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Contents
Your Guide to the Kennedy Space Center Rocket Launches & Events
Kennedy Space CenterLaunches & Events
Kennedy Space Center Launches
Kennedy Space Center offers visitors the opportunity to get a close look at rocket launches from its premises. All the viewing locations for the launches are just a few miles/kilometers from the launch pads. This gives its viewers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness rockets and space shuttles blast off into outer space.
Keep in mind that the Visitor Complex does offer launch tickets for rocket launches, however, they are available only in addition to the daily admission tickets. Take a look at the Kennedy Space Center event calendar for upcoming launches and viewing opportunities.
Kennedy Space Center launch tickets*Launch dates, timings, and viewing opportunities are subject to change. They can be affected by technical and mechanical issues, range operations, and the weather. Changes can take place in advance or even at the last minute.
Kennedy Space Center Launches & Events Schedule
1. Meet an Astronaut: Ken Cameron
Astronaut Appearance
Date: 15 September 2024 - 19 September 2024
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Join astronaut Ken Cameron for an exciting opportunity to engage with a veteran of three space shuttle missions. Participate in the daily Astronaut Encounter, snap a picture, and bring your burning space questions to Chat With An Astronaut. Don't forget to ask for his autograph!
2. Meet an Astronaut: Guy Gardner
Astronaut Appearance
Date: 20 September 2024 - 23 September 2024 | 10 October 2024 - 14 October 2024
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Meet astronaut Guy Gardner, a distinguished pilot of two space shuttle missions, STS-27 and STS-35. This is your chance to hear stories of spaceflight firsthand, secure an autograph, and enjoy a one-on-one interaction with one of NASA’s best.
3. Meet an Astronaut: Brian Duffy
Astronaut Appearance
Date: 24 September 2024 - 28 September 2024
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Catch Brian Duffy, a veteran of four space shuttle missions, and let him walk you through his incredible career as both pilot and commander. Bring your questions and enjoy a unique opportunity to meet a spaceflight legend.
4. NASA's SpaceX Crew-9
Rocket Launch
Date: 25 September 2024 at 2:28pm
Location: Space Launch Complex 40 • Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission will soon lift off, carrying astronauts to the International Space Station. With a Launch Transportation Ticket, you'll experience the thrill of viewing the rocket launch while enjoying expert commentary from Kennedy Space Center.
5. Meet an Astronaut: John Herrington
Astronaut Appearance
Date: 29 September 2024 - 1 October 2024
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Don’t miss the chance to meet John Herrington, the first Native American to fly in space. This is your opportunity to connect with a true pioneer, ask questions, and hear about his historic space missions.
6. Taste of Space: Fall Bites!
Event
Date: 30 September 2024 - 3 November 2024
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Indulge in the autumn flavors at Kennedy Space Center with Fall Bites! Enjoy seasonal favorites like the Harvest Bowl and Autumn Pizza. This culinary experience is included with your admission, but make sure to have extra cash for food purchases.
7. Taste of Space: Marstini Shake-Off
Event
Date: 4 October 2024 at 6:30pm
Location: The Deep Space Launch Complex®
Attend the Marstini Shake-Off, where local mixologists compete to create the best space-inspired cocktail. Sample the creations, vote for your favorite, and enjoy an out-of-this-world evening with astronaut judges.
8. Meet an Astronaut: Bob Cenker
Astronaut Appearance
Date: 5 October 2024 - 9 October 2024
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Bob Cenker returns to Kennedy Space Center to share his experiences as both an astronaut and aerospace engineer. Don't miss the opportunity to hear about his unique contributions to space exploration.
9. World Space Week Expo
Event
Date: 11 October 2024
Location: Space Shuttle Atlantis®
Celebrate World Space Week with the theme "Space and Climate Change." Explore interactive displays, attend special presentations, and get hands-on with exhibits designed to educate and inspire.
10. Fly With An Astronaut: Bruce Melnick
Tour
Date: 11 October 2024 - 13 October 2024
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Spend the day with Bruce Melnick, a veteran NASA astronaut, as he takes you on an exclusive guided tour of the Kennedy Space Center. The experience includes a catered lunch, a Q&A session, a commemorative pin, and thrilling attractions like the Shuttle Launch Experience® and the Space Shuttle Atlantis® exhibit.
11. Meet an Astronaut: Charlie Walker
Astronaut Appearance
Date: 9 May 2024 - 12 May 2024
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Astronaut Charlie Walker will be available for meet-and-greets during this special event. As a payload specialist on three space shuttle missions, Walker brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. Be sure to attend the Astronaut Encounter to hear his stories and grab an autograph.
