearing-impaired guests who need American Sign Language interpreters or special guided tours. For details, call (321) 449- 4364 or the TTY line, (321) 454-4198.

Special fees

• Lunch with an astronaut, which includes the price of admission to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, costs $55.95 for adults and $35.95 for children.
• For viewing shuttle launches, guests can purchase a Launch Transportation ticket for about $30, which provides transport to a viewing site six miles from the launch pad.

Additional information

• Plan on spending at least six to eight hours at the Visitor Complex.
• Baby strollers are available at no charge.
• Visit the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Web site.

Please note
Cost, hours of operation, or other information about this attraction is subject to change without notice. We suggest you confirm with the attraction prior to your visit.