#Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

[rabbitcruiser]

NASA was created to replace NACA on October 1, 1958.

[visittitusvillefl]

2024 Launch Schedule Kicks Off Wednesday With Ovzon-3

In 2023, the Eastern Range saw a record 72 launches, mostly from SpaceX. 2024 could see even more activity, including SpaceX's ambitious plans for Starlink missions and ULA's Vulcan debut.

Falcon 9 rising from SLC-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in 2023.Photo: Charles Boyer / Talk of Titusville Fans looking to the see the first launch of 2024 from the Space Coast won’t have to wait very long, as Wednesday, January 3rd, SpaceX plans to launch Ovzon-3, a mobile communication satellite for Stockholm based Ovzon. Five days after that, United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan is slated…

[edwhiteandblue]

February 9, 1971 — The crew of Apollo 14 splashes down in the south Pacific Ocean

Apollo 14's Kitty Hawk command module reentered and splashed down after nine days in space and was recovered by the USS New Orleans. The crew spent three weeks in quarantine following their return from the moon to prevent backwards contamination. Kitty Hawk is now on display at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida.

[lonestarflight]

"EGS Artist Photos - Mobile Launcher and Vehicle Assembly Building

With their lights reflected in the water, a nighttime view of the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building, at right, and mobile launcher at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, on June 21, from the Saturn V center at nearby Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Exploration Ground Systems is preparing both to support processing and launch of the agency's Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft on Exploration Mission-1 and deep space missions."

Date: June 21, 2018

NASA ID: KSC-20180621-PH_KLS01_0009

[idreamofthemeparks]

My mom used to work at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and she says that one of the simulators that they keep backstage for space camps and rich people and such is the repurposed Cyberspace Mountain simulator from DisneyQuest

[stealthclaw1]

Silly Game Time: The world needs more giant statues. I'm talking a minimum of 100 feet (30.5 meters), and preferably more than twice that! What or who should the next one be? (Bonus points for where it should be placed.)

Alright, so, after thinking for a little bit I’m presenting you all with two options: one’s a nice, pleasantly wholesome one I thought about towards. The other one was the literal first thing that came to mind and refuses to leave in peace until I wrote it down for all to see.

Option 1) we make a nice, wholesome statue of Steve Irwin, not going crazy but we want it to be bigger than the Statue of Liberty (excluding her podium) so let’s make it an even 200ft (60.96 meters). Celebrate him for all that he did in teaching a generation to love nature and animals. Place it along the Sunshine coast in Australia, and give it a support structure underneath to support marine wildlife like reefs and other creatures.

Option 2) we make a statue of Ea-Nãsir. Now, we don’t HAVE any idea of what he looks like, but it looks like some of the internet has decided he looked along the lines of this https://preview.redd.it/anyone-want-to-rp-as-ea-nasir-v0-fdfkq7whqdsc1.jpeg?auto=webp&s=893c0b4f55ea82031acb38d37c468505b56494f3

I propose we make the statue a 1:1 lookalike of this. The size, you ask? 540 feet (164.592). This will place it 14 feet taller than NASA’s Vehicle assembly building, which stands at 526 feet (160.325).

The location, obviously, would then be one of two options: nearby the VAB itself, facing towards it.

Or, somewhere in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

This would do nothing for NASA besides make every tech-bro and billionaire in the space industry seethe that it wasn’t one of THEIR idols (or themselves) constructed to such a height.

Bonus points if we advertise that it’ll be made of pure copper, and then make it more weather-resistant stone or something

[pastel-charm-14]

hii. i saw in your pinned that you wanna be an aerospace engineer and that’s so cool cause literally same !!

hi girlie! yesss tysm!! i have wanted to work in the space industry for so long now, ever since i went to the kennedy space center visitor complex on vacay a few years ago.

[sabistarphotos]

February 14, 2023

Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex, Florida

[fullyinconsequential]

Okay, everybody relax—I wrote this random crack Steddie fic where Steve was a writer and I wrote this from his point of view and I recently reread it after a long, long time and I was floored so enjoy.

Also it is a present-day set crack fic just to clear up time inconsistencies.

