Bus Tour Gets Up Close With Rocket Launch Pads at New Stop ‘The Gantry at LC-39’ Kennedy Space Center
By Space Coast Daily // July 9, 2025
Space Commerce Way, in Merritt Island, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

BREVARD COUNTY • KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLORIDA — Have you ever wanted to get even closer to NASA’s launch pads? Now you can. Starting this month, the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour will include a stop at The Gantry at LC-39: a brand-new, one-of-a-kind experience you can only have at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
The Gantry at LC-39 tells the story of NASA’s mission to protect Earth through space exploration while doubling as a premium viewing location for select rocket launches. With 360° views of nearby launch pads and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, you’ll feel closer than ever to space exploration and Earth itself.
Located just 1.5 miles from Launch Complex 39A and 2.25 miles from 39B, home of NASA’s Artemis missions, The Gantry at LC-39 offers outdoor play areas, historic artifacts, an immersive Earth Information Center, and four floors of interactive exploration.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is located at Space Commerce Way, in Merritt Island. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily.

Go beyond NASA’s gates and experience The Gantry at LC-39, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s newest attraction. Adjacent to legendary Launch Complex 39 at Kennedy Space Center and the launch pads at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, The Gantry is situated in the day-to-day action of America’s premier spaceport.
Themed “Off Earth, For Earth,” The Gantry also tells the story of NASA’s symbiotic relationship between nature and technology and its mission to protect Earth through space exploration. Offering awe-inspiring 360-degree views, it doubles as a premium viewing location for select rocket launches.
The four-story gantry for which this attraction is named houses an impressive full-scale model of a rocket engine that comes to life during a simulated static test fire. When the countdown reaches zero, the engine roars with sound, dynamic light, and cooling mist to create a multi-sensory experience.
Ascend the gantry’s levels to explore the intricate process of designing, building, and launching rockets. Interactive kiosks illustrate how each rocket is crafted to meet specific mission requirements.

The Gantry at LC-39 is also home to NASA’s largest Earth Information Center. Stunning visualizations, interactive media, and powerful narrations express a holistic view of how the planet is changing in ways that affect all of life on Earth.
Finally, learn about the biodiversity of the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge on which Kennedy Space Center resides. Discover how NASA goes above and beyond to minimize their impact on the ecosystems, including the wildlife, that share their home.
Journey to The Gantry at LC-39 via the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour, included with admission.
For more information CLICK HERE.