John (third from left, front row) and the rest of his crew from STS-1 Max Faget shared his dream – and prototype – of a reusable spacecraft that would “launch like a rocket, land like an airplane, and be reusable.” It took the next 12 years to refine designs, create and test components, and test the first orbiter – Enterprise, named for the starship in Star Trek – to ensure that landing on a landing strip would be feasible. Unlike the manned programs that laid its foundation, the Space Shuttle program had a different vision, one of facilitating everyday work in space. Each step revealed another quote, another scene, another ordinary person who’d dedicated their life to this program. Pausing at the door to read the dedication plaque, I choked up as I walked up the ramps to join the rest of the group. Replica boosters from Space Shuttle Atlantis. As I walked through the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, a replica of these towering icons beckoned the way to Space Shuttle Atlantis. There is no mistaking the shape and size of the solid rocket boosters that lifted each orbiter and bright orange fuel tank off the Space Shuttle launch pads. In our part of Florida, you’re constantly faced with reminders of how deeply everyone’s lives are intertwined with space. When the sheriff’s car goes past, the logo includes a Space Shuttle. Local restaurants are decorated with photos of launches and astronauts. In our home is a model of Discovery, a reminder to John of his 33 years as a career space worker. Living on the Space Coast, there is no escaping the weight of history around you, especially the image of the Space Shuttle, America’s last manned space program. Use our itinerary planner to organize your day in advance, and purchase tickets online.Rollover of Atlantis from the VAB to the Visitor Complex in 2012 It’s a chance for them to learn while having fun, and maybe even inspire them to pursue STEM careers in the future. Learn more about NASA's plan for future space exploration, including navigating deep space, placing a boot print on Mars and building a base on the Moon.īringing children to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex can be an enjoyable and memorable trip. Young explorers will find inspiration inside the Journey To Mars: Explorers Wanted attraction, where they’ll learn about the future of space exploration and practice maneuvering in space on simulators. Nearby in NASA Central, they can enjoy “launching a rocket” by stepping on the new Step. While you’re exploring, be sure to check out the Rocket Garden, where kids can climb into replicas of the capsules used in the Mercury and Gemini programs. There’s a new low price of $8.99 to play! Be sure to grab your tickets in advance online or at Planet Play. You can build a Martian habitat or perform scientific experiments aboard the International Space Station. It includes a personalized NASA badge which unlocks challenge stations inside Space Shuttle Atlantis and Journey To Mars: Explorers Wanted. One great add-on to your ticket is the interactive Cosmic Quest challenge, located adjacent to Planet Play. Walk on Saturns rings, slide through wormholes and run in a Mars Rover race in Planet Play. While kids play and learn, parents can enjoy a coffee, wine and beer bar in a comfortable lounge while watching their tiny explorers learn about space. This indoor, multi-story interactive area includes numerous interactive gaming and artistic components designed to create a memorable learning experience. *Kids must be at least 44” tall to ride.Īspiring astronauts can play among the planets in Planet Play. On the first floor of Space Shuttle Atlantis is the Shuttle Launch Experience ®*, pictured above, that allows you to experience the sights, sounds and sensation of a shuttle launch. The slide mimics the same angle of descent that the space shuttle had when re-entering Earth’s atmosphere! Most kids (and adults) choose this fun alternative to the ramp. On the second floor, you can choose to walk or slide down to the first floor. It’s easy to spend a couple hours exploring this exhibit, featuring the real space shuttle Atlantis that flew 33 missions to space. The Space Shuttle Atlantis ® attraction is filled with interactive games, where kids can land the space shuttle using the astronaut training simulators, perform a spacewalk, crawl through the International Space Station or play inside a mock-up of the space shuttle cockpit! There is a lot of fun, hands-on and educational things for kids! If you’re considering making a trip to Orlando this summer, then Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is just a short drive away. Summer vacation is here and most families are making travel plans.
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