trip to kennedy space center from orlando

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The #1 Kennedy Space Center Tour

• Kennedy Space Center & Airboat Ride
• Kennedy Space Center Chat With an Astronaut
• Transport to Kennedy Space Center
• Kennedy Space Center Tickets
• Clearwater Trip with Seaside Lunch

Sea Screamer & Clearwater Beach Day Trip

• Pirate Ship Clearwater Beach Tour
• Clearwater Marine Aquarium & Beach Trip
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Manatee Snorkelling at Crystal River

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• Transportation Included
• Tour Guide Included
• Groups Allowed
• Access for Disabled
• Approx. 12 hours

Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour & Shuttle Launch Experience!

Admission to the KSC with transportation, and so much more…

Get ready for an epic adventure with Real Florida Adventures’ #1 Kennedy Space Center Tour! This is where the legendary “One Small Step for Man” happened, and it’s an absolute must-see in Florida. Packed with jaw-dropping experiences and non-stop excitement, this Kennedy Space Center day trip with transportation from Orlando is as real and thrilling as it gets. Prepare for a day full of awesome discoveries and unforgettable moments!

Scroll down to find out more about our Kennedy Space Center tours from Orlando, and please get in touch if you have any questions for us.

What's Included

• Admission into Kennedy Space Center Visitors complex
• Roundtrip Transportation from International Drive, Disney and Kissimmee areas
• Professional, Certified and Licensed Tour Guide

What's Not Included

Pick-up time & schedule.

Margaritaville Resort at 7:15am Main Lobby, 8000 Fins Up Circle, Kissimmee FL 34747

Golden Corral – Lake Buena Vista at 7:30am 8707 Vineland Ave, Orlando FL32821

Orlando Star Flyer at Icon Park  at 8am 8265 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819

There’s a very good reason why we are the best-reviewed tour operator in Orlando: we take our Kennedy Space Center tour very seriously, pouring as much heart and soul into it as we can. And if you’d like a similar experience but for a private group (not sharing with guests you’ve never met), check out our Kennedy Space Center Private Tour .

Not only does this Kennedy Space Center tour offer the past, present, and future of the space program, it puts visitors front and center in the whole experience like never before. Seeing is believing, and you will believe you have been transported to the cutting edge of space exploration through a series of hands-on exhibits, movies, and presentations, including a daily astronaut encounter with one of the modern heroes of NASA’s operations.

The Signature Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour

It all starts with the signature Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour that provides a complete overview of the full extent of the vast spread of operations, including the massive Vehicle Assembly Building, Launch Complex 39B, and the Apollo/Saturn V Center, with its recreated moon landing and awesome full-size Saturn V rocket.

The KSC Shuttle Launch Experience

Back at the main Visitor Complex, you should definitely make a beeline for the hugely impressive Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, with its moving and emotional presentation of one of the four surviving orbiters, as well as take a ride on the riveting Shuttle Launch Experience, a clever simulator with the inside track on what it feels like to blast off from the Space Center.

You can also visit the Heroes & Legends center (including the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame), soak up the grandeur of the IMAX Theater with its eye-popping large-screen movies, and wander the Rocket Garden.

There is SO much to see here! You will definitely need a full day to take it all in, and our bus tours from Orlando to Kennedy Space Center are the perfect way to indulge your inner astronaut! This world-famous site is fully 60 miles from Orlando; let us take the strain out of the journey so you can enjoy the experience to the max – the IMAX. There’s no easier or better way to get from Orlando to KSC!

If you’re looking for more incredible experiences in Florida to add to this Kennedy Space Center Tour, we are extremely proud of the quality of the experiences we’ve crafted for guests. Take a closer look at our wider range of Tours in (and from) Orlando , and our Orlando Private Tours . And please get in touch if you have any questions about our space tours in Orlando or other experiences!

New to Kennedy Space Center: Gateway

Officially referred to as “Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex”, this brand-new exhibit is included in the price of your ticket. It is an exciting look at the future of deep space exploration while also shining a light on the incredible work that is being done in the present. Ever wondered how we’ll travel between solar systems? This is the best place on the planet to find out!

The Gateway exhibition space is huge and it is packed with real spacecrafts and technologies used by NASA to get people and equipment out into space and back again. Here are just a few highlights of what you can look forward to in the KSC’s new Gateway attraction:

ORION EFT-1 CAPSULE SPACEX CARGO DRAGON COTS-2 SIERRA SPACE DREAM CHASER® BOEING CST-100 STARLINER MOCKUP CAPSULE LOCKHEED MARTIN SPACE HABITAT ROBOTIC SPACE EXPLORERS INTERACTIVE WALL And so much more!

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Kennedy Space Center Day Trip with Transport from Orlando

Additional Info

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Post COVID-19 Safety Updates - We politely request that you refrain from taking this tour should you start displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or if you are at a high risk of contracting the disease. Face masks are recommended but not mandatory, so please bring your own if you wish to wear one.
• Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff
• Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
• Gear/equipment sanitised between use
• Transportation vehicles regularly sanitised
• Guides required to regularly wash hands
• COVID-19 - We politely request that you refrain from taking this tour should you start displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or if you are at a high risk of contracting the disease. Face masks are recommended but not mandatory, so please bring your own if you wish to wear one.

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The Family Vacation Guide

How To Get From Orlando to Kennedy Space Center: Your Options

posted by James Brockbank on December 4, 2022 // last updated on December 4, 2022

There’s so much to enjoy at Kennedy Space Center, and you might be curious to know how you can get there from Orlando. 

Orlando is 54 miles from Kennedy Space Center. Essentially, there are three options you can use to get to Kennedy Space Center from Orlando. All these options involve using a shuttle or a bus. 

You can use the line 08 bus or shuttle or line 104 or line 13 bus. For the line 08 bus, it will take you about 3 hours 31 minutes. You can get to Kennedy Space Center faster using the line 104 bus since it will take about 2 hours.

What is Kennedy Space Center?

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Kennedy Space Center is one of NASA’s ten field centers. It’s a popular tourist attraction in Florida. The space center is one hour east of Orlando and two hours south of Jacksonville. 

Just as its name suggests, it’s an area where NASA performs most of its activities, including space-travel events and launches.

The good thing about KSC is that it’s open for visitation and is packed with outstanding attractions that will amaze you. Daily admission at KSC allows you to visit the rocket garden, planet play, astronaut encounter, watch space films at the IMAX® theater, and more.

The fastest way to get to KSC is by using the line 08 bus or shuttle.

Your trip will cost you an average of $57, and you should arrive at your destination in 3 hours and 31 minutes.

If you’re running on a tight budget, driving to your destination will save you money. The money you will spend here depends on your car’s fuel efficiency. 

However, you should spend about $12 or less. It will take you about an hour to arrive at KSC.

If you don’t have a car, the best option will be to use taxi services. You will spend more, but you won’t have to bear the hassle of moving around with the car to find a suitable packing space. Plus, it’s a great idea if you are thinking of enjoying yourself during or after the tour and worrying less about driving.

Where Can You Stay Near Kennedy Space Center

There are many hotels near KSC, so you don’t have to worry about where you’ll be staying during your short tour. Some of these hotels include:

Cape Crossing Resort & Marina is located on Merritt Island, about 7 miles from the U.S. Coast Guard Station Port Canaveral Wharf. 

The accommodation features a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, and a fitness center. Guests have free internet access, a sauna, and a shared lounge.

All the hotel’s units are equipped with a flat-screen TV, a coffee machine, a dishwasher, a wardrobe, and a hairdryer. Merritt Island Airport is just 5 miles from the hotel.

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson is about 9.4 miles from KSC. The accommodation doesn’t compromise when it comes to offering top-notch services to its clients. 

You’ll enjoy your stay here since you can take advantage of the amenities offered, including complimentary breakfast, a pool, free internet, free parking, and a fully-equipped fitness center.

Hampton Inn & Suites Cape Canaveral Cruise Port, Fl, is located 1.5 miles from Cape Canaveral Beach. The hotel provides accommodation featuring private parking, a fitness center, and a bar. 

It’s conveniently located close to KSC and other notable restaurants within the area. The rooms have a flat-screen TV and are air-conditioned.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral-Cocoa Beach offers an all-year-round outdoor pool and barbecue. KSC is only 3.7 miles from the hotel, while Port Canaveral is 1.2 miles. Melbourne International Airport is 20.5 miles from the property.

The hotel’s units feature free internet, a flat-screen TV, a fridge, a microwave, and a dishwasher. You also have access to meeting rooms and a business center. If you’re a basketball fan, you can enjoy yourself at the hotel’s basketball court or exercise in the fitness center within the premises.

Other hotels near Kennedy Space Center include:

• Motel 6-Cocoa Beach, FL
• La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Cocoa Beach-Port Canaveral
• Best Western Cocoa Beach Hotel & Suites
• SpringHill Suites by Marriott Cape Canaveral Cocoa Beach
• Courtyard By Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Center

You may consider car rental services around Kennedy Space Center to ensure you can tour the city and its famous attractions. It’s the perfect option to avoid the stress of hopping from one bus to another or booking different taxis. 