12. Meet an Astronaut: Mike Baker
Astronaut Appearance
Date: 27 October 2024 - 31 October 2024
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Join astronaut Mike Baker for a series of astronaut encounters, including chats and autograph sessions. Learn about his career as a Navy aviator and test pilot, and discover his experiences in space.
13. Taste of Space: Celebrity Chef Edition
Event
Date: 2 November 2024 at 6pm
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Enjoy a star-studded evening with chefs Duff Goldman, Amanda Freitag, and Jon Ashton. Savor exclusive samplings from their demonstrations, enjoy photo ops with NASA astronauts, and indulge in Chef Duff’s signature space-themed cake. Don’t miss this unique culinary event featuring celebrity chefs and space legends.
14 . Taste of Space: Celebrity Chef Ice Cream Social
Event
Date: 3 November 2024
Location: Heroes & Legends Conference Facility
Spend a fun-filled Sunday making sundaes with chefs Duff Goldman and Amanda Freitag! Build your own masterpiece from a colorful buffet, and even try a liquid nitrogen-frozen treat. Snap a photo with the chefs and astronauts, and take home a commemorative pin to remember this sweet experience.
15. 2024 Holidays in Space
Astronaut Appearance
Date:13 December 2024 - 30 December 2024
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Celebrate the holiday season at Kennedy Space Center with Holidays in Space. Enjoy the nightly "Starflake's Holiday Voyage" projection show on the Gateway complex, marvel at the festive décor, and take a stroll along the Rocket Tree Trail. With dazzling lights and larger-than-life holiday installations, this is a holiday experience unlike any other.
Kennedy Space Center Launch Viewing Areas
Main Visitor Complex
The main viewing area in the Visitor Complex is located next to the Space Shuttle Atlantis®, which is in the North Atlantis Lawn. It has live launch commentary and visitors can see the rocket once it clears the tree line.
Distances to Launch Pads:
- To Atlas V SLC-41: 7.1 miles/11.4 kilometers (approximately)
- To Falcon 9 SLC-40: 6.7 miles/10.8 kilometers (approximately)
- To Delta IV SLC-37: 7 miles/11.3 kilometers (approximately)
- To SpaceX LC-39A: 7.5 miles/12 kilometers (approximately)
Amenities and Inclusions:
- This location comes with bleacher and lawn seating with minimal viewing obstructions. Viewers also get to witness live commentary during the launch.
- Access to main Visitor Complex attractions, shows, dining, and retail if the launch is during operational hours.
Banana Creek Launch Viewing Area
This viewing location is adjacent to the Apollo/Saturn V Center and offers outdoor bleacher seating with views of launch pads across the Banana Creek. If the Apollo/Saturn V Center is open during the launch window it also includes Apollo Program exhibits and offers a close-up look at the world’s largest rocket, the Saturn V.
Distance to Launch Pads:
- To Atlas V SLC-41: 5.4 miles/8.7 kilometers (approximately)
- To Falcon 9 SLC-40: 6.2 miles/10 kilometers (approximately)
- To Delta IV SLC-37: 8 miles/12.8 kilometers (approximately)
- To SpaceX LC-39A: 3.9 miles/6.27 kilometers (approximately)
Amenities and Inclusions:
- Bleacher seating and open lawn area (available on a first-come, first-served basis).
- Access to the Apollo/Saturn V Center when open, as well as dining and shopping. Note that the Apollo/Saturn V Center may be closed on account of private events or due to other operational concerns.
The First Launch at the Kennedy Space Center
On November 9, 1967, the first ever launch took place at Kennedy Space Center at Launch Complex 39 with the first flight test of the 363-foot-tall Saturn V. This rocket was part of the Apollo 4 mission. The rocket’s power of 7.5 million pounds of thrust had a major impact reaching the Launch Control Center (LCC), Press Site and spectators, all three miles away.
This first launch was a part of John. F Kennedy’s vision to build a rocket to the moon. Launches continue to happen at the Kennedy Space Center at regular intervals even today.
History of the Kennedy Space CenterHistoric Launches at the Kennedy Space Center
Apollo Program
- From 1967 to 1973 there were a total of 13 Saturn V launches.
- The first of two uncrewed flights, Apollo 4, in 1967, was also the first rocket launch from KSC.
- The first launch of Saturn V with a crew took place in December 1968. This was the Apollo 8’s lunar orbiting mission.
- The following two missions which were Apollo 9 (Earth Orbit) and Apollo 10 (lunar orbit), tested the Lunar Module .
- Apollo 11 which was launched from Pad A on July 16, 1969, made the first Moon landing on July 20.
- The Apollo program concluded at KSC with the launches of missions 13 through 17 from 1970-72.
Skylab
- Skylab was the first United States space station launched by NASA.
- It was engaged for about 24 weeks between May 1973 and February 1974.
