Duran Duran to Rock the Rocket Garden at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex with Concert and Choreographed Drone Light Show

Spectacular Late-Night Show Highlights Apollo 50^th Celebrations on the Space Coast

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. (June 28, 2019) – Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and the Aldrin Family Foundation today announced that the iconic British band Duran Duran will play a unique show amidst the spectacular Rocket Garden with an out-of-this-world drone performance by Studio Drift. Tickets are now on sale at KennedySpaceCenter.com for the show which will immediately follow the sold-out Apollo 50^th Gala on July 16, 2019.

Speaking from Europe, where the band is currently on tour, keyboardist and Duran Duran co-founder Nick Rhodes said, “In July 1969 an entire generation, around the world, was ‘Moonstruck'. I was one of those kids watching in complete amazement on TV as the Lunar Module touched down, and Neil Armstrong took his first steps on the Moon. I remember rushing outside immediately after the broadcast to just stare up into the night sky. It was surreal and awe inspiring - science fiction unfolding before us. I tried to picture what it must be like for the astronauts who were up there – but it was all so utterly unimaginable. We’d simply never witnessed anything like it before. It felt like a new beginning. Everything was encapsulated in that one moment, nothing was ever going to be the same again. It represented hope, belief and opportunity - opening our minds to what mankind was capable of achieving.”

The Florida Four-Pack at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Launches Floridians into a Galaxy of Space Exploration

Savings of more than $65 through June 27, 2019

CAPE CANAVERAL (May 29, 2019) – KENNEDY SPACE CENTER – The countdown to savings for Floridians is on at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex! From now through June 27, 2019, Florida residents can take advantage of the Florida Four-Pack special, which offers a party of four admission for just $159, a $69 discount.  The offer can be downloaded as a coupon from the website beginning May 29, 2019.

As the 50^th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission approaches, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is finalizing exciting events, experiences and celebrations for this summer. The iconic mission that first brought man to the Moon is one of America’s proudest moments. At the visitor complex, guests can learn about the fascinating stories of grit and determination that led up to this extraordinary accomplishment at the reimagined Apollo/Saturn V Center, view the actual launchpad  from which the historic mission launched while on the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour and pay respect to the astronauts who paved the way at Heroes and Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame^®  presented by Boeing. Guests can also view the new Apollo First Steps film at the IMAX^® Theater, interact with veteran NASA astronauts and much, much more.

The Florida Four-Pack special is available via a downloadable coupon which can be accessed on the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex website, www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. To qualify for the discount, guests must present the printed coupon and proof of Florida residency at the visitor complex Ticket Plaza. Smartphones, PDFs and/or other soft copies of the coupon will not be accepted. Guests also must provide one of the following: Florida driver’s license, Florida state-issued ID card with a Florida address or a utility bill with a Florida address and corresponding ID. Only the ticket purchaser is required to be a Florida resident. For more information on the Florida Four-Pack offer, call 866-638-5091.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex brings to life the epic story of the U.S. space program, offering a full day or more of fun, inspiration and educational activities. This includes the Apollo/Saturn V Center, which features an actual Saturn V Moon rocket, and is currently being upgraded and expanded in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 launch and Moon landing. Also included with admission are Heroes & Legends, featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame^®, presented by Boeing, the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour, Space Shuttle Atlantis^®, Shuttle Launch Experience^®, 3D space films, Astronaut Encounter, Journey To Mars: Explorers Wanted, Science on a Sphere^®, and the Rocket Garden. Add-on experiences available for an additional fee include the new Astronaut Training Experience^® Exploring with Lockheed Martin, Cosmic Quest, Dine With An Astronaut and Special Interest Tours. Only 45 minutes from Orlando, Fla., Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens daily at 9 a.m. with closing times varying by season. Admission is $57 + tax for adults and $47 + tax for children ages 3 – 11. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers annual passes starting at $82 + tax for adults and $67 + tax for children ages 3 – 11. For more information, call 877-313-2610 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.