Comparing options is the best way to secure affordable car rental deals. Luckily, there are many options to pick from, depending on your budget and other preference factors. 

For instance, if you choose small, medium, or large vehicles. You can also rent a van or a convertible. Naturally, prices will vary but expect to pay somewhere between $15 to $80 for small cars.

You’ll have to spend about 6-8 hours at KSC to ensure you don’t miss out on the most popular attractions at the center. Exciting things to try out here include:

• Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour – Lift Off!
• Shuttle Launch Experience
• Journey To Mars Explorers Wanted
• Space Shuttle Atlantis
• Heroes & Legends
• Apollo/Saturn V Center – The Race To The Moon

There’s so much to do while you’re in KSC. You only need to ensure you’re not in a hurry to try out the above attractions. Remember, booking your hotel in advance is essential since you’ll have a place to stay as you tour other popular attractions around Florida’s Space Coast. 

Moreover, early bookings can save you money. If you rent a car to tour around, you should also consider shopping for the best quotes.

More about our TFVG Author

James Brockbank

A seasoned traveller, Dad, and avid sports tourist, James foundered The Family Vacation Guide to share his expert vacation experiences- especially when it comes to being a travelling family man.

Featured in Travel articles such as Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy and SFGate, you know you're reading some of the best vacation tips online.

Complete Guide to Visiting Kennedy Space Center: Tips & Tricks

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The Kennedy Space Center is likely already on your list if you have an interest in all things space, especially if you’re traveling to Orlando with kids and seeking a hands-on experience. 

For Florida travelers with a more passing interest, it can still be a great visit. It can help you develop a greater appreciation for what it takes to run a successful space shuttle program and the bravery and ingenuity involved with planning for a safe, effective space launch.

Our family had an amazing time checking out the Kennedy Space Center, which was the perfect way to mix things up in between Walt Disney World and Universal Studios .

Pro tip: Get your discounted Kennedy Space Center tickets here and bundle them with your rental car for huge savings!

In this guest post, space enthusiast Brian of Travel on the Reg will share his best tips for Kennedy Space Center to make the most of your visit! He’ll share the best things to do at the Kennedy Space Center and how to plan your next trip there with this complete guide to the Florida space site. I took lots of fun photos on our family trip to Kennedy Space Center, and you’ll see those throughout this article since I haven’t gotten to use them elsewhere!

And now over to Brian…

Where is the Kennedy Space Center?

The Kennedy Space Center is on Merritt Island in central Florida. It’s not really a city but an unincorporated area. The area is most well-known for being a NASA launch site as home to the Launch and Landing Facility (LLF), previously known as the Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF).

Merritt Island is also home to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. That means you may be able to spot some bald eagles on your way to the entrance, and if you opt to stay nearby you’ll want to build in time for a visit on a different day. 

NASA actually works with the refuge to make sure any decisions they make about shuttle launches, expansions, and changes to the existing footprint keep the wildlife habitat in mind.

Why was the Kennedy Space Center built in Florida? 

The Kennedy Space Center was built in Florida for a few reasons:

• Florida is closer to the equator than most other U.S. states, so rockets and shuttles launched from here use less energy to get out to where they’re going. In this case, where they’re likely going is outer space.
• Florida is on the East Coast. Anything launched from here gets a boost from the Earth’s eastward spin vs. similar efforts out of the West Coast.
• It’s close to the Atlantic Ocean. Any debris coming off the shuttles and rockets will fall into the water rather than in developed areas. Potential explosions, while rare, are also safer over the water.

One of the virtual astronauts you’ll meet while checking out the exhibits at the Kennedy Space Center will give you more details about the benefits of KSC’s location!

The complex is one of 10 NASA field centers around the United States, but it’s arguably the most well-known whether you’re a nerd for space exploration or a more casual observer. That’s what makes it such a popular stop on Florida trips or bigger road trips through the South .

How close is the Kennedy Space Center to Orlando? 

The Kennedy Space Center is 44 miles from Orlando. Drive time on that depends on where you’re coming from in Orlando, but expect it to take about an hour with light traffic. You’ll definitely want to rent a car for the trip!

Orlando is pretty notorious for heavy traffic as it’s Florida’s hub for all the fun, so it’s always best to give yourself extra time, especially if you have any timed activities while you’re here.

Is Cape Canaveral the same as the Kennedy Space Center? 

Cape Canaveral is adjacent to the Kennedy Space Center, but it’s not the same thing. Both are part of what’s known as the Space Coast. That’s not a reference to alien activity , but a nod to the spaceports located here.

The confusion may be related to the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, a facility that also serves as a missile and rocket launch site for the U.S. Space Force.

To confuse you further, the Cape Canaveral program has also been known as the Cape Kennedy Air Force Station and the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. It’s all the same.

Tips for Visiting the Kennedy Space Center

Here are a few things you need to know before visiting the Kennedy Space Center:

• Tickets for Kennedy Space Center are available online. Buy them ahead of time to save a lot of money! 
• If you’re only buying general admission tickets, the cheapest discount Kennedy Space Center tickets are available through aRes Travel . Alternatively, you can pay just a few dollars more per ticket but score a huge discount on your rental car through Undercover Tourist when you bundle them together – that can save you hundreds of dollars.
• Ticket enhancements sell out. Book well ahead of time if you know when you’re visiting if you want to do any of the more immersive activities while you’re there.
• Parking is plentiful, but expect to pay a fee of $10 upon arrival.
• You can bring food and bottled drinks (just avoid glass) into the space center. Snacks are encouraged. The pricing inside is what you’d expect out of a theme park-style experience.
• If you don’t bring in food, there are quite a few options once you’re inside. Just expect the upsell. We spent about $25 on lunch that included a serving of fries, a veggie burger, chicken fingers, and two drinks.

How much time do you need at the Kennedy Space Center? You need at least 5-6 hours of time at the Kennedy Space Center to see the highlights. Add more time if you’ve purchased any enhancements.

I highly recommend you get there as early as possible. The center opens at 9am but the gates open at 8:30am. We arrived around 9:30am and met a long line of cars at the entrance. We were parked, past security, and in line for the bus tour just before 10am.

What is the best way to visit the Kennedy Space Center? The best way to visit the Kennedy Space Center is to download the app before you go and plot out your day.

This is basically the Disney World of space. You don’t want to go into this blind, as that may mean you run out of time to do the things that you really wanted to do. 

The app allows you to favorite things you need to see and view highlights by location on their Kennedy Space Center map. 

There are two locations you’ll be exploring on your visit, by the way, and one is only accessible by the Kennedy Space Center bus.

Best Things to Do at the Kennedy Space Center

We spent a full day at the Kennedy Space Center and still didn’t get to every nook and cranny while we were there. I do think we explored the complex quite well, though, so I’m going to share everything with you in the order we did it.

What should you do first at Kennedy Space Center? The first thing you should do at the Kennedy Space Center is explore the Apollo/Saturn V Center. You’ll get there on a bus tour from the main visitor complex.

Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour

The Apollo/Saturn V Center isn’t accessible on foot. To get there, you’ll need to take the bus tour, which is included in your regular admission ticket. 

Access the bus tour at the main visitor complex from NASA Central. (Check out the map on your app or follow signage throughout the park.) If you hit the IMAX theater you’ve gone too far.

You don’t need to pre-book anything, but the park only got more crowded as the day went on. This is why I’m telling you to start with the bus tour.

On your bus tour, you’ll drive by the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB. You can’t enter the building, but it’s impressive nonetheless. It’s over 500+ feed in every dimension and looks like a massive cube of concrete!

This is where the largest components of NASA’s space program are assembled, including space shuttles and the Saturn V. You’ll learn all about it on your bus tour, so take the earbuds out and listen up.

Apollo/Saturn V Center

Upon arrival at the Apollo/Saturn V Center, you’ll be ushered into a room as a whole bus group for an informative video, then to a second room to watch the Apollo 8 launch. 

The simulation comes complete with vibrating seats, and the spectacle was one of my favorite bits from the day.

After this, you’ll be dumped out into the main room, dominated by the Saturn V. The powerful rocket was an essential piece of the success of the Apollo program. 

If you’re new to all of this, the Apollo program was the space program responsible for the first moon landing and subsequent missions to the moon. The last flight through the program was Apollo 17 on December 19, 1972.

The Treasure Gallery is on one side and where you’ll find expected treasures, in this case, artifacts of the Apollo program. You’ll also see an exhibit on the Hubble Space Telescope while you’re here. Seriously, there’s a lot to see, so take your time.

While you explore the exhibits, you’ll hear a call to head to the Lunar Theater. Follow the call. You can always return to the exhibit spaces later, as those aren’t timed. The theater is where you’ll get to see the dramatics unfold around the Apollo 11 launch. 

