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

One Last Chance to See Space Shuttle Atlantis on the Launch Pad

If all goes according to plan, July will mark the end of the country’s space shuttle program. Space shuttle Atlantis is set to blast off into space on July 8th. This means there are only a few short weeks left to see the shuttle perched on her seaside launch pad. Then, the era of manned space flight will temporarily come to a close. Future U.S. manned launches will be years, if not decades, down the road.

There are two options to see the space shuttle sitting on the launch pad. Canaveral National Seashore provides a cheap and fun (who doesn’t want to spend a day at the beach?) way to see Atlantis. Kennedy Space Center is your other alternative – but it will cost you!

Canaveral National Seashore
The southern edge of Canaveral National Seashore butts right up against the Kennedy Space Center. Only in Florida can you spread out your beach blanket in the shadow of towering rockets. Canaveral National Seashore is rustic – there are no towering high rises or condominiums on this beach. The seashore reflects the natural beauty of Florida’s Atlantic Coast and space ships!

As you enter the southern part of the Seashore, you will get great glimpses of the famous Vehicle Assembly Building. There are ample pullouts, heading out to the beach, where you can see Atlantis perched on her launch pad. You will be about 5 miles away, but on a clear day you will get great views. Bring your binoculars and long range camera lens for some terrific pictures.



Once you hit the beach, toss off your sandals and begin walking towards the south. You will be able to see Atlantis once again perched on the pad. NASA does restrict beach access at a particular point. Don’t try to break through the barrier. The area is monitored by armed security personnel. The Seashore will close a few days before the launch. For more information and entrance fees, visit www.nps.gov/cana

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
This isn’t your typical visitor center. It’s filled with guided tours of the space center, IMAX movies, rockets, encounters with former astronauts, space themed memorabilia, and even a space shuttle themed ride. The guided bus tour will take you as close as civilians can get to space shuttle Atlantis. One of the tour’s stops will be at the LC 39 Observation Gantry. It’s up to you how many stairs you want to climb to see the Space Shuttle perched on the pad. You will still be a few miles away, but the views are impressive. Plus, you get to see that famous countdown clock and drive right past the Vehicle Assembly Building.



Admission prices for a day at the complex are around $43. Discounts are given for military personnel. Certain tour areas may be closed a few days before the launch. For more information, visit www.kennedyspacecenter.com