For more than thirty years, the Kennedy Space Center
has told the story of how the United States built a space program that launched
men to the moon, orbited satellites that have improved our lives, and sent
probes into distant space to solve some of the mysteries of the universe. A
visit provides a full of activities, and viewing a Space Shuttle launch is a
memory that will last a lifetime.
Located on a barrier island called Merritt Island
along the east coast of Florida, Kennedy Space Center is a blend of technology
and nature. It shares its property with the Merritt Island National Wildlife
Refuge, which provides a home to more than five hundred species of wildlife,
including more than fifteen varieties of endangered wildlife. Some of the
exhibits at the Space Center are dedicated to the refuge with which it shares a
common boundary.
The Visitor Complex provides an exhilarating and
educational experience of the space program. The Early Space Exploration
exhibit providers a comprehensive history of key missions that provided the
foundation of today’s space program. The LC 39 Observation Gantry gives a
bird’s eye view of the Space Shuttle’s launch pads. On the ground exhibits tell
the entire story of the shuttle. Tour a full-sized replica of the Space Shuttle
Explorer to experience what it is like to live and work in space. Another
exhibit explores the question of whether life exists elsewhere in the universe.
Many more exhibits and films provide tremendous insight into the incredible
accomplishments of the space program.
With careful planning and a little luck, the highlight
of a visit would be viewing an actual Space Shuttle Launch. There are two
options for launch viewing. You may purchase Launch Transportation Tickets from
the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Availability is limited. To inquire
about tickets, you can call the Visitor Complex at (321) 449 – 4444. There are
also many prime viewing areas outside the Space Center. Viewing sites are
available along U.S. Highway I in the city of Titusville and along Highway A1A
in the cities of Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach on the Atlantic Ocean.
A tour of Kennedy Space Center is an exploration of
America’s space heritage. There are tours and exhibits to satisfy every age
group, from the early days of Mercury to the assembly of the International
Space Station. Nature and technology meet on the coast of Florida for an
unforgettable and inspirational experience.