The last exhibit at the Apollo/Saturn V Center is Ad Astra Per Aspera, a memorial to the astronauts who lost their lives on a test rehearsal of the first expected moon launch on Apollo 1. Three crew members lost their lives that day: Gus Grissom, Ed White, and Roger Chaffee.

We spent about two hours at the Apollo/Saturn V Center before reboarding the bus. You can check out the launching pads outside before you go. If you’re hungry, stop into Moon Rock Cafe for a snack or lunch.

To get back to the boarding station, exit through the main gift shop. Don’t miss the Moon Tree Garden on your way out. You’ll see a statue there of the Apollo 11 astronauts in a lovely green space of trees that are direct descendants of seeds that were taken to the moon.

Read that last bit again to get blown away once more.

Space Shuttle Atlantis

As you leave the bus back at the main visitor center complex, you’ll be close to the entrance of the exhibits dedicated to the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Your visit there will start with video clips about the Atlantis program. 

You’ll likely need to wait for a few minutes for the first round of visuals, but we only stood in line for about 10 minutes. 

For a more in-depth education on the space shuttle once you’ve made it past the video clips, timed tours run by a center guide are included with your ticket. 

One of the more sobering exhibits in the main exhibit space is Forever Remembered, a tribute to the crews of the Challenger and Columbia disasters. That exhibit includes personal items from the crew members and pieces from both shuttles.

The main exhibit space is where you’ll access the Shuttle Launch Experience, a simulation of the shuttle’s ascent into orbit. This is also included with your admission, but expect a wait to get inside. You can’t bring bags with you, but there are locked cubbies available for storage right next to the experience.

If you’re traveling with young children who don’t make the height requirement — you have to be 44” tall for the simulator — there are additional astronaut training simulators on the same level. It’s fun even watching kids try to achieve their mission objective on the simulators.

Journey to Mars: Explorers Wanted

Explore attractions like NASA’s plans for Mars and how to get yourself into the next round of NASA hires in this building dedicated to deep space exploration. 

Sit in on the “Explorers Wanted” talk led by a very enthusiastic staffer before checking out the different rovers in the exhibit space. High-five the spaceman walking around the building. Don’t miss the Mars Rover Vehicle Navigator outside the building. 

Astronaut of the Day

Every day, veteran NASA astronauts make themselves available for autographs and question-and-answer sessions at the Kennedy Space Center. 

We upgraded our ticket to include Chat With an Astronaut, and I highly recommend you do the same. It’s pricey at $50/person, but if you’re at all interested in a more personal experience at the Kennedy Space Center, this is a great way to do that.

Our Astronaut of the Day was Don Thomas. I got to ask him who his favorite astronaut was — it’s Neil Armstrong, by the way — over a selection of wine, cheese, and other snacks that blew the rest of the park’s food options out of the water.

Yes, you can drink at this event, but there are sodas and water available if you’re not indulging.

The Q&A is open to kids, too, and I must say that the kids at our session asked some very intelligent questions. 

Seriously, it was a great time. You also take home a NASA patch and autographed photo to remember the day, on top of any to-go snacks you want for the rest of the afternoon.

Book this ticket enhancement ahead of your visit. There are two sessions per day at 10am and 2pm, but the 10am was sold out during our visit. There is limited seating for the chats. We probably only had around 20 participants during our booked time, which made for a very intimate experience.

Note: The daily astronaut guests also make themselves available for big presentations in the larger theater space.

Gateway: Deep Space Launch Complex

One of the newest exhibits at Kennedy Space Center is the huge Gateway: Deep Space Launch Complex. This area highlights (far) future innovations in space travel and exploration and includes recent commercial ventures. There are plenty of interactive stations downstairs and four simulator “rides” upstairs offering different journeys into deep space – the lines can be long for these since they’re really popular and keep in mind the 39″ minimum height.

Space Mirror Memorial

This memorial from the Astronauts Memorial Foundation is worth a quick visit to pay your respects to NASA’s fallen heroes. It’s beautifully done on polished black granite. 

You can also see much of the park from here, including the tips of the rockets within the Rocket Garden, our next stop.

Rocket Garden

The Rocket Garden is an outdoor exhibit of, you guessed it, giant rockets. Tours are available throughout the day as part of your general admission, but you can also just read the signage available if you haven’t timed things right. 

The Delta II is my personal favorite because of those shark teeth. 

This is likely the most photographed section of the park, so I hope you get a sunny day to capture all of the rocket magic.

Heroes & Legends

The Heroes & Legends is dedicated to big names in space travel and what it takes to make a hero. Your entrance is timed to this one, but it’s all included in your general admission.

You’ll watch two short videos once you’re inside. One was a little disorienting, as it was one of those that include lots of moving visuals happening all around you. 

You’ll then be dropped into the main exhibit space that details the heroic qualities required of astronauts and more clips from former astronauts on their personal NASA experiences. The last exhibit is the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.

Additional Activities at the Kennedy Space Center

If you only have one day at Kennedy Space Center, the highlights above with the optional enhancement of an astronaut chat will make for an excellent day. With more time, you can add more enhancements to your ticket or explore more attractions at the Kennedy Space Center.

Families with kids can easily fill up full two days here if they truly take their time. Here are a few additional ideas for making that happen.

IMAX Building Space Movies

IMAX movies at the Kennedy Space Center are included with your regular admission. You’ll need to pay extra for the obligatory snacks and drinks before you have yourself a seat. 

Films run about 40 minutes and are typically narrated by some cool cats, like Sir Patrick Stewart’s Journey to Space .

Planet Play

Planet Play is a kiddie playground with space-themed educational opportunities for the little ones. Kids can climb a wormhole and slide through an asteroid field…under the supervision of parents, of course.

Astronaut Training Experience (ATX)

Treat the space lover in your life to this immersive experience where they’ll learn more about what it takes to live and work on Mars. The full program takes up to five hours to complete, so this is truly for someone with several days dedicated to the Kennedy Space Center.

If you just want a taste of the simulations involved, you can also book ATX Training Stages, a piecemeal approach. None of these were available during our visit, but we were eyeing the Microgravity Simulator.

Mars Base 1

Mars Base 1 is another immersive NASA experience that will set you up for success if you ever find yourself on the Red Planet. This one requires even more time. Expect to spend up to seven hours managing the Base Operations Center on Mars with other rookie astronauts.

Where to Stay Near Kennedy Space Center

There are a few area hotels in Titusville and Merritt Island, the closest towns to the Kennedy Space Center. Hotels on Cape Canaveral are another option – it’ll take you about 20 minutes to drive around the cape to the visitor’s center. Be mindful not to book a hotel too close to Port Canaveral on the day of a major cruise ship departure, as morning traffic can be intense in that area.

Cocoa Beach is about half an hour away, and driving from Orlando will take about an hour. If you’re planning to visit theme parks and spend only one day at Kennedy Space Center, you may as well just base yourself in Orlando the entire time – be sure to check out the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress review .

Need specific recommendations? Here are a few hotels with easy access to the Kennedy Space Center:

• Hyatt Place Titusville/ Kennedy Space Center ~10 minutes from KSC *This top-rated Kennedy Space Center hotel starts at just 6500 points per night when you transfer from a Chase Sapphire credit card
• Cape Crossing Resort & Marina ~15 minutes to KSC, located on Merritt Island
• Hampton Inn Titusville/I-95 Kennedy Space Center ~20 minute drive to KSC
• Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral ~30 minutes to KSC but walking distance to the beach

Is the Kennedy Space Center worth going to?

The Kennedy Space Center is worth going to for a primer on space exploration history and its many interactive experiences. If you time things right, you even have an opportunity to meet real astronauts. 

I was certainly impressed and wouldn’t mind a return to check out The Deep Space Launch Complex is, a new planned exhibit there. I’d even plan a visit around a space launch, especially if it was run by NASA’s Artemis program. 

This one is a must for even casual fans of all things outer space.

Check these reputable sources for discounted tickets:

Planning your trip to Florida

Check out more awesome places to explore on your trip to Florida:

• Transportation From MCO to Port Canaveral
• Fantastic Things to do in Orlando With Tweens
• Disney All-Star Music Resort Reviews: A Repeat Visitor’s Inside Scoop
• Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Review: Is It As Good As You’ve Heard?
• 25 Essential Tips for Universal Studios Orlando
• 25 Tips for Disney World That Won’t Make You Crazy
• Hyatt Regency Sarasota Review: Family-Friendly Fun
• Fun Things to do in Sarasota with Kids: A Delightful Weekend Getaway
• 15 Wonderful Things to do in Clearwater with Kids (and Their Parents!)
• Attainable Bucket List Item: Swim With Manatees in Crystal River, Florida
• Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Review: A Weekend Getaway Wrapped in a Bow
• Things To Do In Miami With Kids

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🚀 The 7 Best Kennedy Space Center Tours [2024 Reviews]

If space exploration interests you, the Kennedy Space Center in Florida is the best place on Earth to see real-life space vehicles. In this modern facility filled with dozens of interactive attractions, you can learn everything there is to know about space. You can even speak with a veteran of the American Space Program.

