Overview of Kennedy Space Centre
Things to Do at Kennedy Space Centre
Kennedy Space Centre has 700 attractions and exhibits for visitors, who can explore the fun yet educational installations during their space centre tour. The major attractions of the Centre include the Rocket Garden that showcases NASA’s Apollo, Gemini and Mercury Programmes; the US Astronaut Hall of Fame which has the largest collection of personal memorabilia of American astronauts. Along with the Space Shuttle Atlantis, which is basically the original iconic shuttle; the Shuttle Launch Experience that simulates a real space launch; and the Apollo/Saturn V Centre where the real Saturn V rocket launcher rests. From meet-and-greet sessions with astronauts to touching a piece of moon rock, Kennedy Space Centre has it all and so much more.
Shop at the “world’s largest space shop” at Kennedy Space Centre. Plan your visit to include the massive Space Shop of the space centre, which is renowned as the world’s largest store that solely sells NASA gear and space memorabilia. From merchandise designed based on popular NASA programs to exclusive souvenirs commemorating the moon landing, The Space Shop and The Right Stuff of Kennedy Space Centre are the ultimate shopping experiences for the space nerd in you. Experience the thrill of walking across the original Apollo 11 gantry like NASA astronauts, click memorable pictures, and personalise all your purchases at the stores.
Dining options at the Kennedy Space Centre offer an otherworldly experience with their delicious vegetarian, healthy and gluten-free options and biodegradable and recyclable cutlery. Choose from six restaurant options serving at the space centre, ranging from the Orbit Café that serves freshly prepared dishes across the Space Shop to the innovative ice cream presentations of the Milky Way and Space Dots. While the Moon Rock Café serves diners among Apollo artefacts, IMAX Snax offers a delightful cinematic experience in the heart of the Kennedy Space Centre, and the Planet Play Lounge provides a much-needed break to both kids and their parents.
History of Kennedy Space Centre
It was in September 1961 that NASA purchased land for the Apollo Lunar Landing Program on Merritt Island in Florida. By 1962, the independent NASA field centre of Launch Operations Centre was established, which was renamed the John F Kennedy Space Centre in 1963.
It was on 26th May 1965 that the Kennedy Space Centre Headquarters was formally inaugurated. As the US Space Program achieved greater heights, public interest grew in exploring the Kennedy Space Centre from up close. As a result, NASA administrator James Webb created a visitors’ program in 1964, which flourished into the Kennedy Space Centre Visitor Complex and remains popular to date.
Rules in Kennedy Space Centre
- As the Kennedy Space Centre is a family-friendly space, visitors are expected to dress appropriately. Clothes with inappropriate exposure or objectionable content are not allowed.
- Outside food and beverages are allowed in soft-sided small containers, but glass bottles and containers are prohibited.
- Service animals are permitted inside the Kennedy Space Centres, but visitors would need to keep their pets at the pet kennel available on-site.
- Visitors are not permitted to carry any kind of weapons inside the space centre premises.
- Designated areas have been provided at the centre for smoking purposes. Visitors are not allowed to smoke in public areas.
- Photography is permitted at Kennedy Space Centre, but professional objects like tripods are prohibited.
- Use of mobile phones on the space centre premises is allowed, but visitors are requested to avoid having loud conversations and playing loud music to not disturb other guests.
Know Before You go Kennedy Space Centre
- Kennedy Space Centre is located on the US East Coast, at Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953. A part of Central Florida, it is a 51-minute drive from the Melbourne Airport and is located close to Orlando and Daytona Beach.
- To reach the Kennedy Space Centre, it is recommended that you drive on your own as direct public transport is not available to the centre. Parking facilities have been provided for a minimal fee at the Visitor Complex for the convenience of visitors.
- Essential information to know is that if you are on your way from Orlando, Daytona Beach, or Miami, head towards SR 405. If your location is around Cocoa Beach, take SR 3 for a smooth ride.
- Bus routes 11, 111, 436S, and 51 pass near Kennedy Space Centre, with the nearest bus stations being Cargo Road and Cargo Slip Road, and the Oia Transfer Centre.