Atlantis.

When I was 10, my parents took me to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex at Cape Canaveral, Florida. I’d been to Disney World a hundred times by then, knew what the air would smell like and how the waves would sound licking the shore right beside the needlessly expensive condo we’d rent in Daytona. I expected roller coasters and cotton candy and to be sick with exhaustion by the end of it, trailing behind my booze-ridden parents, watching other kids get lifted on shoulders, fireman carried, cradled. Sometimes I walked slower than I felt, hoping one of them would have grown so annoyed of begging me to hurry, that they would lift me instead.

They never did.

Instead of a theme park, I got space. Thirty-minute presentations of one spacecraft or another—Apollo 8, Apollo 17, Apollo 11, the Challenger, the Columbia. Tears rolled down my face as we wandered through exhibits of dead astronauts, failures, fuck-ups.

But I cried harder at the successes—the cheers of the control room when Apollo 8 successfully launched, the testimonial of Gene Cernan about being the last man to have touched the moon, and Neil Armstrong himself confiding in the camera, all for a silly visitor center.

I cried the entire day. I hadn’t been able to explain it, and my mother took to believing I was scared of it all. She scolded my father the whole hour it took to get back to Daytona, convinced I had been frightened at the implication of the universe being so vast.

She never failed to misunderstand me.

If there was anything I understood, it was vastness. The echoing hallways of our four-story house, my king-sized bed, the hollow place inside me that burned bigger each time my father left for a business trip, mother in tow. At a certain point, they started forgetting to hire babysitters.

Just me and the house, my own black hole.

It’s hard to comprehend how big a super heavy-lift launch vehicle is until you’re standing beneath it. My legs weren’t long or fast enough to run the length of it. I slowed to a jog half-way, and walked to the tip of the launch escape system. Then I turned around to look for my parents, and they were gone.

I didn’t panic. I knew I would find them at the nearest supply of alcohol—but not just yet. For now it was me and Saturn V, this monstrous thing, it’s vastness like a mirror. One, two, three, four, five impossible structures that might’ve fused into one had it been launched, four that might’ve been abandoned, and one that might’ve returned home. A fraction of what it had been.

My mother always turned up drunk, my father, tired. He would say something of being jet-lagged, and retire. My mother would giggle and invite her friends to the house so she could boast of all her thrilling adventures. Sometimes I wondered if they remembered they had a son at all.

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has grown in the time since I’ve been there, most notably in their addition of the Atlantis, a spacecraft that traveled in and out of space on nearly 30 round trips. It was the first spacecraft of its kind—reusable. Returnable. Designed with the capacity to come back whole, warm with information, not lacking in love.

I’d like to stand beneath it one day. I’d like to see what I couldn’t when I was ten, to know that these wonderful metal creatures can come back whole.

And that it wasn’t my fault the others could not.

I’m off to cry now, thanks for reading :’)

[talkoftitusville]

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Plans for Revamped LC-39 Gantry Experience

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is preparing to transform a historic launch site into an engaging new attraction, set to open in early 2025. The Gantry at Launch Complex 39 (LC-39) will offer visitors an interactive journey that blends space exploration history with cutting-edge technology and environmental awareness. The revamped Gantry will feature an immersive theater, a…

[mikevaccaro]

Top Travel Spots in Florida

Florida, the Sunshine State, is home to about 20 million people who enjoy 300 days of sunshine annually. However, the state's allure extends beyond its warm days and casual atmosphere. Visitors on vacation and those moving to the state can explore various notable destinations.

Tampa, Florida, offers visitors numerous attractions, activities, and entertainment options. Busch Gardens' theme parks and the opportunity to catch major league sporting events are a few ways to enjoy the city. Nature lovers can experience animal encounters at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, famous for the Dolphin Tale movies. For cultural immersion, Tampa hosts special events like the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival (featuring enormous sand sculptures) and the Gasparilla Pirate Festival. The Tampa Bay area is also an arts and culture hotspot with world-class museums, including the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg.