However, there are many Kennedy Space Center trips from Orlando. Not every KSC tour guarantees you’ll meet with a real astronaut or see an active launch pad.

To help you decide, we’ve selected the 7 top-rated Orlando Kennedy Space Center adventures and review them below.

Best Tours of Kennedy Space Center

Quick answer: the 7 best rated kennedy space center tours for 2024.

• Kennedy Space Center with Transport from Orlando and Kissimmee
• Kennedy Space Center Day Trip with Transport From Orlando
• Kennedy Space Center: Entry Ticket with Explore Bus Tour
• Kennedy Space Center Tour & Chat with an Astronaut
• Kennedy Space Center with KSC Explore Tour
• Kennedy Space Center: Ultimate Space Experience
• Kennedy Space Center: Space Pass Entrance Ticket

Kennedy Space Center Tour Reviews

1. kennedy space center with transport from orlando and kissimmee.

• Departure Point : Hotel pick-up
• Departure Time : 8:00 AM
• Duration : 11 hours
• Includes : Transportation, KSC entrance, Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit, Vehicle Assembly Building & Mobile Rocket Launch Platform bus tour, Shuttle Launch Experience, and KSP Visitors’ Complex

This is the best value Kennedy Space Center tour. It enables you to experience everything there is to do and see at the space center. Space enthusiasts will appreciate this full-day experience where you and your family can immerse yourselves in everything space related.

Visit the fascinating exhibit about the Hubble Telescope and then watch the Hubble 3D IMAX movie. This opens your eyes to the distant stars, solar systems, and galaxies we can now view from Earth with the aid of this amazing technology.

Once you’ve seen where humankind is headed, see how we might get there. Enter the amazing Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit where you’ll come face to face with a real-life Space Shuttle that once flew in space and docked with the International Space Station (ISS). This exhibit also reveals the history of NASA’s 30-year Space Shuttle Program.

There is so much to see at the Kennedy Space Center, and the bus tour of the Mobile Rocket Launch Platform and Vehicle Assembly Building enables you to appreciate the huge scale of this space-faring endeavor.

With transport from local resorts and full access to all of the Kennedy Space Center’s many exhibits and visitors’ complex, this is the best Kennedy Space Center adventure from Orlando for any space-loving family.

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, 2. kennedy space center day trip with transport from orlando.

• Departure Point : Hotel pick-up available
• Duration : 10 hours
• Includes : Transportation, KSC entrance, Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit, Vehicle Assembly Building & Mobile Rocket Launch Platform bus tour, Shuttle Launch Experience, KSP Visitors’ Complex, and dine with an astronaut

This Orlando Kennedy Space Center trip is ideal for the truly space-obsessed family. It offers the unique opportunity for you to dine with a genuine astronaut!

Have you ever dreamed of speaking with someone who has experienced living and working in a vacuum and without gravity? With this unique “dine with an astronaut”, you can. You and your kids can ask all those questions you always wanted to when you come face-to-face with one of the few people on Earth qualified to give you the answers you seek.

This long-day excursion to the Kennedy Space Center also gives you a behind-the-scenes experience at NASA’s launch headquarters. You’ll see the Space Shuttle launch pads from the vantage of a 4-floor observation deck.

In some of the many exciting exhibits at the Kennedy Space Center, you can take the helm of a Space Shuttle, reenact Neil Armstrong’s famous “giant step for mankind”, and feel what it’s like to float in outer space.

This is the best Kennedy Space Center excursion from Orlando for a fun-packed family adventure that ticks all the space-lover’s boxes. Before you go, make sure you write a list of all the questions you want to ask a space veteran.

3. Kennedy Space Center: Entry Ticket with Explore Bus Tour

• Departure Point : Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
• Departure Time : 10:30 AM, 2:00 PM
• Duration : 12 hours
• Includes : KSC entrance, Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit, Vehicle Assembly Building & Mobile Rocket Launch Platform bus tour, Shuttle Launch Experience, KSP Visitors’ Complex, meet an astronaut

This is the best Kennedy Space Center tour for anyone who wants the full immersive experience at the KSC. At the Kennedy Space Center, you’ll get to walk beneath the giant Saturn V moon rocket and meet a real-life astronaut.

This is your chance to ask anything you want about space when you meet a person who really knows the answers.

You’ll need all day to take in the many interactive exhibits at the space center. The highlight must be the Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit. At this unique exhibit, you’ll come face-to-face with a vehicle that entered space no less than 33 times during its 26-year career.

Get your cameras ready for the greatest adventure of your lives. Unless you’re chosen for the first manned mission to Mars, this Orlando space center adventure will be the closest you ever get to space.

4. Kennedy Space Center Tour and Chat with an Astronaut

• Departure Time : 7:30 AM

This is the best Kennedy Space Center trip for people who want to experience what it’s actually like to be an astronaut. The latest interactive technology enables you to become an astronaut aboard a virtual space shuttle.

Arguably, the most thrilling experience is strapping yourself into the shuttle cockpit as you prepare for the countdown to an imminent launch. Feel the trepidation as you listen to the countdown and anticipate the chemical reaction and associated acceleration kick.

Be extremely careful as you pilot the space shuttle during a virtual extravehicular activity and dock your shuttle with the International Space Station. And when your flight is over, you have the arduous and dangerous task of gliding your shuttle to a landing on the re-entry slide.

But this Kennedy Space Center tour isn’t all virtual. You’ll get to speak and eat with a real-life astronaut. What’s more, you’ll see genuine space vehicles on display, including the rockets that took men to the moon and the Space Shuttle Atlantis.

This full-day Kennedy Space Center adventure is perfect for families who love everything space-related. There will not be a single dull moment, and you’ll likely want to visit again as soon as possible.

5. Kennedy Space Center With KSC Explore Tour

• Departure Time : 8.45 AM
• Includes : Transportation, KSC entrance, Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit, Vehicle Assembly Building & Launch Complex 39A bus tour, Shuttle Launch Experience, and KSP Visitors’ Complex

This is the best Kennedy Space Center tour for visitors interested in the future of space exploration. This Orlando space excursion includes a visit to the launch pads now used by NASA’s new commercial partners, such as ULA and SpaceX. Witness with your own eyes the place history is made today.

This special space excursion from Orlando begins with an astronaut meet and greet welcome. You’ll get to speak with a real-life astronaut and learn firsthand about their experiences in outer space.

After an orientation tour, you are free to explore the many exciting interactive exhibits around the space center. This includes the Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit where you will see a genuine space shuttle posed as it appeared in space with its payload bay doors open and its camera boom extended.

A variety of high-tech simulators enable you to experience many of the more exciting parts of space exploration. Strap yourself in for a takeoff, practice the delicate maneuvers of docking the space shuttle with the International Space Station, and find out how it feels to float in a zero-gravity environment.

With many other exciting exhibits to experience, including 2 IMAX films and the Saturn V Rocket, there’s plenty to do and see during this day-long Florida space adventure. Get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime.

6. Kennedy Space Center: Ultimate Space Experience

• Departure Time : 8.30 AM
• Includes : Transportation, KSC entrance, Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit, Discover KSC bus tour, Shuttle Launch Experience, KSP Visitors’ Complex, and lunch with an astronaut

If you prefer fully guided tours, this is the best Kennedy Space Center trip for you. It features the Discover KSC bus tour. On the Discover KSC bus tour, you are accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, and your bus accesses areas not seen on the regular launch pads bus tour.

This tour also provides you with the enviable experience of eating with an astronaut. An astronaut from NASA’s space program will join you for a buffet lunch and tell you about their experiences in training and in space. If your kids dream of becoming astronauts, this is their best opportunity to find out what it’s really like from someone who knows.

After the bus tour and lunch, take the time to fully explore the Kennedy Space Center. Walk under the mammoth Saturn V Space Rockets and go to visit the Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit. Nowhere else on Earth will you find so many genuine space vehicles on display.

With the latest interactive exhibits to experience, you’re guaranteed to have a wonderful time. Be an astronaut for the day and maybe prepare yourself to sign up for the first manned mission to Mars.

7. Kennedy Space Center: Space Pass Entrance Ticket

• Departure Point : 1275 NE 79th Street, Miami
• Departure Time : 7:00 AM, 2:00 PM
• Duration : 4 or 8 hours
• Includes : Boat charter, life vest & safety equipment, fishing gear, lures, fishing licenses, and cold bottled water

This is the best Kennedy Space Center tour for space lovers who like to organize things for themselves. You arrange your own transport to the space center, but your ticket is valid all day so that you don’t need to rush.

The one event you must plan your day around is your buffet meal with an astronaut. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to meet with a veteran of the American Space Program who can tell you all about their experiences in outer space.

There are over 60 interactive exhibits in the Kennedy Space Center visitors’ center. These fascinating exhibits enable you to see real space vehicles and discover how they work. You’ll also have the chance to touch a rock brought back from the moon.

