Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
369
Tips
Out to Launch
If you'd like to see a shuttle launch at the
Kennedy Space Center,
first call
&
321/
867-5000
or check NASA's official website (www.ksc.nasa.gov) for a schedule of
upcoming takeoffs. You can buy launch tickets at the Kennedy Space Center Visi-
tor Complex (
&
321/449-4444
) or online at www.ksctickets.com.
A word of cau-
tion:
Shuttle launches are frequently delayed due to weather, equipment
malfunctions, or other factors, so you might have to make multiple visits to see
one. It is also possible the launch window may be delayed beyond your going-
home date.
If you can't get into the space center, other good viewing spots are on the
causeways leading to the islands and on U.S. 1 as it skirts the waterfront in Titus-
ville. The
Clarion Inn Riverside-Kennedy Space Center,
on Washington Avenue
(U.S. 1) in Titusville (
&
800/465-4329
or 321/269-2121; www.choicehotels.com),
has a clear view of the launchpads across the Indian River. Area motels raise their
rates and often book up around the time a launch is scheduled.
very popular and sell out quickly. Launches can also be viewed from the main Visitor
Complex with the regular admission price of $38 per adult and $28 per child.
For an out-of-this-world experience, do Lunch with an Astronaut, a once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity available every day ($23 adults, $16 kids 3-11, in addition to Visitor Com-
plex admission). Astronauts who have participated in the past include some of the great-
est, such as Jim Lovell, Walt Cunningham, Story Musgrave, and Jon McBride. Seating is
limited; call
&
321/449-4400
to make a reservation.
New at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is the repackaged
Astronaut Training
Experience,
a thrilling combination of hands-on training and preparation for the rigors
of spaceflight. You'll hear first-hand from veteran NASA astronauts as you progress
through an authentic half-day of mission simulation and exploration and even get to
check out a flight simulator. It's pricey, though, at $125 per person.
Note:
Kennedy Space Center acquired many of the exhibits from the U.S.
Astronaut
Hall of Fame
and added them as a separate attraction at the KSC Visitor Complex ($17
adults, $13 child 3-11; or $38 adults and $28 child for a 2-day admission ticket to the
Visitor Complex and the Hall of Fame). The attraction includes exhibits and tributes to
the heroes of the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo space programs. There's also a collection
of spacecraft, including a Mercury 7 capsule, a Gemini training capsule, and an Apollo
14 command module. In “Simulator Station,” guests can experience four times the force
of gravity, ride a rover across Mars, and land a space shuttle.
NASA Pkwy. (Fla. 405), 6 miles east of Titusville,
1
/
2
-mile west of Fla. 3.
&
321/449-4444
for general
information or 321/449-4444 for guided bus tours and launch reservations. www.kennedyspacecenter.
com. Admission $38 adults, $28 children 3-11. Annual passes $50 adults, $40 children 3-11. Audio guides
$5 per person. All tours and movies free for children 2 and under. Open daily at 9am; visitor center 9am-
7pm. Bus tours daily 10am-2:15pm. Closed Christmas and certain launch days.
BEACHES & WILDLIFE REFUGES
To the north of the Kennedy Space Center,
Canaveral National Seashore
is a
protected 13-mile stretch of barrier-island beach backed by cabbage palms, sea grapes,
palmettos, marshes, and Mosquito Lagoon. This is a great area for watching herons,
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