Ultimate Space Experience in Orlando, FL

Upon arrival at the main visitor center complex, visit the world’s most comprehensive attraction devoted to the space shuttle, Atlantis brings visitors nose-to-nose with the priceless spacecraft as only astronauts have seen it before – with payload bay doors open as if it were floating in space. More than 60 interactive, touch-screen experiences and high-tech simulators invite guests to “be the astronaut,” bringing to life the people, passion and patriotism behind NASA’s 30-year Space Shuttle Program as well as the complexity of the engineering marvel that launched the Hubble Space Telescope and built the International Space Station (ISS). Guests can conduct a virtual EVA, or extravehicular activity; practice docking to the ISS; extract cargo from the payload bay; create sonic booms and glide to a landing on the Re-entry Slide; experience the sensation of floating in space; explore a high-fidelity replica of the ISS; virtually mate Atlantis to the external tank; kick up a virtual chemical reaction to launch the shuttle; get an “X-ray view” of Atlantis’ interior; experience an orbital sunrise; strap in to the sights, sounds and sensations of a shuttle launch; take the helm at the shuttle cockpit, and much more.

After Space Shuttle Atlantis, you can explore one of the many other exhibits such as Heroes and Legends, sit for a minute in the IMAX theatre to catch one of the 2 films showing, visit the Saturn V Rocket or much more.

Ride along with a space expert guide on a tour of America’s Spaceport. The Explore Tour takes visitors beyond the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour, making several stops to capture once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities. See icons of spaceflight operations like the Vehicle Assembly Building, historic Launch Complex 39 and disembark for a view of the launch pads used by NASA’s commercial partners such as SpaceX and ULA. (Now that rocket launches are once again taking place from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center, safety protocols require an alternate tour bus route during days leading up to a launch. The alternate route includes seeing KSC Headquarters and industrial area, the historic Shuttle Landing Facility and a stop at the Vehicle Assembly Building.)

All in all this day will give you insight into the past, present, and future of space flight.