A hush ripples through the crowd as thousands listen over the public address system for those much anticipated words: “We are GO for launch!” The countdown clock comes alive and eager voices chime in for the countdown, “10…9…8…” A bullet of orange light and billowy plumes of vapor rise steadily in the distance just as the throaty rumble of the boosters reaches the ears of the crowd. They erupt in a flurry of high fives, whoops of amazement – and even a few tears.

These sights, sounds and ground-shaking vibrations haven't retired with the space shuttle. The excitement is as palpable as ever during the numerous rocket launches taking place at Kennedy Space Center/Cape Canaveral Air Force Station each year, carrying not only NASA science missions and government satellites, but also testing commercial space endeavors such as SpaceX.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex invites guests to mark this unforgettable experience off their “bucket lists” and share in the thrilling sights, sounds and sensations of an upcoming rocket launch. Guests will enjoy a “front row seat” at some of the closest public viewing areas around the Space Coast, along with a host of launch-related activities and events. This may include mission briefings and live webcasts with NASA scientists, guest speakers, panel discussions, special viewings of IMAX® movies, autograph sessions, opportunities to meet and talk with experienced astronauts, and much more.

2014 Rocket Launch Schedule (schedule subject to change):

January 6                   Falcon 9: Thaicom 6 communications satellite

January 23                 Atlas V: TDRS-L satellite

February 20               Delta IV: ULA Global Positioning System IIF-5 satellite

April 10                       Atlas V: NROL-67

April 14                      Falcon 9: SpaceX 3 commercial resupply services flight

April 30                      Falcon 9: SpaceX Orbcomm communications satellite

May TBD                    Falcon 9: SpaceX AsiaSat 6 communications satellite

May 7                          Atlas V:  ULA NROL-33

May 27                        Falcon 9: SpaceX AsiaSat 8 communications satellite

May 16                        Delta IV: ULA Global Positioning System IIF-6 satellite

June 6                          Falcon 9: SpaceX 4 commercial resupply services flight

July TBD                     Atlas V: ULA Global Positioning System IIF-7 satellite

Fall                              Delta IV: ULA Orion Exploration Flight Test-1

Fall                              Delta IV: AFSPC4

September TBD          Atlas V: CLIO

September 12              SpaceX 5 commercial resupply services flight

November 26              Atlas V: Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS.

December 5                 SpaceX 6 commercial resupply services flight

A list of upcoming launches, launch-related activities and other special events are available online at www.KennedySpaceCenter.com or by calling 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 Saturn V Center with an actual Saturn V moon rocket, Angry Birds™ Space Encounter, Shuttle Launch Experience, 3D IMAX® space films, Astronaut Encounter,Exploration Space: Explorers Wanted and many other interactive exhibits. The new $100 million home for Space Shuttle AtlantisSM opened June 29, 2013. 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:

Andrea Farmer, 321-449-4318, or email afarmer@dncinc.com

Angelica Deluccia-Morrisey, 321-449-4273, or email adelluci@dncinc.com

Nancy Glasglow, 407-375-2433, or email nancy@bitner.com

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