If you’re thinking of applying to join the first manned mission to Mars, don’t miss out on all the simulations around the center. You can discover what it’s like to blast off into space, experience weightlessness, and learn how to dock a space shuttle to the International Space Station.

The highlight of this Kennedy Space Center trip is the Discover KSC bus tour. A knowledgeable guide will take you around the space center on a 2-hour guided tour. You’ll see areas not covered by the regular space center bus tour as well as seeing the launch pads used by the space shuttles when they were in operation.

Spend all day at Kennedy Space Center and see all you can. When your time is up, you won’t want to leave. And you’ll definitely want to come back again soon.

Orlando, Florida Travel Guide

The kennedy space center.

• Traveling in the Time of COVID

Airports & Entry

Planning tips, restaurants & eating out, nightlife & entertainment, getting around, accommodations, attractions.

The city of Orlando is famous world-wide. Many who have never stepped foot in the US can point to this fascinating city’s location on a world map. But Orlando isn’t famous because of its history or fine architecture. Instead, it is so well known because of a simple business decision made by the Walt Disney Company in the late 60s to build Walt Disney World in its southern suburbs.

The opening of Walt Disney World in 1971 was followed by the construction of other major theme parks in the area, such as Fun Spot America, Universal Studios Florida, the Holy Land Experience, and Legoland. This makes Orlando the world’s capital for theme park fanatics.

But Orlando isn’t only about theme parks. It is also home to the internationally renowned Kennedy Space Center and a range of other cultural and educational sites. For example, there is Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Gatorland, and Orlando Museum of Art.

Orlando boasts easy access to a broad range of unique natural attractions. For example, it is a great base for exploring the fascinating wilderness areas of the Florida Everglades. You can enjoy a boat safari through this unique environment and admire the waterfowl and amphibians that make it their home.

The city is also surrounded by a near countless number of lakes, many of which are perfect fishing destinations. Florida is the sport-fishing capital of the world, and Central Florida around Orlando boasts the best freshwater bass fishing you can find. Thousands of keen anglers flock to Orlando every year to fish at Clear Lake, Lake Ivanhoe, Sarke Lake, Turkey Lake, Lake Underhill, Lake Tohopekaliga, and other fantastic angling spots.

Cape Canaveral on Florida’s eastern coast is less than an hour’s drive (55 miles) away from the city, making Orlando the best base for visiting the world’s most famous spaceport. Cape Canaveral has hosted space rocket experiments and exploration since 1949 when early rockets were tested here.

Since 1968, the Kennedy Space Center (KSS) has been the main launch site of NASA’s human spaceflight programs. Famous space missions such as the Apollo, Space Shuttle, and Skylab programs were based here. And today KSS is still a launch center for space flights, including the commercial SpaceX launches that so often feature in news reports.

Today, many iconic spacecrafts from NASA’s history are displayed at KSS, including the Space Shuttle Atlantis and a gigantic Saturn V space rocket. KSS also features a wealth of historical artifacts connected with space exploration and interactive attractions designed to entertain and educate the whole family.

Traveling in the time of COVID

Like many other destinations worldwide, some tours and visitor attractions in Miami may have adopted special procedures during the pandemic.

Wearing a mask may be mandatory in some locations, especially in enclosed public areas such as travel hubs and shopping malls. You may be expected to supply your own mask and wear it when you enter buildings.

It is in your own interest to keep your distance from other visitors who are not in your family group or bubble. You may be expected to keep your distance inside minibuses and other vehicles and when seated in restaurants.

At the time of writing, the State of Florida welcomes visitors but requires pre-travel testing for Covid-19 for visitors arriving from overseas not more than 3 days before traveling. Visitors must also sign an attestation that their documentation is genuine. Visitors will be required to hand over “covid-free” certification at the airport You can obtain the most up-to-date information directly from the Florida Health website.

The easiest way to travel to Orlando is by air. Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a major travel hub for Central Florida. In 2019, MCO handled over 50 million passengers, though this dropped to 21 million in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Obviously, MCO is extremely busy 24/7. At the time of writing, the new South Terminal Complex is still under construction, which will help to handle the expected surge of visitors after the COVID restrictions are ended. However, even now, MCO has the well-trained staff and facilities to make your arrival and departure as painless as possible.

MCO is packed full of stores and restaurants alongside the other facilities you’d expect in such a busy airport. While many of the stores close by 5 pm and the restaurants by 8 pm, the Main Terminal McDonald’s is open from 5:30 am to 10 pm.

An interesting fact is that Orlando is the world’s biggest rental car market. You’ll find 10 major car rental companies at the airport on the Ground Transportation Level on the A-Side of the Terminal: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt, and Thrifty. Avis, Budget, and Payless also operate on the B-Side. Given that MCO is only a short 15-minute drive from downtown Orlando and several of the local major attractions, renting a car is an easy option.

Lynx operate an airport bus service from the A-Side of the Main Terminal. Regular Shuttle Bus services operate from both the A-Side and the B-Side. Alternatively, taxis are available on both sides. You should expect taxi fares from MCO of around $45 to downtown Orlando and $65 to Walt Disney World.

If you are taking an international flight into Orlando, you will need your passport as well as authorization and your “covid-free” certification. If you play to stay fewer than 90 days, you will need an ESTA, Electronic System for Travel Authorization . This is a form of visa waiver.

Many people believe Orlando is the same year-round and an easy place to visit. Given that so many tourist-focused attractions are based around this city, this is partially true. However, there are some important facts you should take into consideration.

Here are a few tips. If you have questions about your visit that aren’t covered by this guide or other tips for visitors, leave us a message in the comments.

Tip #1: Go in Spring or the Fall

For fewer crowds and better weather, it is preferable to visit Orlando in the spring or the fall. If you must visit in summer due to your kids’ school holidays, go late in August when local children are back in school.

With 75 million visitors a year, there are always queues in Orlando. You should be prepared for this. Major US holidays should be avoided at any cost unless you want to be stuck in the longest queues at the airport and attractions. Especially avoid Spring Break, Thanksgiving, and Christmas — unless you have your heart set on seeing the special holiday season events and decorations.

Tip #2: Be Prepared for the Tropical Weather

When you see Orlando attractions on the TV or in films, the weather is always beautiful. There is a lot of truth to this. However, if you visit during the summer, it is important to prepare for the humidity and draining heat. The temperatures can reach as high as 100 0 F and the humidity 100%.

Brief but sharp thunderstorms are common, so light plastic ponchos you can don in a hurry are advisable. Ensure you use plenty of sunblock and consider wide-brimmed hats for added protection from the sun.

Tip #3: Enjoy Day Trip Tours but Book Ahead

With more theme parks and tourist attractions than any other city in the world, there are lots of tours available in Orlando. You might want to take a guided tour of the Kennedy Space Center or enjoy a safari in the Florida Everglades. However, with so many tourists pouring into Orlando, you should book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Tip #4: Spend at Least One Day in Nature

If you’re on vacation with your family, it’s tempting to spend all your time at theme parks. There are so many! However, if you do this, you will miss one of Orlando’s greatest benefits.

With the Florida Everglades on its doorstep plus more lakes than any other major destination, Orlando is a wonderful location for nature lovers. Whether you want to go kayaking on a lake, enjoy some quiet time fishing, or see the alligators in the Everglades, there are many ways to enjoy the great outdoors in Orlando.

Tip #5: Allow Plenty of Time at the Theme Parks

When you glance at those colorful park maps online, you might get the impression that you can walk from one ride to the next in a couple of minutes. Don’t be fooled! The Walt Disney World Resort, for example, is spread over an area of 47 square miles. It is not always practical to walk from one ride to the next and walking in the Florida sun can be tiring.

Allow plenty of time in your plans for enjoying all the rides and park attractions that you want to experience. And remember your young kids may become tired quicker than you expect in the tropical weather. Also note some rides and attractions are too scary for young children and some unsuitable for pregnant ladies.

As you can easily imagine, the large number of tourists regularly flocking to Orlando has given rise to a vast range of restaurants offering every kind of food you might want. Within the theme parks, there is a wide choice of fast-food outlets. However, these can be overpriced. Outside the parks, you will find many relatively inexpensive eating outlets.

A great place to visit is Restaurant Row on Sand Lake Road. Here you’ll find the greatest range of choices in Orlando. Restaurant Row offers you the chance to sample some of this city’s finest restaurants and its culinary diversity.

Many seasoned Orlando visitors head for the restaurants for breakfast before hitting the theme parks. There are many “eat all you can” buffet-style restaurants that offer fantastic value for money.

In the afternoon and evening, watch out for Early Bird Specials. Because so many visitors stick to the theme parks until late, the restaurants outside the parks offer incentives to attract early diners.

Early Bird Specials are typically served at a la carte restaurants between 4 pm and 6 pm. Note that doggy bags are a norm in Florida a la carte restaurants, so don’t be shy about asking for one if you cannot finish your meal.

