The 1960s took man to space and brought the United States space program to the public’s focus of interest. This created the NASA visitor center, which began with a guided tour of Port Canaveral and consolidated with the construction of a permanent information center for visitors. In 1967, the year of its opening, the Complex already added 2.9 million tourists, having reached today more than 1 billion visitors, in an average that exceeds 1 million per year.
On August 1, 2017 the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center celebrates 50 years of sharing the history of NASA and the conquest of outer space. To celebrate, tourists are invited to share their best memories on social networks, using the hashtag # KSCVC50. The best records will be published on the day of the commemoration.
We separate the news of the American summer for those who will visit the Complex, which in September 2017 inaugurates a new and complete educational center for young people from all over the world. Check it:
- Lockheed Martin Mars Experience Bus
The world’s first virtual reality vehicle is in the visitor complex of the Kennedy Space Center as another attraction of theSummer of Mars. The Lockheed Martin Mars Experience Bus visually reproduces an area of approximately 500m2 of the terrain of Mars. Through the windows of the vehicle the tourist observes the rovers, vehicles of exploration, already circulating by the land and visualizes a model of as it would be the first base human base in the Red Planet
Video game technology that takes tourists on a virtual journey has been on a nationwide tour with 33 stops in 12 American cities, arriving at the Kennedy Space Center having hosted more than 35,000 excited tourists. The Mars Experience Bus is part of the Generation Beyond program, an educational initiative of Lockheed Martin to bring space exploration and space education to future astronauts.
- Piezoelectricity
A set of seven tiles was positioned in the entrance plaza of the Kennedy Space Center visitor complex and is giving you the talk! When a person stands on one of the plates, the lights come on: it means the body is producing energy!
The reason is that these tiles are not common, were developed from the technology of “piezoelectricity”, similar to weight scales: pressure on a certain surface generates energy! In addition to learning about renewable energy, visitors feel like they are part of the scientific breakthroughs, and through the enjoyment they are willing to support developments to think about alternative sources of resources for the planet.
- Cosmic Quest
We are calling the next generation of space explorers! Cosmic Quest’s unique live-action experience, created by Creative Kingdoms, engages and inspires young people known as “trainees” in a series of space-based adventures based on science, Technology, engineering, and mathematics) while teaching about the scientific efforts of NASA’s current and future explorations. Trainees can imagine their way to Mars in a simulated capsule, with the mission of creating a habitat on the planet to protect the astronauts from a poisonous and radioactive dust, or set up a rocket launch team and many exciting NASA attractions.
- Countdown Clock
He watched the launch of Apollo 12 for the Moon, the 135 launches of the American Space Program and several planetary probes. Now the countdown clock officially launches visitors into authentic spatial experiences at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The clock, formerly located at NASA’s Kennedy Press Space Center, is now an electrical fixture at the entrance to the Visitor Complex, which counts down to launching the rockets. It is considered one of the most watched watches in the world.
- Fly with an Astronaut
Fly With An Astronaut is an exclusive tour for small groups, guided by a NASA veteran. The half-day experience takes visitors through the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, guided by astronauts like Jon McBride, Winston Scott, Bruce Melnick, Wendy Lawrence and Brazilian Marcos Pontes, and they share their personal experiences along the way.
The tour includes a visit to the exhibition of the Space Shuttle Atlantis® an incredible experience with the simulation of a space launch and an individual photo with an astronaut. A guided tour with panoramic photo stop and lunch at Launch Complex 39 Observation Gantry is also included. Before departure, guests will receive their autographed photo by the astronaut.
- Eyes on the Universe – NASA Space Telescopes
Visitors can travel through time and space to the ends of the universe in “Eyes on the Universe: NASA’s Space Telescopes, the newest 3D movie from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
During the live presentation, visitors will return 13.4 billion years ago through the Hubble Space Telescope and look for the origins of life. They will be guided to discover what is yet to come in space exploration, such as NASA’s James Webb Telescope, built by Northrop Grumman. “Eyes on the Universe” was thought to inspire questions about what will still be revealed in this new age of astronomy.
- The Beautiful Planet, IMAX® 3D movie
A Beautiful 3D Planet offers the public a stunning portrait of Earth like never before seen – from space. The latest film produced in cooperation with NASA presents a unique perspective of our magnificent planet and the effects mankind has had on it over time. The breathtaking 3D documentary was captured by astronauts from space and narrated by Academy Award® winning actress Jennifer Lawrence.
- Heroes & Legends and the Astronaut Hall of Fame®
Newly-opened attraction of the Complex, Heroes & Legends brings to the forefront enthralling stories of pioneering astronauts in America. Visitors can embark on an inspiring journey that begins with an immersive exhibition designed to spark reflection and discussion about how society defines heroes. Then, through cutting-edge technology, interactive elements and engaging exhibits, visitors are introduced to the heroes of NASA’s space program: the pioneers who worked together to make the exploration of space possible.
Photos: Reproduction