Themed Attractions: Rocket Launch Thrills Continue at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

While space shuttles have had their last flight,   visitors to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (KSCVC)  on Friday, Aug. 5, experienced the thrill of  lift-off as NASA launched a Jupiter-bound Atlas rocket at 12:25 p.m. ET.

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"Visitor attendance today exceeded our expectations, doubling a normal operating day, " said Bill Moore, Chief Operating Officer of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. "We look forward to hosting audiences on Sept. 8 for the Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (Grail) launch to the moon and Nov. 25 for the Mars Science Laboratory mission."  

The first 2, 000 guests to arrive at KSCVC were invited to view the launch from the closest possible public viewing area, the Apollo/Saturn V Center. Additional launch viewing opportunities included the Visitor Complex's Shuttle Plaza.

In celebration of the Juno mission to Jupiter, KSCVC hosted a variety of launch-related activities the day before launch including presentations by Bill Nye The Science Guy®, a Scientists In Action live webcast and the LEGO® Build the Future play area.

About Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens at 9 a.m. Closing times vary by season.  The Visitor Complex is open daily except December 25 and certain launch days. Admission includes the Kennedy Space Center Tour, Shuttle Launch Experience, 3D IMAX® space films, Astronaut Encounter, STAR TREKTM LIVE, Exploration Space: Explorers Wanted and all exhibits. Admission also includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®, featuring historic spacecraft and the world's largest collection of personal astronaut memorabilia, open from noon until 6:00 p.m. daily. Parking, wheelchairs, strollers and pet kennels are free of charge. Admission is $43 + tax for adults and $33 + tax for children ages 3-11. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Commander's Club Annual Pass is $56 + tax for adults and $46 + tax for children ages 3-11.  For more information, call 877-313-2610 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.