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Your guide to the upcoming events at Kennedy Space Center

Ready to take your fascination with space to the next level? The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex gives you a front-row seat to the action, with a lineup of incredible events. Meet real astronauts, feel the thrill of a live rocket launch, and get a glimpse into the future of space travel—all in one place. Check out the schedule and prepare for an experience that’s truly out of this world!

Schedule & lineup for Astronaut encounters

Here is your chance to meet an astronaut and take home an autograph. For a more interactive experience, book Chat With an Astronaut. Don’t forget your camera!

Astronaut John Herrington in space suit during NASA mission.

Meet an Astronaut: John Herrington

Date: Jan 24, 2025 to Jan 27, 2025
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Meet astronaut John Herrington during the Astronaut Encounter event! Known for being the first Native American in space, Herrington flew aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour in 2002.

Astronaut Roger Crouch meeting and guiding a set of students.

Meet an Astronaut: Roger Crouch

Date: Feb 06, 2025 to Feb 09, 2025
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Meet astronaut Roger Crouch, who conducted groundbreaking research in microgravity during his shuttle missions.

Julie Payette in astronaut suit with Canadian flag patch.

Meet an Astronaut: Julie Payette

Date: Feb 10, 2025 Feb 13, 2025
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Meet Julie Payette, former astronaut and the first Canadian woman to visit the International Space Station.

Norm Thagard in astronaut suit with NASA patch and American flag backdrop.

Meet an Astronaut: Norm Thagard

Date: Feb 14, 2025 to Feb 16, 2025
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Join us to welcome back astronaut Norm Thagard, who made history as the first American astronaut to fly aboard a Russian spacecraft.

Astronaut Bob Thirsk in space suit with Canadian flag patch.

Meet an Astronaut: Bob Thirsk

Date: Feb 17, 2025 to Feb 20, 2025
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Join astronaut Bob Thirsk, who holds the Canadian record for the longest spaceflight, as he shares his experiences during the Astronaut Encounter.

Astronaut Steve Smith in space suit with Earth in background.

Meet an Astronaut: Steve Smith

Date: Feb 21, 2025 to Feb 26, 2025
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Veteran NASA astronaut Steve Smith, known for his multiple space shuttle missions, is ready to meet fans during his special visit to the Kennedy Space Center.

Astronaut Sam Gemar in space suit against a starry backdrop.

Meet an Astronaut: Sam Gemar


Date: Feb 27, 2025 to Mar 02, 2025
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Meet astronaut Sam Gemar, who has flown on five space shuttle missions and spent over 50 days in space.

Astronaut Tom Jones in space suit with helmet, Earth visible in background.

Meet an Astronaut: Tom Jones

Date: Mar 03, 2025 to Mar 07, 2025
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Get up close and personal with astronaut Tom Jones, who flew on four space shuttle missions.

John D. Bartoe speaking at a space exploration event with a presentation screen in the background.

Meet an Astronaut: John D. Bartoe

Date: Mar 08, 2025 to Mar 11, 2025
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

John D. Bartoe, who played a crucial role in scientific experiments aboard the space shuttle, will be at the Kennedy Space Center for a special Astronaut Encounter.

Terry Wilcutt speaking at a space exploration event in front of a NASA backdrop.

Meet an Astronaut: Terry Wilcutt


Date: Mar 12, 2025 to Mar 15, 2025
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Terry Wilcutt, a veteran of four space shuttle missions, will be at the Kennedy Space Center for a special Astronaut Encounter.

Heidi Piper in astronaut suit with helmet, space background.

Meet an Astronaut: Heidi Piper


Date: Mar 16, 2025 to Mar 20, 2025
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Heidi Piper, a seasoned astronaut with multiple space shuttle missions, will be at the Kennedy Space Center for an Astronaut Encounter.

Astronaut Woody Spring in space suit with Earth in the background.

Meet an Astronaut: Woody Spring

Date: Mar 21, 2025 to Mar 24, 2025
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Woody Spring, an accomplished astronaut who has flown on space shuttle missions, will be available for an Astronaut Encounter. Don’t miss the chance to meet Woody, hear his experiences from space.

Astronaut Bob Cenker in a space suit at Kennedy Space Center.

Meet an Astronaut: Bob Cenker


Date: Mar 25, 2025 to Mar 28, 2025
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Bob Cenker, a seasoned astronaut, and a space pioneer, will be at the Kennedy Space Center for a special Astronaut Encounter.

Rocket display at Kennedy Space Center with visitors exploring exhibits.

Meet an Astronaut: Fred Gregory


Date: Mar 29, 2025 to Apr 01, 2025
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Fred Gregory, one of the first African American astronauts to fly with NASA, will be available for an Astronaut Encounter at the Kennedy Space Center.

Astronaut Mike Good in space suit with Earth in the background.

Meet an Astronaut: Mike Good


Date: Apr 02, 2025 to Apr 05, 2025
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Mike Good, a veteran of two space shuttle missions, will be giving a live presentation during the Astronaut Encounter. Included with daily admission, this is a great opportunity to hear firsthand about his spaceflight experiences.

Steve Smith portrait against a plain backdrop.

Meet an Astronaut: Steve Swanson


Date: Apr 06, 2025 to Apr 09, 2025
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Steve Swanson, a seasoned astronaut and former International Space Station commander, will be at the Kennedy Space Center for Astronaut Encounter.

Norm Thagard in astronaut suit with NASA patch and American flag backdrop.

Meet an Astronaut: Norm Thagard

Date: Apr 10, 2025 to Apr 12, 2025
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Norm Thagard, a veteran NASA astronaut and the first American to fly aboard a Russian spacecraft, will be making a special appearance at the Kennedy Space Center.

Astronaut Guy Gardner portrait at Kennedy Space Center.