Also watch out for meal discount vouchers. You may find these scattered among the tourist leaflets at your hotel or even on display outside the restaurants. With the competition between eateries so intense, discount vouchers are common.

A quick visit to the Tourist Information Center will provide you with information about restaurants offering significant discounts and possibly a physical card that entitles you to discounts at participating restaurants. To encourage repeat visits, some restaurants offer an extra-large discount to returning customers who produce their last bill.

The profusion of theme parks in Orlando has led to an interesting broad range of evening dinner shows. If you ever wanted to attend a medieval banquet in a castle complete with jesters and jugglers, you’re in the right place.

Alternatively, eat with pirates or enjoy live wrestling while you eat. Whatever kind of entertainment you enjoy the most, you can probably find a dinner show in Orlando to suit you and your family’s taste.

Much like with the restaurants, the large number of visitors has given rise to a wide variety of nightlife in and around the city. You’ll find some of American’s top nightclubs, live music venues, and bars waiting to welcome you.

Two especially popular night spots are Disney Springs in Walt Disney World and Universal City Walk in the Universal Orlando Resort. These two locations offer a range of shows, bars, and night clubs to suit all tastes.

If you prefer a quiet evening and enjoy sampling unique craft beers, check out Orlando’s local brewery scene. There are many craft breweries to choose from, including the Crooked Can Brewing Co., Sea Dog Brewing Co., Ocean Sun Brewing, and Dead Lizard Brewing Co.

Due to the large number of visitors and the way the various theme parks are spread widely across the city, public transport is a viable way of getting around in Orlando. In fact, the LYNX bus is one of the most convenient and cost-effective ways of traveling within the city.

There are 60 LYNX routes that cost $2 per ride running at either 15-minute, 30-minute, or 1-hour intervals. And LYNX also operates a FREE loop bus service around downtown Orlando running every 5 minutes called LYMMO. Watch out for bus stops marked with a pink bus symbol or paw prints.

Many large Orlando hotels offer free shuttle bus services to the major theme parks and the airport. Check with your hotel before you travel.

If you’re looking for a more personal service from doorstep to doorstep, there are dozens of taxi companies in Orlando. The majority use a meter with a $2.23 standing charge followed by a $1.76 per kilometer rate. Uber is generally cheaper and growing ever more popular in Orlando.

However, as mentioned earlier, car hire is the most popular transport option in Orlando. This is a city designed with cars in mind, so the road network is well-built and maintained and there are ample parking facilities at all the major attractions. Driving yourself around offers the most flexibility and is the most convenient if you’re staying in a rented vacation villa.

Note that you’ll need a US or International Driving License to hire a car in Orlando. There are toll roads in the city, including the routes from the airport to Orlando’s main attractions. And the gas stations closest to the theme parks and the airport charge inflated gas prices.

With more tourists than residents, you’ll find a broad range of accommodation available in Orlando. There are thousands of rental homes close to the theme parks and major attractions, many with luxury amenities like a gym and a swimming pool. And there are over 450 resorts and hotels to choose from.

The best advice we can offer is to first decide what kind of accommodation best suits your family and then shop around. Generally, hotels inside the more popular theme parks will charge premium prices, and you can rent a villa a few miles from the gates for a fraction of the cost.

If you are traveling as part of a large family group, a vacation rental home will usually be your best value choice. But if you are traveling alone or just with your partner, you may find a hotel room more convenient and affordable.

The hotels are mainly clustered in three areas: International Drive, Kissimmee, and Lake Buena Vista.

If you are not hiring a car, International Drive (I-Drive) is your best option. Along the 11-mile length of I-Drive, you’ll find attractions, stores, restaurants, and hotels side by side. These attractions include The Orlando Eye, Aquatica, Sea World, and Universal Studios. Most of the hotels here offer free shuttle services to the major theme parks.

If you prefer somewhere quieter and away from the busy parks and attractions, you’ll like Kissimmee. It is only a short drive from Disney World and International Drive but far enough away to avoid the noise and crowds. You’ll find lots of high-quality vacation rental homes in this area. Kissimmee also makes a great base for exploring other parts of Florida beyond the city, such as the Kennedy Space Center.

If you’ve come to Orlando because you’ve always dreamed of visiting Walt Disney World and intend to spend most of your time there, stay in Lake Buena Vista. It is the most convenient location for reaching all 5 Disney Parks. Lake Buena Vista is also a prime destination for outlet shopping and golfing.

As mentioned earlier, Orlando benefits from fine sunny weather year-round, but there are distinct seasonal variations. Orlando’s weather can be summarized into two seasons: one warm and dry, the other hot and wet.

From mid-October to April, the weather is typically warm and dry, with daily temperature maximums ranging from 70 0 F to 84 0 F and minimums from 49 0 F to 65 0 F. There is little rainfall during this period.

From May to mid-October, the weather tends to be hot but wet. The average daily temperature maximum hovers around 90 0 F and the minimum around 75 0 F. During the summer, there are frequent rainstorms that are short but sharp.

While hurricanes rarely hit Orlando, there is a small risk. The hurricane season occurs toward the end of the summer between mid-August and mid-October. There are often bargain vacation deals offered during this period, but it’s a good idea to check the Orlando weather updates before visiting.

Orlando boasts the world’s best selection of major theme parks and other must-see attractions, such as the Kennedy Space Center, the Holy Land Experience, and Central Florida Zoo.

You can’t possibly see everything during a single visit. Here is a brief selection of highlights.

Walt Disney World

It’s no big secret that the majority of tourists headed for Orlando go there to see the mouse. Walt Disney World is the world’s most visited resort welcoming 58 million guests per year before the pandemic.

Walt Disney World is divided into four parks, of which Magic Kingdom is the best known. That’s where you’ll find Cinderella’s Castle and all your favorite cartoon characters. Epcot Spaceship Earth is where you can visit other countries and experience different cultures.

The Hollywood Studios park offers visitors an insiders view of movie magic. There you can tour movie studios, see stunt people in action, and watch live special effects. If you’re interested in African animals, you’ll love the Kilimanjaro Safari Experience at Animal Kingdom where you can see big game animals running free in their natural habitats.

Universal Studios Florida

Not to be outdone by Disney, Universal Studios offer a combined working movie studio and theme park experience in Orlando designed with the help of Steven Spielberg.

There are 7 themed islands withing Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Each island is dedicated to a major theme franchise, such as the Marvel Superhero Island and the Jurassic Park Island. There you can meet your favorite movie characters and enjoy thrilling themed rides.

Many younger visitors are lured by the magic of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Here you’ll find Hogsmeade village, Diagon Alley, and Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Orlando Sea World

This world-famous sea life center is renowned for its huge aquariums where you can enjoy whale and dolphin shows. A behind the scenes tour is a great way to learn about marine conservation as well as seeing the baby dolphins at play.

Sea World also features adrenaline-pumping rides including a selection of refreshing water rides. Those who enjoy roller coasters will be eager to ride the Kraken Virtual Reality Coaster, the Manta Coaster, and the Mako Hyper Coaster.

While you’re in Florida, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to get up close and friendly with a whole bunch of crocodiles, alligators, and other reptiles. Gatorland features daily shows and demonstrations where you can learn all there is to know about Florida’s most famous animals.

Gatorland also features 2 exciting ziplines: the Gator Gauntlet and the Screamin’ Gator. These ziplines zip you through the air over the crocodile and alligator pens. You might also enjoy the self-guided swamp walk and the Gator Gully Splash Park for younger visitors.

Tour Guides

The Ultimate Space Pass is our Editor's Choice for the best tour of the Kennedy Space Center

Robert Baker

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What To Experience On A Day Trip To Kennedy Space Center From Orlando

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Take a break from Florida’s theme parks and popular tourist attractions just for one day. Instead of Orlando rollercoasters, beautiful Florida beaches, and the vibrant nightlife of Miami , why not go to infinity and beyond? At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, that’s precisely what mere mortals can do (well, not literally, but it’s as close as non-astronauts can get to outer space!)

As one of the best things to do in Florida besides amusement parks , this is no ordinary day trip from Orlando. Operated for NASA by Delaware North, this outta-this-world center of intergalactic awe isn’t just one of Florida’s top museums; it’s an astronomical hub here on Earth pioneering the way for deep space travel and a place of discovery and development of cutting-edge space exploration innovations from NASA.

Related: This Is How You Can Budget For Orlando, Depending On Your Itinerary

Open to curious minds and aspiring astronauts to learn about the tremendous vast above and around planet earth (and beyond what’s currently known), the KSC Florida is a spaceport of the future where the public can learn about space, other worlds, travel beyond the stratosphere, and the mesmerizing science that upholds space.

Holding a wealth of mind-blowing journeys, exhibits, and experiences under its roof (though the magic within goes beyond the skies), the Kennedy Space Center has always been one of Florida’s most popular attractions.

Related: Orlando For Cheap: How To Plan An Affordable Vacation

What’s more, this incredible place also holds history in its every nook and cranny, detailing the iconic past of space travel as well as offering visitors the chance to experience what it’s like to be a real astronaut, with space shuttle simulations and virtual space experience delighting those who walk through the spaceship doors.