Well-known beaches in Miami, Panama City, Naples, and Clearwater Beach, among others, attract tourists from across the globe every summer. Their white sandy coastlines and emerald waters are perfect for relaxation, swimming, kayaking, fishing, and boating trips. Numerous beach bars with vibrant nightlife and high-end hotels and restaurants along Florida's coasts and resort towns provide world-class dining choices, including ocean-fresh seafood.

Fort Lauderdale, also a beach town, has a vibrant culture, tropical weather, and beautiful gardens. Intimate natural settings like Hugh Taylor Birch State Park and Bonnet House Museum & Gardens offer couples idyllic strolling paths. The Flamingo Gardens Wildlife Sanctuary is also a tourist magnet with its over 3,000 animals and plant species. Ft. Lauderdale is also known for its network of canals along the coast, where visitors can enjoy gondola rides.

A hidden gem previously under the tourism radar is the rural island city of Cedar Key, a popular spot for visitors who enjoy beach excursions, lush greenery, and wildlife. This small culturally rich enclave invites guests to tours through Manatee Springs State Park, the Cedar Key Historical Society & Museum, and Cedar Key Museum State Park for a close encounter with animals and to learn about the area's history.

Everglades Park is the state's best known national park. With 1.5 million acres, it is the nation's most extensive subtropical wilderness, home to а unique and diverse ecosystem. Among the creatures inhabiting the park and its mangrove swamps and coastlines are alligators and Florida panthers. Visitors can take an airboat tour to observe wildlife, and can also hike the park's many trails.

Another famous attraction is Cape Canaveral. Commonly referred to as the "Space Coast," this place features the Kennedy Space Center facility, from which some of the most significant missions in history, such as the Apollo moon landings, were launched. The Space Center offers tours around the facility, where space shuttles and rockets can be seen up close. On launch days, visitors can watch the rockets blast off from the visitor complex. Cape Canaveral also features the Cape Canaveral Space Force Museum.

Florida is also widely recognized as a home to superstars. Jupiter, a high-profile town in Florida's Martin County, is home to Greg Norman and Tiger Woods, while soccer superstar Lionel Messi lives in Fort Lauderdale. Cementing its status as the nation's golfing capital, Florida has more than 1,300 golf courses, the most of any state. Year-round, celebrities and fans alike flock to the state to golf and explore the World Golf Hall of Fame in St. Augustine.

[rabbitcruiser]

Apollo 13 was launched on April 11, 1970.

[elsie--young]

Discovering Cocoa Beach: A Realistic Guide to Sightseeing!

When I first arrived at Cocoa Beach, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Sure, I had read all the brochures, watched a couple of YouTube videos, and browsed some travel blogs, but nothing prepared me for the real experience. Cocoa Beach, known as the "Space Coast" due to its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center, offers so much more than just a typical beach day. If you're planning a visit, let me walk you through what I experienced, so you can make the most of your Cocoa Beach sightseeing adventure.

Problem: Overcrowded Tourist Spots

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced during my travels is dealing with overcrowded tourist spots. Don’t get me wrong—I love a good crowd, but sometimes it can ruin the experience. I had heard Cocoa Beach could get busy, especially during peak season, so I was worried about missing out on the authentic charm of the place.

Agitation: Missing the Real Cocoa Beach

When a place gets too crowded, it’s easy to miss out on what really makes it special. The true essence of a destination can get lost among the throngs of tourists, long lines, and overbooked attractions. I didn’t want my Cocoa Beach experience to be just another stop on the tourist trail. I wanted something real—something that would give me a true sense of what this place is all about.

Solution: Cocoa Beach Sightseeing—The Real Deal

So, what’s the solution? I decided to dig a little deeper, explore beyond the typical tourist attractions, and find the Cocoa Beach that the locals love. And let me tell you—it was worth it.

Early Morning at the Cocoa Beach Pier

My day started early at the Cocoa Beach Pier, a historical landmark that dates back to 1962. I arrived around 7:00 AM, just as the sun was rising. The pier stretches 800 feet over the Atlantic Ocean, and at that hour, it was peaceful and serene. The pier is more than just a place to fish or grab a bite—it's a hub of activity with restaurants, shops, and even live music on the weekends. But in the early morning, it was just me, the ocean, and a handful of locals casting their lines.

