Guests to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex now have the opportunity to come face-to-face with a real astronaut every day of the year! Space fans are flocking from around the world to enjoy this interactive experience. Astronaut Encounter is entertaining to young and old alike, while "driving home" to young people that hard work, dedication and education are the key elements to success. Astronaut Encounter is held daily at the 300-seat Astronaut Encounter Theater.
"This is the only place in the world where parents can be sure their children will see and hear inspirational stories from one of the few who have lived and worked in space," said Rick Abramson, president and chief operating officer of Delaware North Parks Services of Spaceport, Inc. "This unique program is just another added value to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex experience."
The innovative program consists of question and answer sessions, mission briefings and personal stories of space travel as told by one of only 309 astronauts to have experienced it. Various astronauts from throughout America's space history are scheduled to appear. Since the program's inception in 2001, an impressive roster of astronauts have appeared — including Gemini and Apollo astronaut Gene Cernan; Apollo Astronauts Al Worden, Walt Cunningham and Charlie Duke; Space Shuttle astronauts Story Musgrave, John Blaha, Jon McBride, and more.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is open daily except December 25 and certain launch days. The complex opens at 9 a.m. and closing times vary by season. Visitor Complex admission includes the new Shuttle Launch Experience, Kennedy Space Center Gour, 3D IMAX space films, Astronaut Encounter, all exhibits, and the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame that features historic spacecraft, simulator rides and the world's largest collection of personal astronaut memorabilia. Admission is $38.00 (plus tax) for adults and $28.00 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-11).
The Visitor Complex is located 45 miles east of Orlando.
Next: "Lunch With an Astronaut" details.
