Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to Offer Prime Viewing Experience for Launches from Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — KENNEDY SPACE CENTER – With 24 rockets scheduled to liftoff from Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) this year, 2015 will bring visitors and residents of the Space Coast the most launch viewing opportunities in nearly 20 years. Not since 1998 have more than 20 launch vehicles lifted off from the world-famous Space Coast.

In 2014, 16 launches brightened the skies in Central Florida, up from 10 each in 2013, 2012, and 2011. In all, more than 40 rocket launches have taken place at KSC/CCAFS since the last space shuttle launch, STS-135 Atlantis in July 2011, proving that the two Central Florida launch complexes do indeed remain “America's Gateway to Space.”

 “This year is scheduled to be a record year for spaceflight, with more than 20 scheduled rocket launches, and we at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex plan to give visitors as many thrilling opportunities as possible to see, hear and feel a massive rocket thundering from the launch pad,” said Therrin Protze, chief operating officer for Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. “We recently added a new launch viewing site, the Launch Complex (LC) - 39 Observation Gantry, just 2.3 to 5.5 miles from the launch pads at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, giving our guests a choice of three close-up locations from which to view a rocket launch.”

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will offer launch viewing opportunities for most 2015 launches (dependent upon time of the launch and other operational factors). Upcoming launches include:

• March 12, 10:44 p.m. – A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket will launch NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, mission. The Magnetospheric Multiscale mission will use four identical spacecraft, variably spaced in Earth orbit, to make three-dimensional measurements of magnetospheric boundary regions and examine the process of magnetic reconnection.
• March 21, 4:04 p.m. – A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch Turkmensat1, Turkmenistan's first satellite, which will cover Europe and parts of Asia and Africa to provide transmission for TV, radio and the Internet.
• March 25, 2:36 p.m. – A United Launch Alliance Delta IV will launch GPS IIF-9, a global positioning satellite.
• April 10, 5:42 p.m. – A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the eighth Dragon spacecraft on the sixth operational cargo delivery mission to the International Space Station.
• May 6, 9 a.m. – A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket will launch the AFSPC-5 mission for the U.S. Air Force.

 Among the highlights of the 2015 launch schedule are six planned launches to deliver cargo to the International Space Station.

While Brevard County offers many beautiful beaches and scenic spots from which to view a rocket launch, only Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers guests excellent views of the launch pads as well as a number of value-added amenities such as live commentary by NASA TV and space experts, astronaut appearances, food and beverage concessions, convenient restrooms and of course, world-class attractions, exhibits and programs including the new Space Shuttle AtlantisSM, Shuttle Launch Experience®, KSC Bus Tour featuring the Apollo/Saturn V Center, the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®, Astronaut Encounter, the Rocket Garden, and more. Additional programs, exhibits and guest speakers are often added for milestone launches, such as the December 2014 launch of EFT-1, the first flight of the Orion spacecraft. Please note, KSC Bus Tours and special interest tours may be altered or suspended on launch days.

For prime launch viewing, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers visitors a choice of the following sites (subject to availability and dependent upon time of launch and other operational factors):

 LC-39 Observation Gantry:

Recently added to guests' launch viewing options, the LC-39 Observation Gantry offers the closest public viewing opportunity of rockets on the launch pad and during lift off at just 2.3 to 5.5 miles from the three Cape Canaveral Air Force Station launch pads. From here, guests can feel the force of the launch and hear the roar of the engines. This area features lawn and bleacher seating and live launch commentary. The package includes launch transportation, a light snack and a souvenir T-shirt. Please note, this site is only accessible by bus from Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Launch Transportation Tickets to LC-39 Observation Gantry are available for $49 in addition to admission.

Apollo/Saturn V Center:

The Apollo/Saturn V Center is located within Kennedy Space Center and is approximately 5.4 to 8 miles from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station launch pads. The viewing area features an open lawn and bleacher section overlooking the scenic Banana River. The area includes live launch commentary, food and retail available for purchase and indoor restroom facilities. Please note, this site is only accessible by bus from Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Launch Transportation Tickets to the Apollo/Saturn V Center are available for $20 in addition to admission.

 Space Shuttle AtlantisSM:

Located at the main Visitor Complex, launch viewing adjacent to Space Shuttle Atlantis is included in daily admission. The viewing area is approximately 7 miles from the launch pads and affords guests a view of the rocket once it clears the tree line. Bleacher seating and live launch commentary is provided.

 Launch viewing is also available throughout Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for the cost of admission only. Admission is $50 + tax for adults and $40 + tax for children ages 3-11.

 Purchase your launch viewing tickets online at kennedyspacecenter.com or call 866-737-5235.

 About Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex brings to life the epic story of the U.S. space program, offering a full day or more of fun and educational activities, including the Kennedy Space Center Tour featuring the Apollo/Saturn V Center with an actual Saturn V moon rocket, the new Space Shuttle AtlantisSM, Shuttle Launch Experience®, IMAX® Hubble 3D and Journey to Space films, Astronaut Encounter,Exploration Space®: Explorers Wanted, Rocket Garden and many other interactive exhibits. Admission also includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®, featuring historic spacecraft and the world's largest collection of personal astronaut memorabilia, which opens daily at noon and closing times vary by season. Only 45 minutes from Orlando, Fla., Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens daily at 9 a.m. with closing times varying by season.  Admission is $50 + tax for adults and $40 + tax for children ages 3-11. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers annual passes starting at $75 + tax for adults and $60 + tax for children ages 3-11. For more information, call 877-313-2610 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.

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Media Contacts:

Nancy Glasgow, 407-290-1060, ext. 104, nancy@bitner.com

Andrea Farmer, 321-449-4318, afarmer@delawarenorth.com