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Rocket Mortgage and Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Partner to Honor Apollo 11 Crew

Bronze Memorial to Mark 50^th Anniversary of First Lunar Landing

CAPE CANAVERAL (May 14, 2019) – KENNEDY SPACE CENTER – In commemoration of the 50^th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission, Rocket Mortgage by Quicken Loans, the nation’s largest mortgage lender, and Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex today announced a new partnership to create a one-of-a-kind bronze statue honoring the legendary crewmembers of the spaceflight that landed the first two people on the Moon. The statue will depict Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins, and will be the focal point of the new Moon Tree Garden, which will be located outside of the Apollo/Saturn V Center.

The Lunar Module Has “Landed” at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Enhancements are underway to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of Apollo 11. Lunar Module 9 will be displayed under the Saturn V rocket.

CAPE CANAVERAL (March 25, 2019) – KENNEDY SPACE CENTER – Lunar Module 9 (LM-9) has “landed” at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s Apollo/Saturn V Center. This summer, guests will be able to get a closer look at LM-9, one of only three remaining Lunar Modules designed for mission use. Previously suspended from the ceiling, the relocation of the module is part of an initiative to reimagine the Apollo/Saturn V Center as Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex gears up for the 50^th anniversary celebration of Apollo 11.

Originally intended to fly on Apollo 15, LM-9 was replaced with an Extended Lunar Module when the Lunar Rover was added to the mission. In 2017, this American relic was completely refurbished to preserve for generations to come. The careful relocation of the historic artifact took place over several hours to ensure its safety. Visit the following link to view a time-lapse of the move.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Offers Special Viewing Opportunities for the Commercial Crew SpaceX Demonstration Mission 1 (Demo-1) Launch

Packages include launch parties, commemorative gifts, live commentary and more.

CAPE CANAVERAL (February 15, 2019) – KENNEDY SPACE CENTER – Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is kicking off a new era of space exploration, offering exclusive viewing packages for the upcoming Commercial Crew SpaceX Demonstration Mission 1 (Demo-1) launch. This mission is significant as it will be the first, uncrewed test flight of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which will carry men and women into space from American soil for the first time since 2011. At Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, guests will have the opportunity to experience the awe and excitement of these historic launches just a few miles from the launch pad – the closest public viewing.

 “This is the first of many enhanced viewing opportunities to come,” said Therrin Protze, chief operating officer, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. “With crewed launches on the horizon, the interest in space continues to grow and we are poised to offer many more bucket-list experiences to our guests.”

The Demo-1 launch is the first uncrewed test flight of SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft, which is set to lift off from Kennedy Space Center’s famed launchpad 39A, the same launchpad from which Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong set course for the moon on Apollo 11 in 1969 nearly 50 years ago. The packages are designed to enhance the overall launch viewing experience.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Offers Floridians a Universe of Savings with the Florida Four-Pack

Savings of more than $65 through November 18, 2018

CAPE CANAVERAL (September 17, 2018) – KENNEDY SPACE CENTER – Starting September 17, 2018, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is once again offering Florida residents a universe of savings with the Florida Four-Pack special. The offer, which can be downloaded as a coupon from the website, can be used to purchase admission for a party of four people for just $159, a savings of more than $65, through November 18, 2018.

Floridians who take advantage of this special offer can also take part in some exciting new experiences at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, including the newly opened Astronaut Training Experience^® (ATX) sponsored by Lockheed Martin. For an additional price, guests can train like an astronaut using immersive simulation technology that trains them to live and work in the harsh environment of Mars and teaches them what it’s like to visit the Red Planet, using real NASA science to address engineering challenges. Guests can also enjoy the recently renovated Space Shop, which features the Apollo 11 gantry that astronauts walked across.  

World’s Largest Space Shop Reopens at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Over 15,000-square-foot store offers space memorabilia, NASA gear and an interactive shopping experience

CAPE CANAVERAL – (June 29, 2018) – KENNEDY SPACE CENTER – Visitors to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in recent months may have noticed an increasing amount of “space dust” by the temporarily closed retail store. The dust has cleared to uncover the new Space Shop at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. At 15,372 square feet, the world’s largest store devoted to space memorabilia and NASA gear has opened its doors once again, revealing new interactive shopping experiences, an historic artifact, and a larger inventory of souvenirs, memorabilia and retail items.

