The Kennedy Space Center, located in Florida, provide an immersive space exploration experience. It is the site of NASA's iconic spaceflights and the home of American space exploration. The visitor complex is arranged into five era-based mission zones. You will see missions, spacecrafts, and technologies that highlight the most pivotal moments of space exploration. Each zone provides an in-depth insight into the intricate science of aerospace, from the first days of space conquest to current space programs and innovations.
Kennedy Space Center History
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, adjacent to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, opened in 1967 as "Spaceport USA." In 1973, it was officially renamed the "Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex." Over the years, it expanded with exhibits and attractions, with the inclusion of the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit in 2013, showcasing a retired orbiter.
In the 2000s, the complex evolved into an educational and entertainment destination, offering exhibits, guided tours, IMAX theaters, and astronaut encounters. Today, it serves as a platform for public engagement with space exploration and showcases NASA's missions, commercial space ventures, and future endeavors. It remains a premier location for learning about space science, technology, and NASA's historic achievements.
Mission Zones At Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
1. Heroes & Legends
Duration: 45 min
This zone is dedicated to celebrating the stories of pioneering astronauts and the missions they partook in. From Project Mercury to Gemini, it pays homage to their incredible accomplishments.Additionally, the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame showcases artifacts, mementos, and multimedia presentations that further illustrate their remarkable stories.
Inside Heroes & Legends Zone
US Astronaut Hall OF Fame
All Systems Are Go
Rocket Garden
Space Mirror Memorial
Astronaut Encounter
John F. Kennedy Fountain
Historical Countdown
2. Behind The Gates
Duration: 1 - 3 hours
Behind The Gates or Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour takes you on a journey to exclusive areas, providing behind-the-scenes glimpses into the preparation and launching of rockets. Guided by space expert, Emily Calandrelli, uncover the breathtaking sights of Launch Complex 39B and the Vehicle Assembly Building. While the routes may have been altered due to operational requirements, rest assured, the journey ‘Behind The Gates’ ensures a riveting exploration of America's multi-user spaceport.
Behind The Gates Tour
KSC Bus Tour
KSC Explore Tour
Fly With Astronaut
Vehicle Assembly Building
Launch Complex 39a
3. Race To The Moon
Duration: 2 hours
This zone highlights one of the most influential eras in American history — the historical Apollo Moon landings. Here you’ll find the colossal Saturn V—the most massive rocket ever launched. Through engaging and interactive exhibits, you'll learn about the thrilling days of the Apollo era. The Apollo/Saturn V Center, accessible by bus from the Kennedy Space Center, is included with the daily admission, promising an unforgettable journey into the heart of space-faring history.
Fun Fact: Since 1967, more than 300 rockets, including manned spacecrafts and satellites, have been launched from the Kennedy Space Center.
Inside Race To The Moon Zone
Saturn V Rocket
Apollo 8 and the Firing Room
Rocket Garden
Path to the Moon
Moonscape
Exploring the Moon
Ad Astra Per Aspera
Lunar Theater
Apollo Treasures Gallery
Moon Tree Garden
Astrovan & Umbilical Tower
Fisher Space Pen
The People’s Moon
4. Shuttle: A Ship Like No Other
Duration: 2.5 hours
This zone houses the Space Shuttle Atlantis, one of NASA’s retired orbiters. It uncovers the history and significance of these reusable spacecraft that helped shape the International Space Station (ISS) and Hubble Space Telescope. You'll get to know the intricate details of the shuttle missions, from launch to landing, experience a simulated shuttle launch, and even learn about the courageous astronauts who staffed these iconic missions.
Inside Shuttle: A Ship Like No Other Zone
Space Shuttle Atlantis
Hubble Space Telescope Theater
Astronaut Training Simulators
Launch Director Tour Of Space Shuttle Atlantis
Forever Remembered
ISS Triumph Of Technology
Shuttle Launch Experience
Constellation Sphere
Join Us On Orbit
Fiery Ride Home
People Made the Difference
5. NASA Now + Next
Duration: 2.5 hours
This last zone presents current and future missions of NASA. It showcases the latest advancements in space technology and mission plans, all aiming to push the boundaries of human space exploration. The exhibits here showcase Mars rovers, the cutting-edge Orion EFT-1 Capsule, and models of SpaceX spacecraft. A particular highlight is the Boeing spacesuit on display for visitors to see. This zone is constantly updated, reflecting the ever-changing, dynamic field of space exploration.
Inside NASA Now + Next Zone
Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex
Spaceport KSC
Journey To Mars | Launched By United Launch Alliance
Planet Play
Mars Rover Vehicle Navigator®
IMAX Theater
Mission Status Briefing
Fun Fact: Apart from being a hub for aerospace activities, the Kennedy Space Center also serves as a wildlife sanctuary. It is part of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, hosting several species of plants and animals, including several endangered species like the Florida panther, West Indian manatee, and Eastern indigo snake.
Go Beyond The KSC Visitor Complex
Vehicle Assembly Building
The iconic Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at Kennedy Space Center is an awe-inspiring testament to human ambition in space exploration. Built during the 1960s Apollo program, it is among Florida's loftiest structures, standing at 525 feet and covering 8 acres—equivalent to four Empire State Buildings or eight football fields. Beyond its impressive scale, the VAB is the nerve center for the assembly and integration of spacecraft, playing a pivotal role in historical missions like the Apollo moon landings and the Space Shuttle era. This colossal complex illustrates the meticulous preparation and care involved in constructing spacefarers' vehicles.
Launch Complex 39 A & B
Located 'Behind the Gates' of the Kennedy Space Center, Launch Complex 39A and 39B remain triumphant symbols of mankind's journey to space. From housing Apollo 11's Moon mission to serving as a launchpad for numerous Space Shuttle missions, LC-39A has observed pivotal moments in space history. Modern updates now support SpaceX's Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rocket launches. Its counterpart, LC-39B, initially a backup, participated in Apollo and Shuttle launches and is presently preparing for NASA's Space Launch System missions under the forthcoming Artemis program, which aims to achieve groundbreaking lunar and Martian expeditions.
Recommended Tickets To Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center Timings
- The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is open daily from 9 AM - 5 PM
- Last Entry at 4 PM
- If you are opting for the bus tours, the last tour available is at 2.30 PM
FAQs
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is an educational and entertainment center located inside NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is open daily from 9 AM and 6 PM.
Tickets to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex start from $78.75.
Yes, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers guided tours that give you in-depth insights into the center's history, NASA's missions, and access to restricted areas.
You can definitely watch a rocket launch from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, provided the launch takes place during the operating hours of the complex.
The complex features numerous attractions spread across 5 Mission Zones, including the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, the Rocket Garden, Heroes & Legends, and the US Astronaut Hall of Fame. Additionally, you can explore various interactive exhibits, IMAX theaters, and space-related artifacts.
