The Kennedy Space Center remains the number one site dedicated to space

Among the many space-related sites around the world, the Kennedy Space Center holds a unique place due to its history, its popularity (approximately 2 million visitors per year), and its perfect balance between entertainment and education.

Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=xA_WR8IYH6U

The Kennedy Space Center, officially the John F. Kennedy Space Center or KSC, is an American space complex established in 1959 and operated by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. NASA Administration.

It is located on Merritt Island in Brevard and Volusia counties, Florida.

Since 1966, tourists have been able to visit the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, which recounts the history of space exploration.

This visitor complex has been operated since 1995 by Delaware North, in close collaboration with NASA.

A clientele of enthusiasts and curious visitors

The Kennedy Space Center, located about an hour from Orlando and an hour from Daytona Beach, remains the most visited space complex, attracting nearly 2 million visitors annually.

While a large majority are enthusiasts, this clientele is evolving somewhat, according to Therrin Protze, Director of Operations: “We are seeing explosive growth in experiential tourism.”

People no longer want to simply observe; they want to participate, be inspired, and learn something useful.

Space and science tourism perfectly meets this trend, as it combines adventure, innovation and education in a way that few other destinations can match. »

Points of Interest

The KSC offers visitors a multitude of activities, allowing them to explore immersive exhibits like the Earth Information Center, virtually design and launch rockets in the interactive rocket building area, stand under a roaring, full-size rocket engine during the simulated fire test…

Among all these offerings, the following stand out:

– The now-retired Space Shuttle Atlantis is the centerpiece of the site. Displayed at a 43.21-degree angle, with the cargo bay doors open, it allows visitors to walk around it.

– A visit to the Apollo/Saturn V Center, where a 111-meter-tall Saturn V rocket is suspended horizontally.

For an even more enriching experience, the « Fly with an Astronaut » program offers small groups the opportunity to be accompanied by a seasoned astronaut.

– The Launch Complex 39 (LC-39) Gantry, accessible by the Kennedy Space Center sightseeing bus, offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the active launch pads and highlights the unique intersection of technology, history, and nature.

– The Gantry, located near the legendary Launch Complex 39 at Kennedy Space Center, tells the story of NASA’s symbiotic relationship between nature and technology, as well as its mission to protect Earth through space exploration.

– Space Shuttle Atlantis houses the Shuttle Launch Experience, a simulator that allows you to experience a space shuttle launch in near-real conditions, coached by real astronauts.

– IMAX Cinema: Two films are available daily in the cinema’s 3D space.

– Finally, a must-see is the « Space Shop » at the Kennedy Space Center, a nearly 1,400 m² store that boasts the world’s largest collection of NASA merchandise!