3, 2, 1… LIFT OFF! Exploring NASA

By Miriam Porter

An out-of-this-world experience for kids and grownups alike

NASA © KENNEDY SPACE CENTER

While visiting Orlando, my son, Noah, and I took a road trip to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. We love all things space themed and this was the perfect adventure to explore the past, present and future of America’s space program. From close-up looks at the Space Shuttle Atlantis to discovering what a visit to Mars might hold, this is an attraction suitable for a wide range of kids who have a curiosity about what lies beyond our Earth.

TAP INTO YOUR INNER ASTRONAUT

ASTRONAUT TRAINING EXPERIENCE © KENNEDY SPACE CENTER

Though not included with the regular admission tickets, the Astronaut Training Experience is worth the extra dollars for anyone ages 10 and up who really wants to go behind the scenes and see how astronauts prepare for a mission to Mars. This 4.5-hour program allows you to practice docking skills, navigate the surface of the Red Planet and feel what it’s like to do a spacewalk in a microgravity environment. You never know… You may inspire a youngster to pursue their dream of becoming an astronaut in the future.

WATCH A ROCKET LAUNCH

Plan your trip accordingly to be part of a live rocket launch viewing at the Space Center or Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Watch in amazement as the countdown to lift off starts with the rocket engines igniting and the world around you rumbling as it soars toward space. Check the Kennedy Space Center website for upcoming launch dates.

LAUNCH TIME © KENNEDY SPACE CENTER

GET THE NEWS FIRSTHAND

There are always new missions being planned. At the Mission Status Briefing, you can hear about them right from the source in a multimedia presentation. You’ll get a glimpse at the next generation of American spacecraft, find out more about what preparations are being made for the future of deep-space exploration and about current experiments being done on the International Space Station. Check out the daily schedule for show times.

EXPLORE SPACE SHUTTLE ATLANTIS

FLIGHT DECK SIMULATOR ON SPACE SHUTTLE ATLANTIS © KENNEDY SPACE CENTER

A close-up view of the iconic Space Shuttle Atlantis — which transported astronauts to space and back for 30 years — will leave you wide-eyed. There are also more than 60 interactive exhibits about the history and technology used in the space shuttle program. You’ll love the astronaut training simulators, shuttle launch experience and Hubble Space Telescope replica. You can also pay your respects at the Forever Remembered Memorial honoring astronauts who lost their lives during space missions.

TOUR A GARDEN UNLIKE ANY OTHER

THE ROCKET GARDEN © KENNEDY SPACE CENTER

Where do rockets go when they’ve outlived their usefulness? You’ll find many examples from past decades here in the Rocket Garden, one of the most photographed attractions at the Kennedy Space Center. Walk just feet from legendary rockets like Juno I (first launched in 1958), Juno II, Saturn 1B, Mercury-Atlas and Gemini-Titan II. Delta II is the newest addition. With more than 150 successful launches, the rocket is happily enjoying retirement in a garden setting. This spot is perfect for Instagram selfies.