Space Shuttle Atlantis’ New Home Now Open
By NASA.gov // June 30, 2013
Space Shuttle Atlantis' new $100 million home
ABOVE VIDEO: The world’s most comprehensive attraction devoted to the space shuttle, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s new Space Shuttle Atlantis brings visitors nose-to-nose with the priceless Atlantis spacecraft as only astronauts have seen it before – with payload bay doors open as if it were floating in space. Guests can “be the astronaut” thanks to sophisticated multimedia presentations and more than 60 interactive experiences and simulators that bring to life the people, passion and patriotism behind NASA’s 30-year Space Shuttle Program and the engineering marvel that launched the Hubble Space Telescope and built the International Space Station. For Information call 877-313-2610 or visit KennedySpaceCenter.com. (KSCVC Media video)
BREVARD COUNTY • KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLORIDA – NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is the new home for Space Shuttle Atlantis and is now open for the public.
At Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Space Shuttle Atlantis is the new $100 million home of the priceless, historic spacecraft that tells the incredible story of NASA’s 30-year Space Shuttle Program. The 90,000 square-foot Atlantis attraction is the marquee element of the Visitor Complex’s 10-year master plan.
“We are so proud to partner with NASA to build the only place in the world to experience the remarkable voyage of Atlantis — one of the most storied spacecraft in the U.S. space program,” said Rick Abramson, president of Delaware North Companies Parks and Resorts.
“Without question, Kennedy Space Center is the best place to experience, learn about and be inspired by space exploration – past, present and future.”
“Without question, Kennedy Space Center is the best place to experience, learn about and be inspired by space exploration – past, present and future.”
Atlantis made the journey to its new home on Nov. 2, 2012, traveling 10 miles from the Vehicle Assembly Building to the $100 million exhibit facility that will showcase the shuttle. Since then, Atlantis was raised 30 feet off the ground and rotated 43 degrees to be displayed as if it were in space. Its nose is 26.5 feet off the ground while its portside wingtip is only 7.5 feet from the floor.
COMPELLING STORY, MORE THAN 60 INTERACTIVE EXHIBITS & SIMULATORS
Displays in the 90,000-square-foot facility will tell the compelling story of the entire shuttle program, including the thousands of people working behind the scenes. Exhibits will include the shuttle program’s key role in the launch and servicing of the Hubble Space Telescope, as well as development of the International Space Station.
More than 60 interactive exhibits and simulators will provide guests a never-before-experienced perspective on the shuttle’s complex systems, components and capabilities. The new facility also will showcase how the shuttle program paved the way for the future of space exploration.
“Although the multimillion-dollar interactive exhibit encompasses much, much more than the display of Atlantis, there is no denying, she is truly the star of the show,” said Bill Moore, chief operating officer of the visitor complex.
“We know that this majestic beauty, which safely ferried men and women to space and back on 33 successful missions, is the real reason that our guests will travel thousands of miles … to see her in all her glory.”
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER VISITOR VISITOR HOURS
- June 29 – August 9 – 9 am – 7 pm
- August 10 – September 2 – 9 am – 6 pm
- September 3 – December 20 – 9 am – 5 pm
- December 21 – December 25 -9 am – 6 pm
- December 26 – December 30 – 9 am -7 pm
- December 31 – January 3, 2014 – 9 am – 6 pm
FOR INFORMATION, Inquiries and Ticket Reservations, call 866-737-5235
Kennedy Space Center is located in east Central Florida and just a short drive from Orlando, Daytona Beach and Miami. The Complex is located just to the west on 405. Use GPS coordinates, 28o31’34.10″N and 80o40’45.12″W. This will bring you to the intersection of our entrance.