“Our new Space Shop is a shopping experience you can’t get anywhere else in the universe,” said Therrin Protze, chief operating officer, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. “One special feature, the original Apollo-era gantry, allows shoppers to literally walk in the footsteps of NASA astronauts. It’s an interactive shopping destination where our guests can bring a bit of their space experience home.”

FLORIDA - FIFTH GRADERS NATIONWIDE TO RECEIVE FREE ADMISSION TO NASA’S KENNEDY SPACE CENTER VISITOR COMPLEX

Explore a Universe of Fun for Free through December 31, 2018

 CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (April 11, 2018) – KENNEDY SPACE CENTER –  Fifth graders nationwide have just landed a free trip to space. For the second consecutive year, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is offering a front row seat to NASA’s future of space exploration with an invitation for a full-day of adventure and fun for FREE!

Current and incoming fifth graders (for fall 2018*) who visit with a full-admission-paying-adult**, will receive free, one-day admission to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The ticket is available via the following link:https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/info/tickets#SpecialOffers. The ticket can be printed and then presented at any ticket window, along with one of the following as proof of age: a fourth- or fifth-grade report card, a passport or birth certificate. The offer will run through December 31, 2018.

FLORIDA - Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Offers Special Viewing Access For Launch of the World’s Most Powerful Rocket, the SpaceX Falcon Heavy

Special Packages include launch parties, commemorative gifts, live commentary and more

CAPE CANAVERAL (January 25, 2017) – KENNEDY SPACE CENTER – When SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy lifts off from Kennedy Space Center’s famed Pad 39A, the same launchpad from which Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong set course for the moon on Apollo 11 in 1969, a new kind of history will be made. In anticipation of the once-in-a-lifetime event, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is offering guests special viewing opportunities through a selection of packages designed to enhance the experience, all within a few miles from the launchpads. They are as follows: 

FLORIDA - U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame® to Welcome Dr. Thomas D. Jones and Captain Scott D. Altman

Space Shuttle Astronauts to be Inducted

at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in April 2018 

CAPE CANAVERAL (January 18, 2017) – KENNEDY SPACE CENTER – Veteran astronauts Dr. Thomas D. Jones and Capt. Scott D. Altman, who have both demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in furthering NASA’s mission of exploration and discovery, have been selected to receive one of the highest honors in their industry. This April, they will be inducted into the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame^® to become two of only 95 individuals to ever receive this esteemed honor. The announcement was released in a video from Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, and made by Curt Brown, board chairman of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, which oversees the selection process.

FLORIDA - New Astronaut Training Experience Center at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Guests Can Train Like an Astronaut Preparing for a Trip to Mars

CAPE CANAVERAL – December 21, 2017 – KENNEDY SPACE CENTER – The race to Mars has already begun, and with the opening of the new Astronaut Training Experience^® (ATX) at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex this February, guests will be the first to “touch down” on the Red Planet.  The all-new Astronaut Training Experience will use immersive simulation technology to transport participants to Mars, train them to live and work in the harshest environment, and teach them what it’s like to travel to the Red Planet, using real NASA science to address engineering challenges.  

FLORIDA - All New Holidays in Space at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to Feature Acclaimed Performing Artists Fighting Gravity

Holidays in Space Event to take place December 20, 2017 through December 31, 2017*

CAPE CANAVERAL – September 20, 2017 – KENNEDY SPACE CENTER –  This holiday season, the term “lift-off” will take on a whole new meaning at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. For the first time ever, the internationally acclaimed performance groupFighting Gravity will put on a nightly show** during the visitor complex’s annual Holidays in Space celebration. The group will awe crowds with the illusions they perform that seem to defy the laws of physics.

Fighting Gravity’s black-light illusion dance performances gained notoriety in 2009, as third-place finalists on the popular NBC TV show, “America’s Got Talent.” Since then the group, which originated as a fundraising idea started by students at Virginia Tech, has been featured on stages around the world, with acts such as Will.I.am and Jennifer Lopez. 

