All the Information You Need About NASA's Kennedy Space Center

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What is the Kennedy Space Center?

The John F. Kennedy Space Center is located on Merritt Island, Florida. It is one of the ten field centers of  National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA). Since 1968, NASA Kennedy Space Center has been the main launch center of human spaceflight. Famous launch operations like the one for Apollo and Skylab were carried out from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39. Kennedy Space Center also manages the launch of robotic and commercial crew missions and researches food production and In-Situ Resource Utilization for off-Earth exploration. There are 700 facilities and buildings across Kennedy Space Center. The Visitor Complex is one of them and houses the major attractions and exhibits for visitors to explore.

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Official Name: John F. Kennedy Space Center

Opening Date: 1 July, 1962

Function: Launch center for human spaceflight

Owner: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Location: Merritt Island, Florida

Former Name: Launch Operations Center

Size: 144,000 acres

No. of Visitors Per Year: Over 1.7 million

What is the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex?

about Kennedy Space Center NASA

Where is the Kennedy Space Center Located?

Address: Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953, USA | Find on maps

NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is in Central Florida, located extremely close to Orlando and Daytona Beach. There is no public transportation available to the Visitor Complex. However, you can access it by car. It is a 51 minute drive from the airport and there are ample parking facilities available at the Visitor Complex. The nearest airport to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is Melbourne (MLB) Airport. You can also book tickets with round trip transfers for a hassle-free experience.

Kennedy Space Center Opening Hours

Monday to Sunday : 9 AM - 5 PM

Duration of visit: A full day to ensure you see all attractions or 2 hours on a bus tour.

Why is NASA's Kennedy Space Center Famous?

about Kennedy Space Center NASA

Why Was the Kennedy Space Center Established?

about Kennedy Space Center NASA

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. 

History of the Kennedy Space Center in a Nutshell

  • 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.

Highlights at NASA's Kennedy Space Center

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.

about Kennedy Space Center NASA - Shuttle: A Ship Like No Other

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.

about Kennedy Space Center NASA - Behind the Gates

Behind the Gates

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

about Kennedy Space Center NASA - Race to the Moon

Race to the Moon

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

about Kennedy Space Center NASA - NASA Now + Next

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.

Book Your Kennedy Space Center Tickets & Tours

Admission Tickets to Kennedy Space Center
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Tickets to Kennedy Space Center with Explore Tour
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Guided Tour
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Tickets to Kennedy Space Center & Chat with an Astronaut
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Tickets to Kennedy Space Center with Round-Trip Transfers
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Frequently Asked Questions About NASA's Kennedy Space Center

Q. Where is the Kennedy Space Centre?

A. NASA's Kennedy Space Center is located at Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953, USA.

Q. When was the Kennedy Space Center established?

A. The Kennedy Space Center was established in 1962.

Q. Why is Kennedy Space Center famous?

A. The Kennedy Space Center is famous for being NASA’s primary launch center of human spaceflight.

Q. Can you visit Kennedy Space Center for free?

A. No, you need to purchase tickets to visit the NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and view its attractions. You can book your tickets here.

Q. How much does it cost to visit the Kennedy Space Center?

A. Kennedy Space Center tickets start from $80.25.

Q. Is visiting Kennedy Space Center worth it?

A. Yes, visiting NASA's Kennedy Space Center is an educational, entertaining, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Q. Why was the Kennedy Space Center built in Florida?

A. The Kennedy Space Center was built in Florida because it is relatively close to the equator compared to other locations in the United States.

Q. When was the Kennedy Space Center opened?

A. The NASA Kennedy Space Center opened on 1 July 1962.

Q. Who owns the Kennedy Space Center?

A. The Kennedy Space Center is owned by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Q. What's inside the Kennedy Space Center?

A. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is divided into 5 mission zones, each of which have a unique set of attractions and exhibits.

Q. What are the Kennedy Space Center timings?

A. The Kennedy Space Center is open from 9 AM to 5 PM everyday.