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Your guide to the upcoming events at Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space CenterEvents
- Kennedy Space Center
- Chat with an Astronaut
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- Behind the Gates
- Women in Space
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- Shuttle: A Ship Like No Other
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- Mission Zones
- Plan Your Visit
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- Itinerary
- Orlando to KSC
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- Admission
Contents
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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!
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®
Book Kennedy Space Center tickets
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.
