Kennedy Space Center

Where History was Made

It was 1969 when Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins and Buzz Aldrin, with the support of their ground crew, made their mark in world history – they became the first manned mission to land on the moon. The epic voyage through space started right here: at Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A.

More than 50 years later, the space station is still in operation and serves as a space port for various missions by NASA and other, private space companies. While most of the complex is inaccessible by the general public, a small part of the site can be explored by curious visitors – namely the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex with its numerous space-related exhibitions.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Shortly after entering the Visitor Complex, you will find yourself at the Rocket Garden, which houses various launch vehicles, as well as the Explorer, a 1:1 original replica of the space shuttle. Even though this specific model has never been to space, you can still step inside.

Further into the Space Center awaits the Heroes & Legends exhibition, which commemorates all those who have made significant contributions to space travel. While there’s plenty of familiar faces to be found – like Neil Armstrong -, many engineers and former astronauts whose work behind the scenes made space exploration possible in the first place, have also been honored with a spot in the exhibition.

Arranged chronologically, from the humble beginnings of space travel to today’s super complex missions, various mission zones can be explored, which tell exciting tales about a variety of NASA missions, the intricate technology and all kinds of small anecdotes.

From Mercury, Gemini and Apollo, the museum features exhibitions focused on all of the major space programs in history. All the while, Kennedy Space Center is more than a museum; rather, you are invited to touch and experience things for yourself. For example, you’ll be able to sit down in a replica space shuttle and experience first-hand the forces that act on astronauts during a launch into space.

If you happen to be even remotely interested in technology, history, or space – a visit to the Kennedy Space Center is certainly an item to put on your bucket list.