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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: Bob Cenker
Astronaut Appearance
Date: 9 April 2024 - 11 April 2024
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Learn all the ways of an astronaut from Bob Cenker during your next visit to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex!
2. NET Aril 09, 2024 | ULA Delta IV Heavy NROL-70
Rocket launch
Date: 9 April 2024 at 12:53pm
Location: Apollo / Saturn V Center and Main Visitor Complex
Watch a ULA Delta IV Heavy rocket launch the NROL-70 mission from Kennedy Space Center. The mission for the National Reconnaissance Office will take off from Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. This is the 16th and final launch of a Delta IV Heavy rocket.
3. Meet an Astronaut: Steve Swanson
Astronaut Appearance
Date: 12 April 2024 - 15 April 2024
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Meet astronaut Steve Swanson during the Astronaut Encounter, Chat With An Astronaut. Make use of the autograph opportunities and don’t forget to click pictures!
4. Meet an Astronaut: Mark Lee
Astronaut Appearance
Date: 16 April 2024 - 20 April 2024
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Astronaut Mark Lee will participate in the Astronaut Encounter and Chat With An Astronaut. He will also sign autographs after the meet and greet so bring your pens, cameras and questions!
5. Fly With An Astronaut
Event
Date: 19 April 2024 - 21 April, 2024
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Take a guided tour behind the gates of Kennedy Space Center, eat lunch and launch into space aboard the Shuttle Launch Experience® with an astronaut during this exclusive program.
6. Meet an Astronaut: John D. Bartoe
Astronaut Appearance
Date: 21 April 2024 - 25 April 2024
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Head over to Kennedy Space Center and meet astronaut John D. Bartoe during the Astronaut Encounter and Chat With An Astronaut. Take advantage of the autograph opportunities!
7. Meet an Astronaut: Jim Newman
Astronaut Appearance
Date: 26 April 2024 - 30 April 2024
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Meet astronaut Jim Newman during the Astronaut Encounter and Chat With An Astronaut. Bring your pens for autograph opportunities and your questions!
8. NET May 2024 | ULA Atlas V Boeing Starliner Crewed Flight Test
Rocket Launch
Date: May 2024
Location: Space Launch Complex 41 • Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
The Crew Flight Test will demonstrate the ability of Starliner and the United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rocket to safely carry astronauts to and from the International Space Station.
9. Meet an Astronaut: Anna Fisher
Astronaut Appearance
Date: 1 May 2024 - 4 May 2024
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Catch Anna Fisher during the Astronaut Encounter, Chat With An Astronaut and get a few autograph opportunities.
10. Meet an Astronaut: Fred Gregory
Astronaut Appearance
Date: 5 May 2024 - 8 May 2024
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Astronaut Fred Gregory will participate in the Astronaut Encounter and Chat With An Astronaut. He will also sign autographs after the meet and greet so bring your pens, cameras and questions!
11. Meet an Astronaut: John D. Bartoe
Astronaut Appearance
Date: 9 May 2024 - 12 May 2024
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Head over to Kennedy Space Center and meet astronaut John D. Bartoe during the Astronaut Encounter and Chat With An Astronaut. Take advantage of the autograph opportunities!
12. Meet an Astronaut: Bob Thirsk
Astronaut Appearance
Date: 13 May 2024 - 16 May 2024
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Meet astronaut Bob Thirsk during your next trip to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex!
13. Meet an Astronaut: Charlie Walker
Astronaut Appearance
Date: 17 May 2024 - 20 May 2024
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Learn all the ways of an astronaut from Charlie Walker during your next visit to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex!
14. Meet an Astronaut: John Herrington
Astronaut Appearance
Date: 21 May 2024 - 24 May 2024
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Astronaut John Herrington will participate in the Astronaut Encounter and Chat With An Astronaut. He will also sign autographs after the meet and greet so bring your pens, cameras and questions!