- The main functions were an orbital workshop, a solar observatory, Earth observation, and hundreds of other experiments.
- The last Saturn V launch put the Skylab space station in orbit.
- In 1979, when it was not able to be re-boosted by the Space Shuttle, its orbit decayed and disintegrated in the atmosphere.
The Space Shuttle Program
- The Space Shuttle program was the fourth human spaceflight program carried out by NASA.
- It accomplished routine transportation for Earth-to-orbit crew and cargo from 1981 to 2011.
- Shuttle Discovery and Shuttle Atlantis were the orbiter vehicles that were part of the program for space exploration.
- The Shuttle is the only winged and crewed spacecraft to have achieved a successful orbit and landing.
Expendable Launch Vehicles (ELVs)
- Since 1958, NASA and the military worked together on robotic mission launches.
- In the 1960s, NASA had two robotic mission launches a month and the frequent number of flights allowed for quick evolution of the vehicles.
- From the 1950s up until 1978, Kennedy Space Center chose the rocket and payload processing facilities for all robotic missions that were launched in the United States.
- Kennedy Space Center carried out this function for commercial and foreign missions as well.
Space Station Processing
- During the 1990s, the Kennedy Space Center began to work with other NASA centers as well as international partners to prepare for processing before the launch of the Space Shuttle.
- It utilized its experience processing the 22 Spacelab missions in the Operations and Checkout Building to understand ISS processing.
- Today, the Kennedy Space Center continues to process International Space Station payloads from across the world before launch along with developing its experiments for on orbit.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kennedy Space Center Launches & Events
How many Kennedy Space Center launches and events will take place this year?
The Kennedy Space Center has over 40 events scheduled for this year. Keep an eye out for a rocket launch, an astronaut encounter, and other exclusive events here!
When is the next major Kennedy Space Center launch?
The next launch from Kennedy Space Center is the NASA SpaceX Crew-9 taking place on 25 September. This mission will send a send astronauts Nick Hague and Aleksandr Gorbunov to the International Space Station.
When was the first Kennedy Space Center launch?
On November 9, 1967, the first-ever launch took place at the Kennedy Space Center at Launch Complex 39. This was the first flight test of the 363-foot-tall Saturn V.
What are some of the most historic Kennedy Space Center launches?
Some of the most historic Kennedy Space Center launches include the Apollo missions, the Saturn V, Skylab, and Shuttle Discovery.
Can I view a Kennedy Space Center rocket launch for free?
No, you need to purchase tickets to visit the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and view any launches that are taking place. You can book your tickets here.
Is viewing a rocket launch from the Kennedy Space Center worth it?
Yes, viewing a rocket launch from the Kennedy Space Center is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you don't want to miss.
Is seating available at the Kennedy Space Center launch viewing areas?
Yes, seating is available at the various Kennedy Space Center launch viewing areas, however, they are subject to a first-come, first-served basis.
Where are the Kennedy Space Center launch viewing areas?
There are 3 main Kennedy Space Center launch viewing areas - the main Visitor Complex, the Banana Creek at the Apollo/Saturn V Center, and the LC-39 Observatory Gantry.
Can I view a rocket launch at the Kennedy Space Center?
Yes, guests can view rocket launches from the main Visitor Center or the Banana Creek at the Apollo/Saturn V Center. To access the LC-39 Observatory Gantry, you must purchase an additional ticket.
How close are the viewing areas to the launch pads at the Kennedy Space Center?
The viewing areas at the Kennedy Space Center are just a few miles away from the launch pads with minimal obstructions.
Are there any launch rockets inside Kennedy Space Center?
The Rocket Garden at the Kennedy Space Center has several original rockets on display. Visitors also have access to the Apollo/Saturn V Center.
Why is the Kennedy Space Center famous?
The Kennedy Space Center is famous for being NASA’s primary launch center of human spaceflight.
Why was the Kennedy Space Center built in Florida?
Kennedy Space Center was built in Florida because it is relatively close to the equator compared to other locations in the country. This makes it an ideal launch site.
When was the first Cape Canaveral rocket launch?
The first Cape Canaveral rocket launch was of a V-2 rocket on 24 July 1950.
What were some of the main Cape Canaveral rocket launches?
Significant rocket launches have take place from Cape Canaveral. The V-2 rocket Bumper, NASA's Project Mercury & Gemini space flights, and the Saturn I and IB rockets used in the Apollo missions, were all launches from Cape Canaveral.
Why was Cape Canaveral chosen for rocket launches?
Cape Canaveral is an ideal location to launch space flights because the linear velocity of the Earth being strongest towards the equator, which is the case in this area. Rockets are launch eastward in the same direction as the Earth's rotation to take advantage of this force. Additionally, the proximity of Cape Canaveral to the ocean leaves room for fewer accidents.
