It’s over half a century since John F. Kennedy helped the United States of America win the space race against the USSR by landing two men, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, on the moon.
Today, the Kennedy Space Center, named after 35th President of the US, welcomes thousands of visitors every year, giving them the chance to learn about all things space exploration.
If you’ve never been to the Kennedy Space Center and you are finding yourself wondering what there is to do there, then keep reading because here’s…
7 Things to do at the Kennedy Space Center
- Visit the Astronaut Hall of Fame
Many men and women have served their time in the name of discovery since NASA was founded in 1958. The U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame is where American Astronauts are remembered and honoured. Visitors can enjoy numerous displays that the depict the lives of those who have travelled beyond the Earth’s bounds.
- The Firing Room
If you like experiencing genuine pieces of U.S. history, then the Firing Room Theater is for you. Step inside the room that saw the launch of the first manned NASA mission in 1968. You can sit at the actual consoles used during the launches of multiple Apollo missions and you can even get a taste of the countdown for Apollo 8.
- Explore the Moon
Unfortunately, until the technology allows, most people will not get to experience the moon in their lifetime. Unless of course they take a trip to the Kennedy Space Center. In a one-of-a-kind exhibit, you can hold actual Moon rock in your hand, which was brought back to earth from one of NASA’s missions. You can also read the front pages of newspapers around the world as they reacted to Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin’s moon walk. You can also experience an authentic lunar module
- Hubble Space Telescope
Yet another fascinating attraction at the Kennedy Space Center is an exact replica of the Hubble Space Telescope, which was first deployed in 1990. You can learn about how the Hubble Telescope has helped scientists answer questions about the universe we live in and how it is still being operate to this day, over three decades later.
- The Mars Rover
NASA has come a long way since the moon landing of 1969. A very long way. In fact, NASA has travelled as far as 149 million kilometres to the “nearby” planet of Mars. Aiding their exploration of Mars for the last number of years has been the Mars Rover Vehicle Navigator. Once it’s not away on a mission, you can see the actual MRVN by visiting the Kennedy Space Center.
- Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be part of a deep space exploration mission? Of course you have! Well now you can experience it for yourself with the Kennedy Space Center’s latest experience, Gateway. With four different journeys to embark on, you will get to feel what it’s like in the shuttle, exploring the depths of space that once was thought unreachable.
- Enter The Apollo Era
Accessible via a Kennedy Space Center Bus, the Apollo/Saturn V Center remembers the events and people that brought an entire planet together, sending two men to the moon and returning them safely home to Earth. You can stare in awe at the huge Saturn V rocket that launched Neil and Buzz to where no man had gone before. Relive all the excitement of NASA’s Apollo era and marvel in its history.
What are you waiting for?
Book your holiday today with American Holidays and discover all of the above and more at the Kennedy Space Center in Orlando. Find out how you can begin your journey of space exploration here.