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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

Kennedy Space CenterKennedy Space Center

Quick Information

RECOMMENDED DURATION

5+ hours

VISITORS PER YEAR

960000

TICKETS

From $ 75

NUMBER OF ENTRANCES

5

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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Why is NASA's Kennedy Space Center Famous?

about Kennedy Space Center NASA

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 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
about Kennedy Space Center NASA - Shuttle: A Ship Like No Other
about Kennedy Space Center NASA - Behind the Gates
about Kennedy Space Center NASA - Race to the Moon
about Kennedy Space Center NASA - NASA Now + Next

Frequently Asked Questions About NASA's Kennedy Space Center

Where is the Kennedy Space Centre?

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

When was the Kennedy Space Center established?

The Kennedy Space Center was established in 1962.

Why is Kennedy Space Center famous?

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

Can you visit Kennedy Space Center for free?

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.

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

Kennedy Space Center tickets start from $80.25.

Is visiting Kennedy Space Center worth it?

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

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.

When was the Kennedy Space Center opened?

The NASA Kennedy Space Center opened on 1 July 1962.

Who owns the Kennedy Space Center?

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

What's inside the Kennedy Space Center?

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

What are the Kennedy Space Center timings?

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