15. Fly With An Astronaut
Event
Date: 24 May 2024 - 26 May 2024
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Go on a guided tour with an astronaut behind the gates of Kennedy Space Center in this exclusive program that lets you enjoy lunch on and experience a simulated space launch aboard Shuttle Launch Experience®.
16. Meet an Astronaut: Guy Gardner
Astronaut Appearance
Date: 25 May 2024 - 28 May 2024
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Meet astronaut Guy Gardner during the Astronaut Encounter and Chat With An Astronaut. Bring your pens for autograph opportunities and your questions!
17. Meet an Astronaut: Norm Thagard
Astronaut Appearance
Date: 29 May 2024 - 1 June 2024
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Astronaut Norm Thagard heads back to the visitor complex to meet and greet you in the Astronaut Encounter and Chat With An Astronaut experiences. Head over to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to meet this veteran NASA astronaut during your visit.
18. 2024 U.S. Astronaut Hall Of Fame® Induction
Events
Date: 1 June 2024 at 11:00am
Location: Bottom Floor of Space Shuttle Atlantis®
The 2024 U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame® Induction Ceremony will be hosted at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex at 11:00 am.
19. Meet an Astronaut: Brian Duffy
Astronaut Appearance
Date: 2 June 2024 - 5 June 2024
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Learn how one becomes an astronaut and what an astronaut does in his day-to-day work with Brian Duffy during your next trip to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex!
20. Meet an Astronaut: Steve Smith
Astronaut Appearance
Date: 6 June 2024 - 11 June 2024
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Meet veteran NASA astronaut Steve Smith for an unforgettable experience at Kennedy Space Center.
21. Fly With An Astronaut
Events
Date: 7 June 2024 - 9 June 2024
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Take a guided tour aboard the Shuttle Launch Experience® with an astronaut during this exclusive program. You get to eat lunch in and experience a simulation of launching into space in this attraction.
22. Meet an Astronaut: Norm Thagard
Astronaut Appearance
Date: 12 June 2024 - 14 June 2024
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Learn all the ways of an astronaut from Norm Thagard during your next visit to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex!
23. Meet an Astronaut: Terry Wilcutt
Astronaut Appearance
Date: 15 June 2024 - 18 June 2024
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Meet astronaut Terry Wilcutt during Astronaut Encounter and Chat With An Astronaut. Get his autograph and make use of this opportunity to ask all your questions about being an astronaut!
24. Meet an Astronaut: John Fabian
Astronaut Appearance
Date: 19 June 2024 - 22 June 2024
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Astronaut John Fabian will participate in the Astronaut Encounter and Chat With An Astronaut. He will also sign autographs after the meet and greet so bring your pens, cameras and questions!
25. Meet an Astronaut: Ken Cameron
Astronaut Appearance
Date: 23 June 2024 - 26 June 2024
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Head over to Kennedy Space Center and meet astronaut Ken Cameron during the Astronaut Encounter and Chat With An Astronaut. Take advantage of the autograph opportunities!
26. NET June 25, 2024 | SpaceX Falcon Heavy GOES-U
Rocket Launch
Date: 25 June 2024
Location: Launch Complex 39A • Kennedy Space Center
A SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket will launch the GOES-U mission for NASA.
27. Meet an Astronaut: Barbara Morgan
Astronaut Appearance
Date: 27 June 2024 - 28 June 2024
Location: Kennedy Space Center
Catch Barbara Morgan during the Astronaut Encounter, Chat With An Astronaut and get a few autograph opportunities.
28. Meet an Astronaut: Bill McArthur
Astronaut Appearance
Date: 29 June 2024 - 2 July 2024
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Meet astronaut Bill McArthur during the Astronaut Encounter and Chat With An Astronaut. Bring your pens for autograph opportunities and your questions!
29. Meet an Astronaut: Mike Baker
Astronaut Appearance
Date: 3 July 2024 - 6 July 2024
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Meet astronaut Mike Baker during Astronaut Encounter and Chat With An Astronaut experience. Bring your camera, your questions and your pens for an autograph!
