All You Need to Know About the Kennedy Space Center

Explore Kennedy Space Center, Florida's gateway to space. Get up close to historic spacecraft, meet astronauts, and witness rocket launches. Immerse yourself in the epic story of space exploration, from the Apollo missions to the Space Shuttle era...

Also Known As

Launch Operations Center

Founded On

1967

Founded By

Charles Luckman

Quick Information

ADDRESS

9339 Jeff Fuqua Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827, USA

RECOMMENDED DURATION

5+ hours

Timings

09:00–17:00

VISITORS PER YEAR

960000

TICKETS

From $75

NUMBER OF ENTRANCES

Plan your visit

Did you know?

It was the launch site for the Apollo 11 mission, which landed the first humans on the moon. The center has launched many space exploration vehicles, including space shuttles like Atlantis, Saturn V moon rocket, Apollo 14 Kitty Hawk capsule, Gemini 9 capsule, and Mercury Sigma 7 capsule. The center also has a Rocket Garden, where you can see rockets from NASA’s Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs

Kennedy Space Center is home to the Saturn V rocket, the largest and most powerful rocket ever built, capable of launching astronauts to the Moon.

The Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center is one of the largest buildings by volume in the world, with enough space to fit four jumbo jets inside.

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Kennedy Space Center Florida Admission Tickets

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Kennedy Space Center Tickets with Guided Explore Tour

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Kennedy Space Center Tickets & Chat with an Astronaut

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Kennedy Space Center Small Group VIP Experience

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Why Kennedy Space Center is a NASA Landmark

Kennedy Space Center in Florida is pivotal in NASA’s mission. It is the base for Space Shuttle launch and landing operations. Every manned mission to space has departed from NASA Kennedy Space Center. Over the years, it has evolved to become the starting point for hundreds of scientific and applications spacecraft.

Kennedy Space Center garnered more recognition for being the launch site of the Hubble Space Telescope, the Mars Rover Project, and New Horizons, which was the first spacecraft to ever visit Pluto.

Why KSC Was Established

President Dwight Eisenhower founded NASA in 1958 and the NASA Launch Operations Center in East Florida was opened in 1962. This facility was later renamed in honor of President Kennedy. President Kennedy’s goal of a crewed lunar landing by 1970 required the expansion of existing launch operations.

Cape Canaveral turned out to be inadequate to host the new launch facility design and eventually a decision was made to build a new Launch Operations Center. This new center came to be known as the NASA Kennedy Space Center in Orlando, Florida.

Tracing the Legacy: From Concept to Launchpad

In September 1961, NASA sought to purchase land on Merritt Island to support the Apollo Lunar Landing Program. This land eventually became the Kennedy Space Center we know today.
In March 1962, the Launch Operations Center (LOC) was established as an independent NASA field center located on Merritt Island.
In November 1963, President Lyndon Johnson announced that the facilities of the Launch Operations Center and Station No. 1 of the Atlantic Missile Range as the John F. Kennedy Space Center.
The NASA Kennedy Space Center Headquarters building was formally opened on May 26, 1965.
The Visitor Complex at NASA Kennedy Space Center Florida began when NASA Administrator James Webb established self-guided for the public to drive along predetermined routes through the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
As the American Space Program grew in popularity, more and more people were interested in getting a close up view of the Kennedy Space Center and its operations.
The government urged Webb to create a dedicated visitors’ program and by 1964 more than 250,000 self-guided car tours took place at the Kennedy Space Center.
Over the years, with more funding, the Visitor Complex was expanded to include more attractions and increase visitor footfall.

Mission Zones at KSC

about Kennedy Space Center NASA - Heros & Legends

Heroes & Legends

This exhibit focuses on the legends of NASA’s early space program and how these men and women made their dreams a reality.

See NASA's Space Heroes

Shuttle: A Ship Like No Other

Admire a real space shuttle suspended overhead with the payload doors open. Atlantis is one of the three space-flown shuttles to be on display in the United States.

Explore Space Shuttle Atlantis

Behind the Gates

Be a part of some of history's greatest moments as you explore different launch locations at the Kennedy Space Center.

Go Behind the Scenes

All about KSC attractions >

Race to the Moon

Also known as the Apollo/Saturn V Center, this mission zone is dedicated to the Apollo Moon landings, the courageous people involved in the mission and the machines used.

Discover the Saturn V Rocket

NASA Now + Next

Get a close look at the journey of space exploration and the exciting things that are yet to come at this exciting exhibit.

Visit NASA Now + Next

Frequently Asked Questions About NASA's Kennedy Space Center

Why was the Kennedy Space Center built in Florida?

The Kennedy Space Center was built in Florida because it is relatively close to the equator compared to other locations in the United States. This proximity allows rockets to take advantage of the Earth's rotation during launches. The positioning also enables rockets to launch eastward over the Atlantic Ocean, minimizing risks to populated areas in case of launch failures.

What can I expect to see at the Kennedy Space Center?

At KSC, you can explore attractions like the Space Shuttle Atlantis®, the Apollo/Saturn V Center, Heroes and Legends, the Rocket Garden, and the Gateway: Deep Space Launch Complex. Apart from this, you can see live shows, exhibits, and astronaut encounters bring space exploration to life.

Are there guided tours at KSC?

Yes, you can enjoy the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour, which provides access to restricted areas, including the Apollo/Saturn V Center. Specialized tours, such as the Kennedy Space Center Explore Tour, are also available for an additional fee.

Can I meet an astronaut during my visit?

You can book the Chat with an Astronaut with general admission ticket to meet veteran NASA astronauts, hear their space stories and ask them questions.

Can I see a rocket launch during my visit?

The Kennedy Space Center offers viewing opportunities for rocket launches. Time your visit to KSC based on the upcoming launches. Use this launch schedule guide to plan your visit.

Is the Kennedy Space Center wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the Visitor Complex is fully wheelchair accessible, with rental wheelchairs and scooters available on-site.

Is photography allowed inside?

Photography is encouraged inside KSC but make sure to refrain from using the flash. Don’t carry professional photography equipment with you since those are not allowed inside.