The Kennedy Space Center

The Kennedy Space Center

The Kennedy Space Center is a wondrous place where you can feel like a kid again.  Only here can you find the Shuttle Atlantis, iconic Vehicle Assembly Building, a real Saturn 5 rocket, and the Lost In Space robot all together in one fantastic destination.

Upon entry to the Kennedy Space Center, the eye is immediately drawn to the historic rocket garden.  Even though you can walk the same gantry as Neil Armstrong, postpone this urge until you have toured the Early Space Exploration building just to the left.  You can see how it all began with the history of rocketry from it's inception, through the Gemini, and Apollo programs. The Lost In Space robot is displayed here. 

After visiting the rocket garden, walk along to the astronaut encounter.  There aren't many places where you can enjoy a presentation by an astronaut, and then pose with him for pictures afterward.  If you have children with you, remember to visit the Angry Birds Space Encounter which is a short walk further.  They'll enjoy the birds, and the mirrored "fun-house" maze.  Just past that, is the Robot Scouts presentation which tells the story of robot probes sent out in advance of human exploration.

Keep walking and you can board the tour bus for a ride past the well-known Vehicle Assembly Building, a launch pad, and the crawler transport path where the rockets are transported along for launch.  The tour stops at another visitor building where an actual Saturn 5 rocket is displayed.  There are only two others in existence, so see it if you can.  It's huge!

My favorite part of the day was the Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit.  Mounted at a precise angle of 43.21 degrees (a countdown of 4,3,2,1) you see Atlantis displayed in all it's glory with the cargo bay doors open and Canada arm extended.  It can be viewed from all angles, with various interactive displays available for pictures and hands-on fun. 

From there you can walk directly to the Shuttle Launch Experience without going outside.  Visitors are treated to a very visual, taped presentation by shuttle commander Charlie Bolden of the upcoming experience.  Upon entry, final preparations are made, and off you go. 

View Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in a larger map

We still had time to catch the 3-D Space Films at the IMAX theatre.  Both the history of the International Space Station narrated by Tom Cruise, and the history of the Hubble Telescope narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio are very informative, visually exciting, and highly recommended.

Brevard County real estate is fortunate to have a neighbor like the Kennedy Space Center.  With proximity to this, and other world-class attractions like those in Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Tampa; we are truly blessed to be able to live where others choose to vacation.  Let me help you achieve your permanent vacation.