NASA’s Iconic Vehicle Assembly Building is Open for Tours!

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has been one of Central Florida’s biggest tourist attractions for years. Visitors from across the globe came to catch birds-eye views of the Space Shuttles perched on their seaside launch pads. When the final shuttle took flight, it left the Visitor Complex with a dilemma. It would be awhile before Space Shuttle Atlantis went on display here. So, how could they entice visitors to come for a visit right now?

Well, they rose to the challenge, developing a tour that’s sure to attract any space enthusiast. For the first time since the 1970’s, visitors are able to tour inside the famed Vehicle Assembly Building!

The Vehicle Assembly Building (or VAB) is the world’s 4th largest building, by volume. Completed in 1965, it instantly became the symbol of Kennedy Space Center. Here is where some of mankind’s ultimate adventures began. The Saturn Rockets were stacked and assembled right here, before rolling out to the launch pad and heading to the moon. Every Space Shuttle was carefully assembled here too. Each orbiter was gingerly lifted up and over onto the External Fuel Tank before heading into Space.

The Kennedy Space Center Up-Close Tour gives you the chance to tour these hallowed halls. Guides take you past the Transfer Aisle where rockets were carefully assembled. You’ll see the towering 456 foot tall bay doors. Every Space Shuttle and Saturn rocket went through them on their way to the launch pad. The 325 ton bridge canes used to assemble the shuttles are on display. Plus, you many even catch a glimpse of a Space Shuttle being prepped for its new museum home.

This tour is only expected to be available for a limited time. The VAB will once again see activity when NASA ramps up its next phase of manned spaceflight. For now, you get the chance to stand where only a select few have gone.

Tour prices are $25 for adults and $19 for children. You must also purchase a general admission ticket to the Visitor Complex. For more details, visit www.kennedyspacecenter.com/ksc-up-close-tour.aspx