With so many things to see at Kennedy Space Center, it commands a full day to explore its entirety - and one of the most convenient and immersive ways to enjoy its magnificence is by taking a tour of KSC (details incoming below!)

Anyone who says “no” isn’t in their right mind; the Kennedy Space Center is, quite possibly, one of the top attractions in Florida, taking curious visitors on an adventure through space and time. Packed to the brim with attractions, activities, and exhibits, KSC visitors can enjoy an immersive experience while learning about America’s history of space travel at the Rocket Garden, the Apollo/Saturn V center, and numerous other museums across the vast complex.

Related: The 11 Best Museums In Florida You Need To Visit

• Kennedy Space Tour Name: Kennedy Space Center Day Trip with Transport from Orlando
• Tour Price: From $69.99
• Duration: 10 hours approximately

Book This Tour

Among the best space experiences in the world, this out-of-this-world day trip takes visitors to the epic Kennedy Space Center from Orlando, where they’ll spend hours exploring the entire NASA world-class facility, launchpads, and rocket exhibits like the famous Saturn V. Guests can savor the mind-blowing simulated Shuttle Launch Experience, watch stellar IMAX films, and get the first-hand scoop on real space stories at the Astronaut Encounter experience. If that wasn’t enough, participants also get the chance to upgrade their tour to have lunch with a veteran astronaut, as well as scope out extra sightseeing opportunities.

Kennedy Space Center Highlights: What Does The Tour Include?

• Kennedy Space Center tour from Orlando with optional upgrades
• Transportation to and from the Kennedy Space Center via selected Orlando locations
• Kennedy Space Center tickets included
• Tour NASA’s launch headquarters and the iconic Shuttle Launch Experience
• Check out the famed Rocket Garden, Apollo/Saturn V Center, and view two IMAX virtual space films
• Meet veteran astronauts at the Astronaut Encounter show
• The choice to upgrade the tour and have lunch with an astronaut
• The opportunity to upgrade to the Space Pass Plus and visit the Vehicle Assembly Building
• Local taxes

Food and drinks aren’t included on this Kennedy Space Center tour; however, they’re available to purchase. Also, Rocket Launch tickets may command an extra charge.

Tour participants get up bright and early for a full day swooning over space travel at the Kennedy Space Center. The day starts with a morning pickup from select Orlando locations, and guests pick a comfy seat on the coach and relax on board for the 45 minutes it takes to get to the space center.

Upon arrival at the KSC Visitor Complex, guests are free to explore the place at their leisure. They can hop on a NASA bus for a short journey to one of the many epic exhibits, many of which include:

• The Early Space Exploration exhibit - showcases stories and artifacts from legendary missions like Gemini (there’s an actual Gemini program capsule on display here!)
• The Rocket Garden, where the first NASA rockets await as well as those from all eras of space travel (the Children’s Play Dome here is a favorite among little ones and adults alike!)

Related: Disney Vs. Universal Orlando: Comparing Florida’s Best Parks

Launch Into The Apollo/Saturn V Center & The US Astronaut Hall Of Fame

Visitors can also head to the Apollo/Saturn V Center and the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, where they can relive the excitement of the Apollo era. This full-on, incredible exhibit celebrates the never-before-achieved feat that shook the entire world: the moment humans first reached the moon.

In this exhibit, tourers also get to relive Neil Armstrong’s iconic moonwalk, touch a moon rock, and get a closer look at the giant Saturn V rocket - indeed, the largest ever rocket built, measuring 63 feet (110 meters) in height!

Discover The Astronaut Encounter Show & The Rocket Garden

Throughout the day, guests can also take a tour of the most famous NASA landmarks, as well as meet a real veteran NASA astronaut at the Astronaut Encounter Show. The epic Rocket Garden with its imposing rockets also awaits, wherein the first rocket to break free from gravity is housed. Another important feature to discover is the Heroes and Legends exhibit, which features the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and honors NASA’s fallen heroes.

After that, visitors can learn more about what it truly takes to become a Martian astronaut exploring the red planet on the Journey to Mars: Explorers Wanted experience.

Watch Out-Of-This-World Space Showings At The IMAX: A Virtual Trip To The International Space Station

Next up, visitors can soak up a feast for the eyes and mind via a complimentary showing or two at the IMAX Theater housed within the complex. Shown on massive five-story screens, the engaging stellar movies are IMAX® A Beautiful Planet and Journey To Space 3D, taking viewers on a virtual journey to the International Space Station.

In addition, all that virtual space exploration will surely ignite questions for real astronauts. During the Astronaut Encounter, real astronauts can answer those burning questions as they discuss their experiences with the public, telling genuine stories of their professional lives and on-the-job ordeals working in space!

Leave Planet Earth And Feel What It’s Like To Be An Astronaut At The Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit

More mind-tingling exhibits entice visitors at the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, where more than 60 interactive experiences provide a full-sensory space affair invigorating the mind and senses (take heed: this is one of the best things to do at Kennedy Space Center!)

In this part of the trip, visitors get to relish the people, passion, and patriotism backing NASA’s Space Shuttle program, which birthed both the International Space Station and launched the Hubble Space Telescope.

Here, tour participants also savor what it’s like to be a real astronaut; they’ll explore a replica of the ISS and even board a full-size Space Shuttle mock-up and experience an authentic virtual launch into space on the heart-thumping Shuttle Launch Experience. This shuttle experience truly is a wild ride; aspiring astronauts can orbit the Earth on an extraordinary simulation trip that replicates the true sounds, sights, and feelings of a real shuttle launch.

From taking the helm in the shuttle cockpit to experiencing floating in the midst of space, this is one wicked journey unlike anything else - one that visitors do not want to miss.

Related: These Are Orlando’s Coolest Hotels To Book For 2022

Of course, in between exhibits and stops, visitors can take snack breaks at their own expense in the Rocket Garden or the Orbit Cafe. Once the tour is over and the day ends, a coach collects tourers and returns them to their departure point in Orlando - easy and hassle-free.

Related: How To Watch A Space Rocket Launch At The Kennedy Space Center

Additional Tour Options : Visitors can upgrade their tour to have a chatty sit-down lunch with a real astronaut who’s a member of NASA’s Astronaut Corps!

Another option available is the Space Pass Plus , which combines all the experiences above with a guided tour of the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), the NASA Causeway, the Operations and Checkout building, and the A/B Camera Stop to view the countdown clock at Press Site - previously a crawler transporter that moved Apollo moon rockets.

The Kennedy Space Center is an immersive, unbelievable place with overwhelming experiences for lovers of space, space travel, and human-space history. Whether people opt for a bus tour or not, a visit is guaranteed to be a memorable day out. However, veterans of the center and visitors who’ve been to the establishment before will always recommend a bus tour; it’s a full-day experience with what seems like a whole universe to explore within the complex. Ultimately, the bus tour conveniently comprises many of the best bits and rarely fails to get five stars in Kennedy Space Center reviews.

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Kennedy Space Center Express & ICON

Home > Tours > Kennedy Space Center Express & ICON

Kennedy Space Center Express & ICON

Watch Itinerary

You’ll be over the moon for this awesome look into the science and history of the space program with our express option, you will meet the bus at our final meeting point and get transportation straight to the space center plus, when you get back to orlando, you can take a ride on the wheel at icon park to get views of the whole city.

• Skip the pickups and get direct service to Kennedy Space Center from ICON Park
• Feel the liftoff with a shuttle launch experience
• Touch a piece of real moon rock
• Stroll around the Rocket Garden
• Walk underneath the Saturn V
• Experience the Space Shuttle Atlantis
• Get a bird's eye view from the Wheel at ICON Park Orlando!
• Round trip transportation from Orlando's ICON Park
• Admission ticket to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
• Ticket for the Wheel at ICON Park
• Professional guide/driver services
• Meals and beverages
• Optional gratuities
• Admission on 'black out dates' due to special launch events at Kennedy Space Center

Please Note

• Bring a camera to capture all of the amazing sights!
• Visitors may bring backpacks and soft-sided coolers into the visitor complex. Food and beverages packed in small, soft-sided coolers are permitted. Glass bottles or containers are not permitted. Beer is for sale at select locations and no outside alcoholic beverages are permitted. For security, all bags are subject to search.

If your scheduled your date becomes a rocket launch please contact us, as regular packages may not be permitted (launch dependent).

Restrictions

When would you like to go, unavailable, please select:, options selected:, optional extras, price breakdown:.

Pickup points

Not booked your hotel yet? Hotel not listed? Staying with a friend/family?

Don't worry, you can give us that information when you add this item to your cart.

