KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. (April 2012) - Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex's first interactive visitor experience of its kind - Shuttle Launch Experience - was developed by veteran space shuttle astronauts, under the guidance of NASA. This unique-in-the-world attraction immerses visitors in the sights, sounds and sensations of launching into Earth's orbit from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the birthplace of American space exploration.

Shuttle Launch Experience combines the detailed accounts of astronaut experiences with the expertise of premier design engineers to produce a true-to-life experience unique to visitor attractions around the world.  The technical highlights include an amazingly realistic simulation of the space shuttle's eight and a half-minute ascent into orbit, custom-designed crew cabins with unprecedented vertical range, high-definition audiovisual effects, and advanced seating effects to maximize the sense of realism. 

The journey begins as crew members enter the Shuttle Launch Simulation Facility, an ominous structure architecturally consistent with space shuttle facilities at Kennedy Space Center.  As crew members ascend along the gantry, astronaut testimonials set the stage for what is to come. 

Entering the heart of space shuttle operations for the pre-launch briefing, crew members are guided by veteran space shuttle Commander Charlie Bolden as he takes them step-by-step through the launch sequence. 

Passengers then enter the crew cabin in the space shuttle's payload bay and strap in for launch.  For the next five minutes, the cabin's 44 passengers see, feel and live the powerful journey to 17,500 mph. The payload bay doors open, to reveal a breathtaking view of Earth seldom seen in the first person. After this experience, visitors will never view a launch in the same way.

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.

Editor's Note: For images of Shuttle Launch Experience, contact one of the media contacts above or visit: http://media.kennedyspacecenter.com/kennedy/multimedia/photos/

-kscvc-