FLORIDA - Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to Host Solar Eclipse Day 2017

Watch the Solar Eclipse in the Rocket Garden

Monday, August 21, 2017

 WHAT: For the first time in almost 100 years, a total solar eclipse will be visible through the United States. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, located in the partial eclipse zone, is commemorating this historic event by hosting a viewing opportunity right at America’s spaceport. On August 21, visitors will be able to sit in the Rocket Garden and watch the moon begin to cover the sun.

Complimentary certified eclipse viewing glasses will be provided on a first come, first served basis. Space experts will be on site to engage with viewers, answer questions and offer commentary throughout the event; and NASA TV will be streaming live content from across the U.S. onto the visitor complex’s jumbotron.

Leading up to the event, our education team will use the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex mobile planetarium to showcase the science behind a solar eclipse, and there will be two new eclipse-themed shows in Science on a Sphere and Eyes on the Universe.

FLORIDA - SpaceX is delivering supplies to the International Space Station with a Falcon 9 rocket

What: 

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the 14th Dragon spacecraft on the 12th operational cargo delivery mission to the International Space Station. The flight is being conducted under the Commercial Resupply Services contract with NASA. The Falcon 9 rocket’s first stage will return to landing at Cape Canaveral few minutes after liftoff. Space X has been flying resupply missions since 2012 and is scheduled to conduct a total of 20 missions.

For up to date launch information, download the We Are Go Vacationauts app. Inside, users will find a compass pointing in the direction of the launch, the ability to check-in as a viewer, share their photos and experience with the Vacationauts community and more.

When:
Monday, August 14^th 
Launch time: 12:31 p.m.  EST

Where:

Launch Complex-39A
Kennedy Space Center

FLORIDA - It’s not a Bird or a Plane – It’s a Mars Rover!

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Kicks Off

the Summer of Mars Experience Tour

Mars Rover Concept Vehicle to make stops in Atlanta, D.C., New Jersey and New York City

CAPE CANAVERAL (June 28, 2017) – KENNEDY SPACE CENTER – A car trip on I-95 this July and August might bring with it more than just the usual sights. Passers-by could be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of an extraterrestrial convoy, as a massive Mars rover concept vehicle, commissioned by Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, makes it way on a custom-trailer up and down the East Coast for tour stops in select cities. The vehicle will make its first stop in Atlanta for a three-day stay at the Sun Trust Stadium beginning July 14, and will then make its way to Washington, D.C., Jersey City, and New York City, returning to Cape Canaveral in late-August.

A highlight of the Summer of Mars campaign at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, the Mars rover was designed as a traveling exhibit to inspire the public about space exploration and interplanetary travel. The 5,500-pound, nearly 11-foot tall rover will be on display at the visitor complex through the end of June, at which point it will begin its East Coast tour.

FLORIDA - FIFTH GRADERS NATIONWIDE OFFERED FREE ADMISSION TO NASA'S KENNEDY SPACE CENTER VISITOR COMPLEX

 "Summer of Mars" Promises Inspiration for the Next Generation of Space Explorers

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (May 11, 2017) - KENNEDY SPACE CENTER - Calling all future explorers! Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is offering a front row seat to NASA's Journey to Mars for free to fifth graders nationwide this summer, with an invitation for a full-day of adventure and fun. The offer is part of the Summer of Mars campaign designed to highlight the myriad experiences and activities available to guests that focus on the future of space exploration and Mars missions to inspire the next generation of space explorers at the place where it will launch.

REVIEW: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

I tend to geek out a bit when it comes to NASA and the space program. One of my favorite memories of growing up in Texas is gawking at a visiting Space Shuttle Challenger through the chain link fence at Kelly Air Force Base in 1983. I was so little, and it seemed so huge... larger-than-life! This amazing thing I was gazing at could blast off all the way to the moon - maybe beyond - but right now, it was less than a football field away from me. This whole concept just awed and astounded me at that very young age. Truth be told, it still does! 

TRAVEL TO SPACE FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR LIVING ROOM

New Space Visor from Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Offers Enhanced Visitor Experience Anywhere!

CAPE CANAVERAL - (January 12, 2017) - KENNEDY SPACE CENTER - Experience space as only NASA astronauts have before with the new, custom-designed Space Visor virtual reality headset and mobile applications available exclusively at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Available for purchase at visitor complex gift shops and online at TheSpaceShop.com, the Space Visor transports users to a spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS), where they can explore inside and learn about each module, and then to the surface of the moon on a rocky lunar rover ride.  Other experiences include visits to restricted areas at the visitor complex such as the Gemini IX and Apollo 14 capsules and more. The headset can be used while at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and then from anywhere else a user might be.

