Guests get the special treatment on space center's anniversary
By Meagan McGone
mmcgone@hometownnewsol.com
For the past five decades, the Kennedy Space Center has been the hub of every American-manned mission to space.
In honor of the center's 50th birthday, NASA will give visitors the chance to see the Kennedy Space Center like never before, offering behind-the-scene tours and live rocket launch viewings that will provide unique glimpses of history and the future.
As part of the KSC Up-Close tour, guests can visit the Vehicle Assembly Building during a two-hour guided tour of the Kennedy Space Center's facilities. For the first time in more than 30 years, the Vehicle Assembly Building, used to assemble and house shuttles, is open to the general public. One of the largest buildings in the world by volume, the 525-foot-tall structure has its own weather and forms rain clouds on humid days.
The number of KSC Up-Close tours offered throughout a day varies due to the capacity of the complex. In addition to admission prices, the tours cost $25 for adults and $19 for children ages 3 to 11.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, where history has been made," said Andrea Farmer, public relations manager for the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
Though 2011 brought an end to NASA's 30-year space shuttle program, there is no shortage of excitement in the skies surrounding the Kennedy Space Center. Visitors have several opportunities to see rockets blast off from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, whether government-organized or commercially operated.
In celebration of the Kennedy Space Center's 50th anniversary, the visitor complex is offering two specials for guests looking to save on admission.
The Kennedy Space Center's 50th Gold Admission Package costs $50 for adults and $46 for children, and the single-day admission includes a commemorative coin and a meal voucher. The package must be pre-purchased by calling (866) 737-5235 or visiting www.kennedyspacecenter.com.
Guests can enjoy the perks of a $50 annual pass, which include savings on guest admission, discounts on merchandise and food, a commemorative coin and admission to various seasonal events.
For more information about the Kennedy Space Center or for ticket prices and purchases, visit www.kennedyspacecenter.com.