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, who erupts 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.

Guests are invited to witness the beginning of a new era with the first historic launch of a commercial spacecraft on May 7. SpaceX's Dragon capsule, launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket, will be the first commercial spacecraft to rendezvous and berth with the International Space Station. The capsule will fly by the International Space Station within two miles, performing tests and ensuring that all sensors and flight systems are functioning properly. The capsule will then approach the International Space Station to be grabbed by the robotic arm controlled by the space station crew inside. Completing the mission will be a successful splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. Special launch viewing from Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will include launch commentary.

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 not only enjoy a "front row seat" at some of the closest public viewing areas around the Space Coast, but also enjoy a host of launch-related activities and events, that may include mission briefings and live webcasts with NASA scientists, guest speakers and panel discussions, special viewings of IMAX® movies and other films, book signings and autograph sessions, opportunities to meet and talk with experienced astronauts, and much more.

2012 Rocket Launch Schedule (schedule subject to change):

January 19: Delta 4 Heavy launch: Classified Spy Satellite Cargo

February 24: Atlas 5 launch: Mobile User Objective System-1

May 3: Atlas 5 launch: Advance Extremely High Frequency Satellite

May 7: SpaceX Falcon 9/Dragon C2 launch

June 20: Atlas 5 launch: NROL

June 28: Delta 4 Heavy launch

August 18: Space X Falcon 9/Dragon C3 launch

August 30: Atlas 5 launch: Radiation Belt Storm Probes

September 20: Delta 4 Heavy launch: GPS 2F-3

October: Atlas 5 OTV3 launch. Date TBD

December: SpaceX Falcon 9/Dragon C4  launch

December: Atlas 5 launch: TDRS Communications Satellite. Date TBD

Note: Launch viewing opportunities at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex contingent on time of rocket launch.

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 opens daily at 9 a.m. Closing times vary by season.  Admission includes the Kennedy Space Center Tour, Shuttle Launch Experience, 3D IMAX® space films, Astronaut Encounter, Exploration Space: Explorers Wanted and all exhibits. Admission also includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®, featuring historic spacecraft and the world's largest collection of personal astronaut memorabilia, open from noon until 6:00 p.m. daily. Parking, wheelchairs, strollers and pet kennels are free of charge. Admission is $45 + tax for adults and $35 + tax for children ages 3-11. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Commander's Club Annual Pass is $58 + tax for adults and $48 + tax for children ages 3-11.  For more information, call 877-313-2610 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is operated by Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts at KSC, Inc., a division of Delaware North Companies, one of the world's leading hospitality and food service providers. For more information, visit www.experiencednc.com.

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