"At Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex we create immersive space experiences for our visitors," said Therrin Protze, chief operating officer, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. "The Space Visor is the next step to bring our guests an unparalleled experience at the height of current technology."

The premium headset allows users to interact with three separate applications:

• KSC 360 Expedition encompasses all parts of the visitor complex, and users are prompted to learn facts about each rocket in the Rocket Garden, gaze at space shuttle Atlantis as she floats in orbit, take a ride on the moon in a lunar rover at the Apollo/Saturn V Center and sit in the commander seat of the Mercury-Atlas 8, Gemini IX and Apollo 14 capsules.

• Space Dreams explores the room of a space-inspired child to learn facts and figures about the solar system from galactic-themed décor including each planet, a Mars rover and a Mercury spacesuit.

• Edge of Home allows guests to see the International Space Station like an astronaut; they will take part in an extravehicular activity, walk around the outside of the ISS while learning facts and figures about each module.

Delaware North, operators of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, worked with Orlando-based VR technology partner, brandVR, to create content that is compelling and approachable for all audiences.

For more information, click here.

About Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex brings to life the epic story of the U.S. space program, offering a full day or more of fun, inspiration and educational activities, including the Kennedy Space Center Tour featuring the Apollo/Saturn V Center with an actual Saturn V moon rocket, Space Shuttle Atlantis^®, Shuttle Launch Experience^®, IMAX^® A Beautiful Planet 3D and Journey To Space 3D films, Astronaut Encounter, Journey To Mars: Explorers Wanted, Science on a Sphere^®, Rocket Garden, Cosmic Quest, and many other exhibits. Its newest attraction, Heroes & Legends, featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame opened November 11, 2016. Only 45 minutes from Orlando, Fla., Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens daily at 9 a.m. with closing times varying by season.  Admission is $50 + tax for adults and $40 + tax for children ages 3-11. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers annual passes starting at $75 + tax for adults and $60 + tax for children ages 3-11. For more information, call 877-313-2610 or visit http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/.

Twitter: @ExploreSpaceKSC

facebook.com/KennedySpaceCenterVisitorComplex

Instagram: @kennedyspacecenter

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About brandVR:

brandVR is a full-service AR/VR tech company which helps organizations tackle tough problems using the power of immersive experiences. Founded by a veteran team with experience in digital gaming and business, brandVR is horizontally integrated so it can create, distribute, market, and analyze AR/VR experiences to help organizations market and sell their products. brandVR's talent has already helped hundreds of companies launch their VR campaigns throughout the world including: Huffington Post, Financial Times, Google, Gensler, Intuit, and NASA.

Official Website: http://www.brandvr.co   

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FLORIDA - Holidays in Space Hi-Tech Show Debuts at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

CAPE CANAVERAL – (DECEMBER 22, 2016) – KENNEDY SPACE CENTER – Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex launched its holiday season last night with the premiere of the Holidays in Space video display, which this year provided visitors with a glimpse of a future Mars habitat. The custom space- and holiday-themed projection mapping show set against the side of a Saturn 1B rocket enthralled the crowd as they viewed from a one-of-a-kind outdoor cinematic setting amid the visitor complex’s Rocket Garden. The show also featured historic footage of actual launches, awe-inspiring views of earth and a breathtaking pyrotechnics display.

“Each year our Holidays in Space program features more surprise elements and enhancements in that we are sharing the incredible NASA story in a way that is not only exciting but also memorable,” said Therrin Protze, chief operating officer, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. “This year’s show goes well beyond what guests have experienced in past years and is truly unforgettable.”

The dazzling projection display will run nightly through January 1, 2017, with the exception of Dec. 25.*

In addition to the nightly show, the visitor complex also is adorned for the holidays with a stunning array of decorations, including a 35-foot-tall holiday mosaic tree, illuminated shooting stars and the NASA insignia “dressed up” for the season.