Exploring the Kennedy Space Center

Next on my list was the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, just a 30-minute drive from Cocoa Beach. This place is a must-see, especially if you're a space enthusiast like me. I spent about four hours here, and it wasn’t nearly enough. The highlight? Definitely the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit. Standing inches away from a real space shuttle was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The visitor complex also offers a bus tour of NASA’s launch facilities, which is a great way to see where history was made.

Taking a Break at Lori Wilson Park

After the Kennedy Space Center, I needed a break. I headed back to Cocoa Beach and found my way to Lori Wilson Park. This 32.43-acre park offers free parking, which is a rarity in beach towns, and a beautiful stretch of beach that’s far less crowded than the main strip. The park also has picnic areas, a dog park, and nature trails, making it a great spot to relax and recharge.

A Quick Stop at the Florida Surf Museum

Being in Cocoa Beach, the “Surfing Capital of the East Coast,” I couldn’t resist stopping by the Florida Surf Museum. Located inside the Ron Jon Surf Shop, the museum is small but packed with history. I spent about 45 minutes here, learning about the evolution of surf culture on the East Coast. It’s a quick stop, but definitely worth it if you’re interested in surfing or local history.

Wrapping Up the Day with Sunset at the Thousand Islands

I wrapped up my day with a kayaking tour of the Thousand Islands, a group of small mangrove islands in the Indian River Lagoon. The tour lasted about two hours, and it was the perfect way to end my Cocoa Beach sightseeing adventure. As the sun set, the water turned a deep shade of orange, and we even spotted a few dolphins playing in the distance. It was a moment of pure tranquility that perfectly captured the natural beauty of Cocoa Beach.

Conclusion: Cocoa Beach Sightseeing is More Than Just a Beach Day

In the end, my Cocoa Beach sightseeing experience was everything I hoped for and more. It wasn’t just about soaking up the sun—although I did plenty of that—it was about discovering the unique character of this beautiful part of Florida. From the historical Cocoa Beach Pier to the awe-inspiring Kennedy Space Center and the peaceful Thousand Islands, there’s so much to see and do. So, if you’re planning a trip to Cocoa Beach, I highly recommend going beyond the usual tourist spots. You won’t regret it.

Remember, the key to a great Cocoa Beach sightseeing experience is to explore, stay curious, and take the time to enjoy the little moments.

[edwhiteandblue]

After the Florida Panthers won the Stanley Cup for the first time in franchise history in June 2024, the Cup visited the Kennedy Space Center in September

The Cup in front of the Vehicle Assembly Building

The Cup in front of the Hubble Space Telescope mockup at the KSC Visitor Complex

The Cup at the plaque commemorating the final wheel stop of Space Shuttle Atlantis on the runway of the Launch and Landing Facility (formerly the Shuttle Landing Facility)

source: NASA Kennedy via Instagram

[lonestarflight]

"CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The high-fidelity space shuttle model which was on display at the NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida approaches its destination, Kennedy's Launch Complex 39 turn basin, in the distance. The shuttle was part of a display at the visitor complex that also included an external tank and two solid rocket boosters that were used to show visitors the size of actual space shuttle components. The full-scale shuttle model is being transferred from Kennedy to Space Center Houston, NASA Johnson Space Center's visitor center. The model will stay at the turn basin for a few months until it is ready to be transported to Texas via barge. The move also helps clear the way for the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to begin construction of a new facility next year to display space shuttle Atlantis in 2013."

Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

Date: December 11, 2011

NASA ID: KSC-2011-8259

[holidayinnexpresssuites]

Day Trips from Clermont: Nearby Attractions Worth the Drive

Clermont, Florida, is a charming town known for its rolling hills, lakes, and citrus groves. While it offers plenty of attractions on its own, its central location makes it a great starting point for a variety of exciting day trips. Whether you're a nature lover, history buff, or thrill-seeker, you'll find plenty of nearby attractions worth the drive. Here are some top picks for day trips from Clermont. 

