Located in the east coast of Florida, Kennedy Space Centre (KSC) is a top destination for space enthusiasts from around the world. The centre has a rich history that spans more than half a century and is home to many iconic spacecraft and rockets. In this article, we will delve into the history of Kennedy Space Centre and explore some of the exciting things to do when you visit.

History of Kennedy Space Centre

Kennedy Space Centre has a rich history that dates back to the early 1950s when the US government acquired land in Florida for the development of a missile testing range. The site was originally known as the Atlantic Missile Range, but in 1963, it was renamed Kennedy Space Centre in honor of President John F. Kennedy, who had been assassinated the previous year.

In the 1960s, NASA selected Kennedy Space Centre as the launch site for the Apollo missions that would take humans to the moon. The centre was also home to the Space Shuttle program, which ran from 1981 to 2011. During this time, the Space Shuttle was the primary means of transporting astronauts and cargo to and from the International Space Station.

Kennedy Space Centre has been involved in many other notable space missions over the years, including the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope in 1990 and the Mars Rover missions. Today, the centre is still an active launch site, with plans to launch the Artemis program in the coming years, which aims to take humans back to the moon and eventually to Mars.

Things to do in Kennedy Space Centre

There are plenty of exciting things to do in Kennedy Space Centre. Here are some of the top attractions:

Rocket Garden: The Rocket Garden is a collection of rockets and spacecraft that have been used in various space missions over the years. It includes the Mercury-Atlas rocket, which was used to launch the first American astronaut into space, and the Saturn V rocket, which was used during the Apollo missions that took humans to the moon.

Atlantis Space Shuttle: The Atlantis Space Shuttle is on display at Kennedy Space Centre and is a must-see for anyone interested in space travel. The shuttle was in service for over 25 years and flew 33 missions, including the final mission of the Space Shuttle program in 2011.

Astronaut Training Experience: If you have ever wondered what it would be like to be an astronaut, the Astronaut Training Experience is the perfect opportunity to find out. This interactive exhibit allows you to experience the challenges of space travel, including zero-gravity simulations and spacewalking.

Launch Control Center: The Launch Control Center is the nerve center of Kennedy Space Centre and is where all the launches are controlled from. Visitors can take a tour of the facility and learn about the intricate process of preparing for a launch.

IMAX Theatre: The IMAX Theatre at Kennedy Space Centre offers an immersive experience that takes you on a journey through space. The theatre shows a range of documentaries and films that explore the wonders of the universe.

Rocket Launches: If you are lucky enough to visit Kennedy Space Centre during a rocket launch, it is an experience that you will never forget. The centre has a schedule of upcoming launches on its website, so you can plan your visit accordingly.

Kennedy Space Centre is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in space exploration. The centre has a rich history that spans more than half a century and is home to many iconic spacecraft and rockets. There are plenty of exciting things to do when you visit, from exploring the Rocket Garden to experiencing the challenges of space travel at the Astronaut Training Experience. With plans to launch the Artemis program in the coming years, Kennedy Space Centre is set to play a crucial role in the future of space exploration. Whether you are a space enthusiast or just curious about the universe, a visit to Kennedy Space Centre is an unforgettable experience that you won't want to miss.

In addition to the attractions mentioned above, there are also several other exhibits and experiences at Kennedy Space Centre that are worth checking out. For example, the Heroes and Legends exhibit celebrates the pioneers of space exploration, while the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit provides a close-up look at one of the most iconic spacecraft in history.

Another popular attraction is the Kennedy Space Centre Bus Tour, which takes visitors on a guided tour of the centre's facilities, including the massive Vehicle Assembly Building, the launch pads, and the crawler-transporter that carries the rockets to the launch site. The bus tour also provides an opportunity to see some of the wildlife that inhabits the centre, including alligators and bald eagles.

If you have children with you, Kennedy Space Centre is an ideal destination for a family outing. There are plenty of hands-on activities and interactive exhibits that are designed to engage and inspire young visitors. The Kids Play Dome, for example, is a space-themed playground that features a slide that mimics a rocket launch, while the Mars Base 1 exhibit allows children to experience life on the red planet.