For more information or to book a visit to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, click here.

About Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex brings to life the epic story of the U.S. space program, offering a full day or more of fun, inspiration and educational activities, including its newest attraction, Heroes & Legends, featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame^®, presented by Boeing, which opened November 11, 2016.  Other highlights include the Kennedy Space Center Tour featuring the Apollo/Saturn V Center with an actual Saturn V moon rocket, Space Shuttle Atlantis^®, Shuttle Launch Experience^®, IMAX^® A Beautiful Planet 3D and Journey To Space 3D films, Astronaut Encounter, Journey To Mars: Explorers Wanted, Science on a Sphere^®, Rocket Garden, Cosmic Quest, and many other exhibits. Only 45 minutes from Orlando, Fla., Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens daily at 9 a.m. with closing times varying by season.  Admission is $50 + tax for adults and $40 + tax for children ages 3-11. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers annual passes starting at $75 + tax for adults and $60 + tax for children ages 3-11. For more information, call 877-313-2610 or visit http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com.

FLORIDA - JOHN GLENN'S CONTRIBUTION TO NASA'S SPACE PROGRAM HONORED AT KENNEDY SPACE CENTER VISITOR COMPLEX

Remembrance held in front of Heroes & Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame^®

Left to right: Former astronauts Robert Cabana, Jon McBride, Al Worden and Winston Scott remember the late John Glenn and his enormous contributions to the space program in front of Heroes & Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame^®. The façade of the building, which opened last month, bears his likeness, along with the rest of the Mercury 7 crew.

CAPE CANAVERAL (December 9, 2016) - KENNEDY SPACE CENTER - A ceremony was held at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex this afternoon to honor NASA astronaut and Ohio Senator John Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth, who passed away on Dec. 8, at the age of 95. Held in front of Heroes & Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, the ceremony included remarks by space shuttle astronaut Jon McBride; Therrin Protze, chief operating officer, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex; and Robert Cabana, director of NASA's Kennedy Space Center, and space shuttle astronaut. The ceremony was attended by Apollo astronaut Al Worden and space shuttle astronaut Winston Scott.

"We at Delaware North join NASA and all Americans in mourning the loss of John Glenn, a legendary American hero who made invaluable contributions to the space program and to the country," said Rick Abramson, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Delaware North, which operates Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for NASA.

The ceremony took place at 1:30 this afternoon and highlighted Glenn's illustrious career as an astronaut pioneer as well as a national hero. Born in Ohio, Glenn flew combat missions in both World War II and the Korean War as a Marine aviator. As one of NASA's original Mercury 7 astronauts, Glenn's flight aboard Friendship 7 on February 20, 1962, launched America to the forefront of the space race. He continued to serve his country as a four-term Senator from Ohio. He was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in 1990. In 1998, at the age of 77, he flew on the STS-95 Discovery space shuttle flight, becoming the oldest human in space.

"The impact of John Glenn's legacy will always be present for our visitors," said Therrin Protze, chief operating officer of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. "He will be forever a pioneer who inspired the world. We are privileged to honor him and his invaluable contributions to his country and space exploration."

About Kennedy Space Center

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex brings to life the epic story of the U.S. space program, offering a full day or more of fun, inspiration and educational activities, including the Kennedy Space Center Tour featuring the Apollo/Saturn V Center with an actual Saturn V moon rocket, Space Shuttle Atlantis^®, Shuttle Launch Experience^®, IMAX^® A Beautiful Planet 3D and Journey To Space 3D films, Astronaut Encounter, Journey To Mars: Explorers Wanted, Science on a Sphere^®, Rocket Garden, Cosmic Quest, and many other exhibits. On November 11, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opened Heroes & Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Only 45 minutes from Orlando, Fla., Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens daily at 9 a.m. with closing times varying by season.  Admission is $50 + tax for adults and $40 + tax for children ages 3-11. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers annual passes starting at $75 + tax for adults and $60 + tax for children ages 3-11. For more information, call 877-313-2610 or visit http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/.

Twitter: @ExploreSpaceKSC

facebook.com/KennedySpaceCenterVisitorComplex

Instagram: @kennedyspacecenter

#AlwaysExploring