KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. (April 2012) - As the most visible symbol of the American space program — and as its de facto ambassadors — astronauts hold a special place in the hearts and minds of the public. It's no wonder, then, that two of the most popular Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex programs are Astronaut Encounter and Lunch With an Astronaut, one-of-a-kind experiences available only at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Conducted daily, the distinctive sessions offer an up-close-and-personal opportunity to meet with a bona fide member of NASA's astronaut corps. In the process, guests vicariously share in the excitement of space exploration through presentations that are thoughtful, entertaining and oftentimes amusing. Likewise, the programs provide astronauts with the occasion to share the importance of NASA's mission with the world.

Held daily at the 300-seat Astronaut Encounter Theater, the half-hour interactive program consists of question and answer sessions, mission briefings, and a highly personal perspective of space travel as told by one of only just over 500 astronauts to have experienced it. 

An impressive roster of astronauts have appeared since the program's inception in 2001. Among them include Gemini and Apollo astronaut Gene Cernan; Apollo Astronauts Al Worden, Walt Cunningham and Charlie Duke; Space Shuttle astronauts Wendy Lawrence, John Blaha, Jon McBride, and more. A schedule of future Astronaut Encounter appearances is available at www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.

Equally inspiring is Lunch With an Astronaut, an exclusive opportunity for guests to roll up their sleeves and rub elbows with America's finest. Offered daily at 12:00 p.m., the Lunch With an Astronaut program begins with a delicious buffet luncheon followed by a lighthearted video presentation highlighting "everyday" life on the space shuttle. Then comes the definitive main course: An in-depth, personalized presentation by the featured astronaut, followed by a question and answer session and photo opportunity. To ensure each guest enjoys quality time with the astronaut, seating is limited and reservations are recommended. Lunch With an Astronaut tickets are available for purchase in addition to regular Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex admission for $24.99 plus tax for adults or $15.99 plus tax for children (ages 3-11).

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.

Editors Note: For images of Astronaut Encounter and Lunch With an Astronaut, visit:

http://media.kennedyspacecenter.com/kennedy/multimedia/photos/

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