Kennedy Space Center Has Lift-Off!

If you thought the sight of the launch of the Artemis II mission from the Kennedy Space Center this month was captivating, in the words of the song, you ain’t seen nothing yet! For, while the historic event marked a major milestone in the immediate future of NASA’s space programme, there is a lot more in store – and it makes a trip to the Visitor Complex at the Space Center even more compelling this year.

With the quartet of Artemis astronauts now safely home again after their epic journey, travelling further from Earth than any humans in history, the KSC’s visitor centre is inviting holidaymakers to enjoy a space adventure of their own – right in the heart of Florida!

The world has truly been captivated by the spectacular launch from the KSC’s Launch Complex 39B earlier this month, as well as the extraordinary images and live broadcasts from deep space that the Artemis II Moon-mission has delivered. From the tense 40 minute loss of signal as they travelled behind the Moon to the breathtaking solar eclipse witnessed from the astronauts’ Orion spacecraft, millions have followed every step of this landmark flight that marks humanity’s bold return to lunar exploration after more than 50 years.

The KSC basics

For holidaymakers inspired by the awe and excitement of the Artemis programme, the Visitor Complex – barely an hour’s drive from our villa areas in Osceola and Lake counties – offers the closest experience to space without leaving Earth, including a chance to stand where real missions launch and genuinely feel part of NASA’s past, present and future. Guests can get a hands-on feel for the story of humans in space through thrilling simulators, behind-the-scenes tours, interactive exhibits and larger-than-life 3D space films.

From standing nose to nose with the legendary Space Shuttle Atlantis and feeling the rumble of lift off on the Shuttle Launch Experience, to walking beneath the awe inspiring Saturn V Moon rocket at the Apollo/Saturn V Center, the complex brings NASA’s most iconic achievements to life. The Rocket Garden, Heroes & Legends featuring the US Astronaut Hall of Fame, and the chance to meet a real NASA astronaut every day ensures guests leave with a deeper connection to the pioneers who have shaped our journey beyond Earth.

The essential Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour then takes guests behind the gates of America’s most storied spaceport, offering an up close look at the restricted areas where space history has been – and continues to be – made. Guests travel through the series of working launch facilities, passing the renowned Vehicle Assembly Building and Launch Complex 39. The latter is where those history-making Artemis astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen left Earth for their 10 day journey around the Moon, as well as where the Artemis I test flight lifted off in 2022 and where the original Apollo missions thundered into the sky before them.

What’s new at the KSC

In addition to the captivating exhibits and astronaut memorabilia, the KSC is also now home to several all-new features that add even more excitement and insight into the business of space flight, including a fab family-friendly show that is sure to captivate the pre-school brigade.

New for 2026 is Fraggle Rock: A Space-y Adventure, an original live show that brings Jim Henson’s Emmy Award-winning Fraggles face-to-face with NASA’s real-life space explorers. Performed twice daily (at 12.30 and 1.45pm), in the Universe Theater, the production features full-body costumed “walkaround” versions of the Fraggles and puppet versions of the Doozers, all crafted by the award-winning Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. Through laughter, music and physical comedy, the new production blends Henson’s timeless storytelling and artistry with the awe-inspiring science of space exploration.

Unveiled in summer 2025, The Gantry at LC 39 is a reimagined observation gantry offering 360-degree views across the KSC’s active launch pads and NASA’s working spaceport, placing guests at the heart of the action. Inside, the Earth Information Center blends immersive theatre, dynamic data visualisation and interactive exhibits to reveal how our planet is changing – and how space technology helps us understand it. Visitors can also design and virtually launch their own rocket at the Rocket Build Interactive, feel the intensity of a Test Fire Simulation, and explore shaded outdoor courtyards inspired by Florida’s wildlife.

For a glimpse of what lies ahead, Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex, which opened in 2022, showcases the spacecraft, missions and innovations defining the next era of space exploration. Guests can explore modern spacecraft, interact with robotic explorers, peer into the James Webb Holotube and board Spaceport KSC for one of four motion theatre “journeys” to destinations such as Mars, Saturn and the Horsehead Nebula. Thrill seekers can push the experience even further with the New Shepard Flight to Space simulator and the Hyperdeck VR Mission Moon, a high intensity, multi sensory virtual reality adventure that sees four players compete with one another in a race across the lunar surface.

See a rocket launch!

Of course, one of the KSC Visitor Complex’s main claims to fame is as the closest area for public viewing of the live rocket launches that continue on a weekly basis, giving guests the chance to witness real spacecraft lift off from just a few miles away. This year there will be an expected 100-plus launches, rivalling last year’s record 109, and you can look out for launch info, special events and viewing opportunities. For those looking further ahead, the Artemis III mission is scheduled for mid-2027.

The Visitor Complex opens daily at 9am, with closing times varying by season. Single-day admission is $77 per adult and $67 per child. A two-day ticket is also available for $91 and $81. For more information, go to www.kennedyspacecenter.com.

Have you visited the KSC in the past? What were the highlights for you? Tell us about them on our social media!