Discover the Magic of Orlando 

Walt Disney World 

No trip to the area would be complete without visiting Walt Disney World. Just a 30-minute drive from Clermont, Disney World offers a magical experience for visitors of all ages. With its four theme parks—Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom—there's something for everyone. Enjoy thrilling rides, meet beloved characters, and watch spectacular parades and fireworks. 

Universal Orlando Resort 

Also in Orlando, about 35 minutes from Clermont, is Universal Orlando Resort. This entertainment complex features two theme parks: Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Harry Potter fans will especially love The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which spans both parks. From exciting rides to interactive experiences, Universal Orlando promises an unforgettable day. 

Explore Nature at Wekiwa Springs State Park 

For a day of outdoor adventure, head to Wekiwa Springs State Park, roughly an hour's drive from Clermont. This beautiful park offers crystal-clear springs, lush forests, and diverse wildlife. You can swim in the refreshing springs, rent a canoe or kayak to paddle down the Wekiwa River, or hike the numerous trails. The park is a great spot for a picnic, and you might even spot some deer or turtles along the way. After a day of exploration, you'll appreciate the comfort and convenience of staying at a nearby hotel, like the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Clermont SE – West Orlando, where you can unwind and recharge for your next adventure. When searching for hotels in Clermont, FL, consider options like the Holiday Inn Express & Suites for a relaxing stay close to nature and local attractions. 

Visit Historic Mount Dora 

Mount Dora, about a 40-minute drive from Clermont, is a quaint town known for its historic charm and antique shops. Stroll through the downtown area, where you'll find unique boutiques, art galleries, and cozy cafes. The town is also home to several annual festivals, including the Mount Dora Arts Festival and the Mount Dora Craft Fair. Don't miss the scenic boat tours on Lake Dora, which offer beautiful views of the area. 

Experience the Thrills at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay 

If you're looking for more theme park excitement, consider a trip to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Located about an hour and a half from Clermont, this African-themed park combines thrilling rides with up-close animal encounters. Roller coaster enthusiasts will love the park's many high-speed coasters, while animal lovers can enjoy the various wildlife exhibits and shows. It's a fun-filled day for the whole family. 

Relax at Cocoa Beach 

For a day by the ocean, drive about an hour and a half east to Cocoa Beach. This popular beach destination offers soft sand, warm waters, and plenty of sunshine. You can surf, swim, or simply relax on the beach. Visit the iconic Cocoa Beach Pier, which features restaurants, shops, and fishing opportunities. Nearby, you'll find the Kennedy Space Center, where you can learn about space exploration and even see a rocket launch if you're lucky. 

Discover the Beauty of Bok Tower Gardens 

Bok Tower Gardens, located about an hour south of Clermont in Lake Wales, is a serene and picturesque spot. This historic garden and bird sanctuary features beautifully landscaped gardens, a stunning carillon tower, and peaceful walking trails. The tower, known as the Singing Tower, houses a 60-bell carillon that plays concerts throughout the day. It's a perfect place for a relaxing and scenic day trip. 

Delve into History at St. Augustine 

For a trip back in time, visit St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States. About two hours from Clermont, this historic city is rich in Spanish colonial architecture and historic sites. Explore the Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century fortress, and stroll down St. George Street, lined with shops, restaurants, and historic landmarks. The city's charming streets and fascinating history make it a day trip worth taking. 

Enjoy the Wildlife at Crystal River 

Crystal River, about an hour and a half from Clermont, is known for its natural springs and abundant wildlife. It's one of the few places where you can swim with manatees in their natural habitat. The clear waters of the springs provide excellent visibility for snorkeling and scuba diving. Additionally, the area offers opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and hiking. It's a fantastic destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. 

Conclusion 

Clermont's central location makes it an ideal base for exploring some of Florida's most exciting and diverse attractions. Whether you're in the mood for theme park thrills, historic charm, natural beauty, or beach relaxation, you'll find plenty of day trip options that are worth the drive. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to discover the best of what Central Florida has to offer. If you're planning to stay overnight, consider looking for a "IHG hotels near me" to ensure a comfortable and convenient stay.