Meet an Astronaut: Guy Gardner


Date: Apr 13, 2025 to Apr 15, 2025
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Guy Gardner, a distinguished astronaut with two space shuttle missions under his belt, will be at the Kennedy Space Center.

Astronaut in cockpit at Kennedy Space Center.

Meet an Astronaut: Ken Cameron


Date: Apr 16, 2025 to Apr 20, 2025
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Ken Cameron, an astronaut with multiple shuttle missions and a wealth of knowledge, will be making a special appearance.

Astronaut Mike Foreman in space suit with NASA logo, Houston Space Center, USA.

Meet an Astronaut: Mike Foreman

Date: Apr 21, 2025 to Apr 23, 2025
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Mike Foreman, a veteran astronaut who has completed multiple spacewalks, will host a live presentation during the Astronaut Encounter.

Charlie Walker against a backdrop for a photograph.

Meet an Astronaut: Charlie Walker

Date: Apr 24, 2025 to Apr 26, 2025
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

The first commercial payload specialist, Charlie Walker, will be at the Kennedy Space Center.

Astronaut suit display at Kennedy Space Center, Florida.

Meet an Astronaut: Barbara Morgan

Date: Apr 27, 2025 to Apr 30, 2025
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Barbara Morgan, NASA’s first educator astronaut, will share her inspiring journey during her visit.

Astronaut Encounter & Chat With An Astronaut: What’s the difference?

Astronaut speaking to visitors at Kennedy Space Centre.

While Astronaut Encounter is great for a general introduction, Chat With An Astronaut offers a more intimate and engaging experience.

  • Astronaut Encounter: Included with daily admission, this event features a live presentation by an astronaut, followed by a Q&A session where you can ask their space-related questions. You can also meet the astronaut for autographs at The Space Shop and Shuttle Express during scheduled times.
  • Chat With An Astronaut: This is an add-on experience that offers a more personal interaction. You can enjoy food and beverages while participating in a group conversation with the Astronaut of the Day. It’s a chance to hear firsthand about what it’s really like to live and work in space.

Kennedy Space Center Rocket Launches

SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launching Starlink satellites at SLC-40, Cape Canaveral.

SpaceX Falcon 9 Starlink 12-7


Date: Jan 27, 2025 at 2:21pm
Location: Space Launch Complex 40, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Witness the launch of ​SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket carrying a batch of Starlink v2-mini satellites.

Aerial view of Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center, Florida.

SpaceX Falcon 9 Intuitive Machines (IM-2)

Date: Feb 26, 2025
Location: Launch Complex 39A, Kennedy Space Center

See history in the making as SpaceX launches a Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Intuitive Machines IM-2 mission payload.

Photograph of the NASA's SpaceX Crew-10

NASA's SpaceX Crew-10

Date: TBD, late March 2025

Location: Launch Complex 39A, Kennedy Space Center

Get ready for the highly anticipated NASA's SpaceX Crew-10 mission! This launch will carry astronauts aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft to the International Space Station.

New Glenn rocket launching at Cape Canaveral, Florida, with fiery trail against a clear sky.

Blue Origin New Glenn ESCAPADE

Date: TBD, Spring 2025
Location: Space Launch Complex 36, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

This groundbreaking launch aboard the New Glenn rocket will study how the solar wind interacts with Mars’ magnetosphere.

Read more about the rocket launches ​here.

Special events to look out for

Beyond astronaut meet-and-greets and launches, enjoy exclusive events like after-hours parties and prestigious ceremonies at Kennedy Space Center!

Kennedy Space Center Under The Stars venue with illuminated rocket display.

Kennedy Under the Stars

After-Hours Event

Date: Feb 07, 2025 | 06:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Get ready for an out-of-this-world evening at Kennedy Under the Stars! This galactic glow party features late-night access to attractions, live DJ music, and opportunities to mingle with astronauts. Enjoy a unique, festive atmosphere as you explore the Kennedy Space Center under the stars. It’s the perfect night for space enthusiasts!

More about Kennedy Under the Stars
Astronaut Hall of Fame exhibit at Kennedy Space Center, featuring space exploration history.

2025 U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame® Induction

Event

Date: May 31, 2025
Location: Bottom Floor of Space Shuttle Atlantis®

Celebrate the achievements of America’s space pioneers at the 2025 U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame® Induction Ceremony. Hosted at the Kennedy Space Center, this prestigious event will honor astronauts who have significantly contributed to space exploration. Don’t miss this unforgettable experience!

More about U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®

Frequently asked questions about Kennedy Space Center events

How can I attend astronaut meet-and-greet events?

Astronaut Encounter is included with ​1 & 2-day general admission tickets, but the Chat with an Astronaut experience requires a separate ticket. You can book yours ​here.

What are the most popular Kennedy Space Center events?

Signature events include rocket launches, astronaut meet-and-greets, SpaceX mission viewings, and educational programs like Camp KSC.

Can I watch a rocket launch during my visit?

Yes, With a general admission ticket to the Kennedy Space Center, you can watch rocket launches on launch days. Viewing areas like the North Atlantis Lawn and Banana Creek offer prime spots to witness the action.

Are there seasonal events at the Kennedy Space Center?

Yes, seasonal highlights include the Holidays in Space celebration and spring and summer editions of Camp KSC for students.

What happens if a Kennedy Space Center event is postponed?

Events like rocket launches are weather-dependent. If postponed, the Kennedy Space Center provides updates on its website and social media platforms.

More reads

Two people exploring Kennedy Space Center and getting a photograph clicked at the entrance.

Plan your visit

Rocket Garden at Kennedy Space Centre with historic rockets on display.

Timings

Visitors exploring a rocket exhibit at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, during a guided tour.

Getting there

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