Discover Something Real at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex this Summer
There’s a whole lot to discover this summer at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex! Through August, a series of events will be available to guests that highlight the best of what the visitor complex has to offer.
The summer theme is centered around a new campaign entitled “Discover Something Real,” a celebration of the authentic stories, artifacts, and science-based activities available to visitors.
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From veteran astronauts to flight-flown artifacts, displays featuring worn space suits covered in actual Moon dust and interactive experiences designed to replicate space flight, and more, the opportunities to become immersed in the past, present, and future of space exploration abound at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
Discover Something Real Summer Events
The following are just a few of the exciting events to take advantage of this summer:
Monday, June 9, through Sunday, June 15: Astronaut week
Meet a veteran NASA astronaut at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex! During the Astronaut Encounter, hear from the astronaut about their experience living and working in space. This encounter is included with admission.
Enjoy a sampling of food and beverages and Chat With An Astronaut in a small-group atmosphere! This experience can be purchased in addition to admission.
June 6, 7, 8, 11: Meet Astronaut Sam Gemar
June 9-11: Meet Astronaut Guy Gardner
June 13-20: Meet Astronaut Norm Thagard
June 18-21: Meet Astronaut Woody Spring
June 22-26: Meet Astronaut Steve Smith
July 1-5: Meet Astronaut John Herrington
July 6-10: Meet Astronaut Mike Baker
July 14-18: Meet Astronaut Marcos Pontes
July 21 and 22: Meet Astronaut Anna Fisher
July 23-26: Meet Astronaut Fred Gregory
July 27-31: Meet Astronaut Bill Mcarthur
Tuesday, June 10: Rocket Launch Axion Mission 4 (AX-4)
Witness the liftoff of the 4th commercial crew for Axiom Space aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The Ax-4 mission will “realize the return” to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, as this is each nation’s first government-sponsored flight in more than 40 years.
How can we view the launch? There are three types of viewing options available for the launch. The Feel the Heat Launch Viewing Package is $250 and brings you as close to the launch pad as possible with viewing from the Apollo/Saturn V Center. Two additional viewing options are included with your Visitor Complex admission: the Atlantis North Lawn and the Rocket Garden/Gateway Pavilion.
Friday, June 13: ULA ATLAS V KUIPER 2
The United Launch Alliance will use its Atlas V rocket to deliver the second batch of Project Kuiper satellites into space. Project Kuiper is Amazon’s low-Earth orbit satellite broadband network, which will provide reliable internet to people around the world using more than 3,200 LEO satellites.
Related Post: Top 3 Exciting Things to Do with Kids at Kennedy Space Center to Learn About Artemis Missions
July 4-6 : July 4th Family Fun Weekend
A Fourth of July celebration visit to the visitor complex will be extra festive with the addition of several outdoor activities all weekend long. Guests can look forward to mini golf, corn hole, and much more. All activities will take place rain or shine and are included with admission.
July 17: Apollo-Soyuz Test Project
Join the resident space expert as Kennedy Space Center commemorates the 50th anniversary of the groundbreaking Apollo-Soyuz Test Project. Discover the captivating story of the American Soviet space race, then witness the remarkable shift as former adversaries embarked on a mission of collaboration and trust high above Earth. This event is included with admission.
Don’t forget to check out Planet Play! It’s a great way to cool off and get some energy out of the kids.
July 2025 (exact date TBA): NASA’s SpaceX Crew-11
NASA and SpaceX will launch the eleventh crewed mission to the International Space Station as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.
August 30, 6:30 p.m.– 10 p.m.: Kennedy Under the Stars
Kennedy Under the Stars returns this August! This exclusive after-hours event combines favorite attractions with a galactic glow party! The colors of the cosmos will be brought to life through a series of illuminated experiences designed to shed new light on a visit to the visitor complex:
- Glow-in-the-Dark Retro Fun
- Stellar Costume Contest*
- Cosmic Glow Mini Golf
- Astronaut Meet-and-Greets
- Starry Night Learning
- STEAM cart
- Live Performers
As an added bonus, Kennedy Under the Stars is the only place on Earth to spend a Saturday night with those who have traveled off-planet. Veteran NASA astronauts will mingle with guests throughout the evening.
During Kennedy Under the Stars, the main visitor complex’s key attractions stay open late, offering lower wait times and more time to venture to other worlds in Spaceport KSC®. Guests can also get up close to real flight-flown artifacts like Space Shuttle Atlantis, feel the rumble aboard the Shuttle Launch Experience® and more.
Stellar, space-themed outfits are encouraged but for security reasons, costume masks that conceal faces are prohibited, as are any props that resemble weapons. Tickets are $65 plus tax for all ages.
