Kennedy Space Center

Orlando Florida

On July 29, 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed Public Law 85-568 that established the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). T. Keith Glennan was sworn in as the first administrator of NASA on Aug. 19, and on Oct. 1, the new agency began operation with the mission to perform civilian research related to space flight and aeronautics. The Kennedy Space Center (KSC) has played a pivotal role in NASA's impressive achievements. From the first manned space flights of the Mercury Missions to the Space Shuttle Program, to the current planning of a manned trip to Mars, KSC has been and continues to be a major part of space exploration.

Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is known as America's Premier Gateway to the universe. It is the world's only launch site for the Space Shuttle. KSC prepares the vehicles for each mission, operates each countdown and manages end-of-mission landing recovery activities. The Center also coordinates all expendable vehicle launches carrying a NASA payload, whether the launches take place at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, or elsewhere. Finally, as the last Earthly stop for International Space Station hardware, Kennedy prepares these elements for their missions in space.

KSC is also place of scientific and technological research. Much of the modern technology that we enjoy today such as computers, the internet, and advanced communications were developed through the space program. As the research continues, improvements on existing technology as well as new technologies are constantly being developed right here the Kennedy Space Center in Orlando Florida.

Here is a list of some attractions millions of visitors enjoy each year at the Kennedy Space Center:

• Visitor's Complex
  The Visitors Complex is full of amazing exhibits and interesting shows. Here is a list of some of the attractions within the Visitor's Complex:
  
  

  • Early Space Exploration
  • Rocket Garden
  • Space Walk of Honor
  • Astronaut Memorial
  • IMAX theater #1 and #2
  • Exploration in the New Millennium
  • Astronaut encounter
  • Mad Mission to Mars
  • Robot Scouts
  • Space Shuttle Plaza
    
    
• International Space Station Center
  See massive pieces of the Space Station being processed prior to assembly.
  
  
• Air force Space and Missile Museum
  The world's largest outdoor collection of outdoor missiles on display
  
  
• LC-17 Delta Launch Pad Complex
  This launch pad has been used for nearly 50 years for launching planet probes, solar observatories, and weather satellites
  
  
• Space Shuttle Launch Pad
  Originally used for the Apollo Moon Program
  
  
• Apollo/Saturn Center
  A real Saturn V rocket that took us to the moon is on display
  
  
• Mate Demate Device
  A huge 11 story tall device used for placing and removing the Space Shuttle From the top of a Boeing 747 for transport.
  
  
• Launch Control Center
  This is where the Launch Team gathers to direct and monitor all launch preparations
  
  
• Orbiter Processing Facilities
  This is where the Space Shuttle is towed immediately after landing to be inspected, tested, and refurbished for the next mission
  
  
• Astronaut Hall of Fame
  Experience interactive simulators and see lots of NASA memorabilia