Kennedy Space Center Launches New Attraction

We are firmly on record as big fans of the Kennedy Space Center, where the home of One Small Step For Man has long been a compelling and rewarding place to visit, and the sense of realism is something you don’t get from the theme parks.

This has literally been the key to man’s exploration of space since Cape Canaveral first started launching rockets in 1950, leading to the creation of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in 1958 and then the Space Center itself in 1962.

The story of the Apollo missions, the Moon landing and the subsequent Skylab, International Space Station and Space Shuttle developments have all occurred at this amazing site on Florida’s Atlantic coastline, or the Space Coast as it is known locally.

The Space Center’s Visitor Complex opened in 1967 and, ever since, has provided the most vivid and breathtaking experience into the whole space programme, especially its modern face, with more launches than ever before thanks to private companies like SpaceX and Boeing partnering with NASA.

A “real” theme park

The Visitor Complex started out mainly as the hub from which bus tours trundled around some of the main launch sites, but it is now very much a “theme park” in its own right, albeit with no roller-coasters or other out-and-out rides. The theming is all totally real, however, and goes towards explaining the past, present and future of mankind’s space explorations.

And, in early 2025, we will get a whole new way to experience the dynamic side of the KSC as it prepares to open its latest attraction, The Gantry at LC-39, an innovative, interactive experience that reimagines the historic Launch Complex 39 gantry, located amidst the most iconic launch pads in space exploration.

Building on a previous exhibit based on the famous Launch Complex 39B, the new-look LC-39’s location is actually within the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, allowing the exhibit to highlight the blend of humankind’s significant achievements and the beauty of Planet Earth.

Accessible via the KSC’s daily Bus Tours (which are all part of the entrance fee), The Gantry at LC-39, offers an unprecedented 360-degree view of the Center and its active launch pads, while it will also include a range of immersive exhibits and experiences. Its central theme, Off Earth, For Earth, explores the vital relationship between technology and nature and underscores NASA’s ongoing mission to protect Earth through space exploration.

Interactive and informative

Therrin Protze, the chief operating officer of the Visitor Complex, explained: “The Gantry at LC-39 is an exciting next step in our mission to inspire and educate the next generation of explorers. This new attraction brings the stories around NASA’s research to monitor our planet and innovative interactives to offer a deeper connection to the space programme through a unique and dramatic lens. This attraction will excite and educate all ages.”

Key features of The Gantry at LC-39 will include:

• Earth Information Center (EIC): A dynamic data hub featuring an immersive theatre show, captivating hyperwall display, and an interactive exhibit gallery, providing a holistic view of how the planet is changing in ways that affect all life on Earth.

• Rocket Build Interactive: Guests can design and virtually launch rockets, experiencing the thrill of space flight from a launch site within view of Kennedy Space Center’s working space ports.

• Launch Viewing Area: A prime location to view real rocket launches, complete with a large LED screen that loops media content to enhance the experience.

• Interactive Exhibits: Educational activities, including gamified experiences where visitors can explore Launch Complexes 39A, 39B, 41, 40 and 37 using binoculars and informational graphics.

• Test Fire Simulation: This will be the main attraction, a thrilling experience where guests of all ages can stand under an impressive, full-scale rocket engine as it simulates a static fire test, feeling the power and excitement of a rocket’s ignition. A roar of sound, light and cooling mist combine to create a visceral thrill.

• Shaded Courtyard with Animal Play Sculptures: Climbable sculptures of sea turtles, alligators and an eagle’s nest, as well as interpretive graphics that tell the story of the Kennedy Space Center’s home within the Wildlife Refuge. In the centre, an artifact from a retired Mobile Launch Platform connects guests to the historic launch pads nearby.

• Outdoor Dining Area: A comfortable, shaded space for guests to relax and enjoy self-service dining adjacent to the Crawlerway as well as a Crawler-Transporter tread artifact.

Next Moon mission

It all adds up to another ingenious and captivating way to tell the KSC’s story, and highlight the importance of its role going forward. The next series of missions, part of the Artemis programme to put humans back on the moon, will take place in 2026, and The Gantry at LC-39 will have a grandstand view of all the preparations in the months and years ahead.

And, combined with other recent additions to the Visitor Complex, including NASA Now & Next and Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex, this is very much the next generation of the KSC and everything that goes with it.

While it might not be Disney or Universal and full of eye-catching rides, the Space Center remains an essential experience in Florida and we strongly urge our visitors to give it a try while they are here. Oh, and the food is pretty good, too!

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