KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla.  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 AstronautEncounter 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 more than 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 $29.99 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 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.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is operated by Delaware North, one of the world's leading hospitality and food service providers. For more information, visit http://www.delawarenorth.com/industries/parks.

Follow Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Google+ and Pinterest

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

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

Media Contacts:

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

Nancy Glasgow, 407-375-2433, nancy@bitner.com