30. Meet an Astronaut: Mike Foreman
Astronaut Appearance
Date: 7 July 2024 - 10 July 2024
Location: Kennedy Space Center
Astronaut Mike Foreman will participate in the Astronaut Encounter and Chat With An Astronaut. He will also sign autographs after the meet and greet so bring your pens, cameras and questions!
31. Meet an Astronaut: Charlie Walker
Astronaut Appearance
Date: 11 July 2024 - 15 July 2024
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Head over to Kennedy Space Center and meet astronaut Charlie Walker during the Astronaut Encounter and Chat With An Astronaut. Take advantage of the autograph opportunities!
32. Fly With An Astronaut
Events
Date: 12 July 2024 - 14 July 2024
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Take a guided tour behind the gates of Kennedy Space Center with an astronaut. Eat lunch and launch into space aboard the Shuttle Launch Experience® during this exclusive program.
33. Meet an Astronaut: Ken Cameron
Astronaut Appearance
Date: 15 July 2024 - 17 July 2024
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Learn how one becomes an astronaut and what an astronaut does in his day-to-day work with Ken Cameron during your next trip to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex!
34. Meet an Astronaut: Marcos Pontes
Astronaut Appearance
Date: 18 July 2024 - 23 July 2024
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Astronaut Marcos Pontes heads back to the visitor complex to meet and greet you in the Astronaut Encounter and Chat With An Astronaut experiences. Head over to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to meet this veteran NASA astronaut during your visit.
35. Meet an Astronaut: Roger Crouch
Astronaut Appearance
Date: 24 July 2024 - 27 July 2024
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Meet astronaut Roger Crouch during the Astronaut Encounter and Chat With An Astronaut. Bring your pens for autograph opportunities and your questions!
36. Meet an Astronaut: Kathryn Thornton
Astronaut Appearance
Date: 28 July 2024 - 31 July 2024
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Astronaut Kathryn Thornton will participate in the Astronaut Encounter and Chat With An Astronaut. She will also sign autographs after the meet and greet so bring your pens, cameras and questions!
37. NET October 10, 2024 | SpaceX Falcon Heavy Europa Clipper
Rocket Launch
Date: 10 October 2024
Location: Launch Complex 39A • Kennedy Space Center
A SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket will launch the Europa Clipper mission to Jupiter's icy moon for NASA.
38. April 2024 | SpaceX Falcon 9 Starlink 7-28
Rocket Launch
Date: April
Location: Space Launch Complex 40 • Cape Canaveral Space Force Base
SpaceX launch of a batch of Starlink v2-mini satellites for their second generation high-speed low earth orbit internet satellite constellation.
39. NET MAY 6, 2024 | ULA Atlas V Boeing Starliner Crewed Flight Test
Rocket Launch
Date: May 2024
Location: Space Launch Complex 41 • Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
The Crew Flight Test (CFT) will demonstrate the ability of Starliner and the United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rocket to safely carry astronauts to and from the International Space Station.
Kennedy Under the Stars | A galactic glow-in-the-dark party
Date: August 31 2024, 6:30pm to 10pm
Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
This August, the Kennedy Space Center is hosting its annual Kennedy Under the Stars event at the Visitor Complex. Expect a host of fun activities including DJs playing music from the 80s and 90s & techno, a glow bar, lounge areas, glow-in-the-dark miniature golf, and some cool multisensory experiments from the STEAM team.
NASA Astronauts will be a part of the festivities giving you a chance to interact with them and take pictures. You’ll also get to explore some of the attractions at the complex after hours like the US Astronaut Hall of Fame® presented by Boeing®, Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex®, Spaceport KSC®, Space Shuttle Atlantis®, Shuttle Launch Experience®, & more!
Recommended tours:
Exclusive: Kennedy Under the Stars, After-Hours Event
Find out moreKennedy 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.
Book Kennedy Space Center Tickets & Tours
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 regular launches and events that take place. 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 Psyche Mission taking place on 5 October. This mission will send a spacecraft to study an asteroid of the same name.
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.