- The Kennedy Space Centre is open on all days of the week from 9 AM to 5 PM. Parking facilities are open throughout the opening hours.
- The best time to visit the Kennedy Space Centre is during the early morning hours. This allows you to have a lot of time to explore all the attractions and also avoid heavy crowds as the day goes by. It is advised that you visit on weekdays as weekends tend to see larger crowds.
- A relaxed Kennedy Space Centre tour that includes all the prominent highlights takes around six to eight hours, while if you select the Kennedy Space Centre bus tour, it would take two hours to explore the major attractions of the centre.
- It is highly recommended that you plan your visit to Kennedy Space Centre in advance as it is a popular tourist destination and gets crowded during peak hours. You can buy tickets for the centre tours online to save time and get your spot guaranteed.
- It is advised that you visit in the early morning hours to avoid crowds, and leave late at night so that you can witness the beauty of the centre after dark and witness night shows.
- The crowds are higher on weekends, so, if possible, plan your visit to the Kennedy Space Centre on a weekday.
- Two essential items that must be in your bag during your Kennedy Space Centre tour are sunscreen and a water bottle, both to protect you from a long day out in the sun.
- Don’t forget to consume regular meals and snacks. The Centre is massive and you would require energy to experience it all to the fullest.
- Decide on the exhibits that catch your interest and visit them first so that you don’t miss out on anything of your choice.
- Remember to bring your camera or even a telephoto lens for your Kennedy Space Centre trip, especially for the rocket launches.
- It is recommended that you bring cash along as some stores on the space centre premises do not accept card payments.
- Kennedy Space Centre has wheelchair accessibility. Visitors can also rent wheelchairs on the premises for a minimal fee.
- The restrooms at the centre can be comfortably accessed by visitors with disabilities.
- Service animals accompanying visitors are allowed on the Kennedy Space Centre premises.
- The Kennedy Space Centre tour buses have lifts that are accessible by wheelchairs and scooters.
- The IMAX theatre on the premises has lifts that are wheelchair-accessible for reaching the upper seats.
- Visitors with autism and/or hearing sensitivity can request access to noise reduction earmuffs at the centre.
- Parking facilities have been provided for visitors at a minimal cost. Disabled parking is also available, and access to parking is permitted a maximum of 30 minutes before the Space Centre opens for the day.
FAQs
What is the best way to reach Kennedy Space Centre?
The best way to reach Kennedy Space Centre is by driving down to Merritt Island, as the centre is not connected by direct public transportation. Essential information to know is that the SR 405 connects the Space Centre in Central Florida to Orlando, Daytona Beach and Miami, while the SR 3 connects Merritt Island to Cocoa Beach.
What is the best time to visit Kennedy Space Centre?
The best time to visit Kennedy Space Centre is during the early morning hours. You would get ample time to explore all the attractions at leisure and also avoid the crowds that throng here in the early afternoon. You would also be able to avoid a lot of sun and heat exposure by visiting early. It is recommended that you visit on the weekdays to avoid the weekend rush.
Is there a lot of walking at Kennedy Space Centre?
Kennedy Space Centre is a massive NASA launch base, and since the tours to explore all the highlights are generally on foot, visitors have to walk around a lot. It is thus recommended that you wear comfortable yet sturdy walking shoes, carry a water bottle and have regular snacks and timely meals to ensure you have a good time at the centre.
How long should I plan to spend at Kennedy Space Centre?
While the Kennedy Space Centre bus tour covers the major attractions of the Visitor Complex in approximately two hours, exploring all the attractions at the centre at leisure can take six to eight hours.
What is the Kennedy Space Centre Visitor Complex?
The Kennedy Space Centre Visitor Complex aims to bring the general public closer to the US Space Programme. With attractions and exhibits inspired by some of the most historic moments of NASA’s space missions like Apollo, original remains of iconic space exploration devices like the Saturn V and Shuttle Atlantis are also on display for visitors. Get a glimpse into the history and future of space technology and the massive human effort that makes it all possible at the Kennedy Space Centre Visitor Centre.