Kennedy Space Centre Visitor Complex

Rockets, shuttles, astronauts, launch pads, Mars rovers and more! The Kennedy Space Centre has it all! Spend the day exploring everything NASA does, and what made them get where they are today.

There's so much to see and do that you'll want to arrive when the visitor centre opens and plan to spend the entire day there, or if you've got the time plan to spend 2 days there. They focus many sections within their exhibits on entertaining and inspiring kids, and whether you're an avid space enthusiast or never really been interested you will definitely be captivated by what they do.

The most time-consuming thing to do is the bus tour of the complex, including a visit to the Apollo/Saturn V Centre. The tour is included with entry and is one of the must-see attractions. Buses leave regularly throughout the day with the last bus leaving a few hours before the Centre closes - be sure to check the schedule for the day. The tour takes about 45 minutes before ending up at the Apollo/Saturn V Centre where you'll want to spend over an hour exploring. The return bus trip takes approximately 20 minutes.

When you board the bus you'll be taken on a tour around the many launch complexes, where your guide will point out the different launch pads and buildings scattered around the area. View the site where America launched to the moon and where NASA plans to launch astronauts into deep space. You'll see the giant Vehicle Assembly Building (VAC) with the giant American flag on the side, as well as the famous Launch Control Centre that is still active. You'll also see where companies such as SpaceX, Boeing and the United Launch Alliance operate from.

The tour concludes at the Apollo/Saturn V Centre, where you relive the launch of the first manned NASA mission to orbit the moon at the Firing Room Theatre. It is an interesting simulation that gives you a front seat view of all the action at the Control Centre, facing the real consoles that were used during the Apollo launches. You get to see and hear all the checklists that they go through and when the countdown ends to watch the powerful Saturn V rocket lift off over your head. There are some fun special effects that make it feel like you are really there.

Saturn V rocket

That gives you a great introduction to the Saturn V rocket which is waiting for you in the next room, where all three sections sit on display. This is the centrepiece of the Apollo/Saturn V Centre, which has regular guided talks that walk you along the length of the rocket giving you all the information about it. The sheer length of it will blow you away, and the facts about how it works will too. There are only three out of the thirteen Saturn V rockets remaining in the US, which makes it a rare sight not to be missed. There is plenty of detail to get stuck into.

The centre also houses Race to the Moon, a one-of-a-kind exhibit that allows you to examine the machines and technology that made the world so excited about exploring the moon. You get to see a real rocket and lunar model designed to take astronauts to the moon, as well as some real moon rocks that have been brought back to Earth on previous missions. There is also a replica moon buggy and a full-size Skylab to give you an idea how the Astronauts live and work in space. It is fascinating to see how challenging the mundane tasks here on Earth actually are in Space - the toilet contraption is certainly a mind-boggling piece of equipment!

Medals, prototypes, training gear and even a moon dust-covered space suit await you in the Apollo Treasures Gallery. Head to the Lunar Theatre to experience a recreation of the final moments of the Apollo 11 mission, which cleverly uses a combination of 3D set pieces, original NASA footage and mission control recordings to show the moments leading up to the Eagle landing. Astronauts will also share their memories and experiences from their time walking on the moon.

Space Shuttle Atlantis

Back at the main visitor complex, there is a lot to do. One of the many highlights is the Space Shuttle Atlantis, on display as if it were in space with its payload doors open and Canadarm extended. Upon entering the exhibit you'll see a short presentation to introduce you to the shuttle through a clever 360 degree display, which culminates in the big reveal of the huge orbiter spacecraft. They have left it in its original condition as it was when it made its final landing, so you'll notice a lot of wear and tear on the vehicle itself, notably the burn marks on the nose from re-entry. Take the time to explore all the exhibits detailing what makes this magnificent beast work, from the engine to the living quarters and everything in between. Discover the details behind NASA's 30-year Space Shuttle Program. 

See if you would make a great astronaut with their high-tech Astronaut Training Simulators, carrying out essential functions of space shuttle flight. Here you'll also learn what made the International Space Station such a success, and discover how to eat, sleep, exercise and function like an astronaut on board. Then if you're game, ditch your shoes and travel between the Destiny and Unity modules (heads up: if you don't like confined spaces or heights you might want to give this one a miss). Get a close up look at the Hubble Space Telescope, including the large solar arrays. Learn how NASA repaired it over five gruelling service missions, and discover how it has answered so many questions since its launch over 25 years ago and is still operating today.

Within the Atlantis building, you have the opportunity to experience a launch into space first hand with their Shuttle Launch Experience. Get a pre-launch briefing from a veteran space shuttle Commander, then step on board the flight simulator. Be prepared for some funny feelings as you lean back to face the sky and then blast off! Veteran astronauts say that this experience is the next best thing to actually flying on board the shuttle. 

You'll also be able to visit the permanent memorial honouring the men and women who lost their lives during two of NASA's unsuccessful space missions. The exhibit displays personal items from each astronaut as well as remnants from both of the orbiters. Learn how NASA recovered both physically and emotionally from their tragic losses, and how they went about their return to space flight whilst remembering and learning from the past. 

Other attractions include NASA Now and Next, where you can discover NASA’s plans to explore deep space and test your skills as a recruit in Journey To Mars: Explorers Wanted. Check out a Mars Rover Concept Vehicle, and get your Eyes on the Universe looking through NASA's space telescopes in 3D. See two 3D films at the IMAX theatre that showcase our Earth and beyond, and discover details on NASA's current missions at the Mission Status Briefing, where you learn what they're doing right now and what they're planning for the future.

Head across to the Heroes & Legends area, where you get to join the celebration of the pioneers that shaped NASA's early space programs. Learn about the lives of space heroes at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. 

Rocket Garden

Take a stroll among giants at the Rocket Garden, where you'll see artifacts from NASA's Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programs. You also have a rare opportunity to meet a veteran NASA astronaut at the Astronaut Encounter Theatre. There are daily talks from a commander, pilot, mission or payload specialist where they tell you about their experiences from when they lived and worked in space. You also have a chance to pick their brain in a question and answer session, and you'll be able to shake hands and get a photo with the astronaut of the day. If you want to pay a bit extra, you can sit down at their Lunch with an Astronaut experience and enjoy a buffet lunch while hearing about life in space from someone who's been there.

There are plenty of food opportunities throughout the visitor complex and don't forget to grab a souvenir of your time at NASA.

The Kennedy Space Centre Visitor Complex opens at 9am daily. For more information visit www.kennedyspacecenter.com

*Written by John Llewelyn, who was a recently hosted guest at The Kennedy Space Centre Visitor Complex