Pickup Info

This does not include hotel pick up. You will meet the bus at the ICON Park under The Wheel at 8:00am. This is at the rear side of the plaza, facing Universal Blvd. Free parking is available in the ICON Park parking garage

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Orlando to Kennedy Space Center: A complete travel guide

Things to do in Orlando Orlando Attractions Museums in Orlando Kennedy Space Center Guide Orlando to KSC

Headout x Kennedy Space Center: Exclusive

Kennedy Space Center is partnering with Headout for an exclusive after-hours event! What’s in store? A galactic glow party! You read that right. Mark your calendars because it’s time to experience the Kennedy Space Center like never before.

🌟 What are the highlights?

• A techno DJ dance party
• Cosmic Glow Miniature Golf
• Drinks at the Glowing Bar and Lounge areas
• Live entertainment
• A one-of-a-kind opportunity to interact with veteran NASA astronauts

🗓️ Date: August 31st, 2024

🕕 Time: 6:30pm to 10pm

A stellar experience awaits – get your tickets now!

Handy travel information

If you are wondering how to travel from Orlando to Kennedy Space Center, you've come to the right place! On this page, we dive into the different routes you can take from Orlando and other nearby areas like Miami and Daytona Beach. Keep reading to plan your trip to the Kennedy Space Center.

• Address: Kennedy Space Center, Florida 32899
• Distance from Orlando: Approximately 50 miles
• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 9 AM to 5 PM
• Best time to visit: Weekday morning
• Note: If you are using Google Maps, enter 'Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex' as your destination, rather than simply 'Kennedy Space Center,' to ensure you are directed to the correct location.

Directions from Orlando to Kennedy Space Center

Option 1: via state road 50.

To reach Kennedy Space Center from Orlando by car, follow State Road 50 heading east for about 50 miles. After passing I-95, take the eastern intersection onto State Road 405. Keep an eye out for signs directing you to the Kennedy Space Center, and continue for the next 10 miles. Then, make a right turn onto Space Commerce Way. About 1.2 miles later, you will find the entrance to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on your left.

Option 2: Via State Road 528

Alternatively, you can take State Road 528. Stay on this route for about 50 miles and then take the left exit toward Titusville and Kennedy Space Center. This will lead you to State Road 407, where you should make a right turn to connect with State Road 405. Drive for about 7.5 miles, following the signs for Kennedy Space Center, and then make a right turn onto Space Commerce Way. Continue for about 1.2 miles until you spot the Kennedy Space Center on your left.

Getting to Kennedy Space Center from nearby areas

From daytona beach.

To reach Kennedy Space Center from Daytona Beach, head south on I-95 and take Exit 215 towards Highway 50. Make a right turn onto State Road 405 and continue straight until you see signs guiding you to the Kennedy Space Center. After about 10 miles, turn right towards Space Commerce Way. From here, you will reach the Visitor Complex towards your left after about 1.2 miles.

If you are driving from Miami, head towards State Road 407 after taking Exit 212 on I-95. Continue on State Road 407 which will connect to State Road 405. Make a right turn and continue for about 7.5 miles following the signs leading to the Kennedy Space Center. From here, take another right turn towards Space Commerce Way and continue driving for about 1.2 miles until you spot the Visitor Complex on your left.

From Cocoa Beach

For those starting from Cocoa Beach, head north towards State Road 528. Take Exit 3/State Road 3, which will lead you to Merritt Island. Drive for about 8 miles on State Road 3, and then make a left turn towards Space Commerce Way. You will find the Kennedy Space Center on your left after about 1.5 miles.

Getting to Kennedy Space Center by bus

There is no direct bus connection from Orlando to Kennedy Space Center. However, you can take the line 42 bus to Oia Transfer Center, walk to Orlando Airport, take a shuttle to Cocoa Beach, FL - Pilot Gas, and then travel to the Kennedy Space Center. Alternatively, you can opt for tickets with bus transfers for hassle-free travel.

Tickets that include bus transfers

What is the distance from orlando to the kennedy space center.

The distance from Orlando to the Kennedy Space Center is approximately 50 miles.

What is the best way to get to the Kennedy Space Center from Orlando?

The best way to get to the Kennedy Space Center from Orlando is by car. You can take either State Road 50 or State Road 528. Both routes are about 50 miles long.

Is there parking available at the Kennedy Space Center?

Yes, parking is available at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Is there parking for disabled visitors at the Kennedy Space Center?

Yes, accessible parking spaces are available at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

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Science | NASA’s Artemis II moon mission rocket core…

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Science | NASA’s Artemis II moon mission rocket core stage on way to KSC

The Boeing-built core stage of NASA’s Space Launch System rocket was loaded onto NASA’s Pegasus barge from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans earlier this week, and is now taking the 900-mile trip to Florida set to arrive early next week.

The @NASAArtemis II core stage is currently on its way to @NASAKennedy from the Michoud Assembly Facility! ⛴️ Exploration Ground Systems' move director Stefan Nicolas explains how teams will move the massive core stage once it arrives. pic.twitter.com/N3mAPFrRMA — NASA's Exploration Ground Systems (@NASAGroundSys) July 18, 2024 function dfm_stn_player_script_id_HeAkjiNV( getS2NApiForPlayer ) { if( typeof window.MNGAuthentication !== 'undefined' ){ const s2nApi = getS2NApiForPlayer( document.querySelector('.k-HeAkjiNV') ); s2nApi.float = ! window.MNGAuthentication.isUserSubscriber(); } }

The flight hardware that includes the four RS-25 engines made by Aerojet Rocketdyne from the space shuttle era will then be taken to the Vehicle Assembly Building where it will be turned upright standing 212 feet tall. It will be married to other components of the SLS rocket including two solid rocket boosters from Northrop Grumman that when combined produce 8.8 million pounds of thrust on liftoff.

Moonbound astronauts check out their ride at Kennedy Space Center

The next flight is Artemis II, which is targeting launch from KSC’s Launch Pad 39-B no earlier than September 2025. That mission will take NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch along with Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen on a trip out to the moon and back aboard the Orion spacecraft built by Lockheed Martin.

The last time humans flew to the moon was on Apollo 17 in 1972.

“With Artemis, we’ve set our sights on doing something big and incredibly complex that will inspire a new generation, advance our scientific endeavors, and move U.S. competitiveness forward,” said NASA’s Catherine Koerner, associate administrator for the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate. “The SLS rocket is a key component of our efforts to develop a long-term presence at the moon.”

The rocket’s lone flight in November 2022 on the Artemis I mission made it the most powerful rocket ever to make it to orbit before this year’s successful SpaceX Starship and Super Heavy missions, which produce nearly twice the thrust on liftoff.

SLS is still touted by NASA, though, as the only rocket that can send both crew and cargo on its planned lunar missions that include the construction of a lunar space station called Gateway and regular missions on the moon’s south pole in search of ice that could be converted to fuel and oxygen for a potential lunar habitat.

NASA watchdog report: 100+ cracks on heat shield biggest threat to human moon mission

The uncrewed version of Orion that flew on Artemis I made it back to Earth safely on what was considered a mostly successful test flight, but damage to Orion’s heat shield remains the lead problem to solve before NASA is willing to put humans on board.

The road map still calls for Artemis III to fly one year later no earlier than September 2026, a flight that is designed to send Orion back to the moon where it will rendezvous with a lunar lander version of SpaceX’s Starship. Two of the four astronauts on Artemis III will board Starship to fly down to the lunar surface. One of those astronauts is slated to be the first woman to walk on the moon.

The Artemis program was born in 2012 out of the remnants of the shuttered Constellation program, which also featured the Orion spacecraft. The first flight came years later than expected at much higher costs.

An audit in late 2023 from NASA’s Office of the Inspector General stated that through the first three missions, the program will have topped $93 billion. The SLS rocket represented 26% of that cost to the tune of $23.8 billion.

The audit stated SLS rockets will top $2.5 billion per launch, although NASA was aiming to reduce costs through “workforce reductions, manufacturing and contracting efficiencies, and expanding the SLS’s user base” to only $1.25 billion per launch. The OIG deemed that aspirational goal unrealistic, though.

It did find that rocket costs could approach $2 billion through the first 10 SLS rockets under a new contract structure implemented in 2023, which would be a cost reduction of 20%.

NASA’s goal for the Artemis program, set during the Obama administration, is still to land a human on Mars by 2040.

“The delivery of the SLS core stage for Artemis II to Kennedy Space Center signals a shift from manufacturing to launch readiness as teams continue to make progress on hardware for all major elements for future SLS rockets,” said NASA SLS program manager John Honeycutt. “We are motivated by the success of Artemis I and focused on working toward the first crewed flight under Artemis.”

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Science | Photos: NASA’s Artemis II core stage heads into KSC Vehicle Assembly Building

Florida Tech, KSC Visitor Complex launch astronomy partnership featuring portable telescope

Astronomy events and scientific talks will be offered to thousands of future visitors at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, courtesy of a new partnership featuring faculty and students from the Florida Institute of Technology.

Announcing the partnership, Florida Tech President John Nicklow evoked the words of theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking: "Look up at the stars, and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see, and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious."

Monday afternoon, Nicklow and Therrin Protze, chief operating officer of the KSC Visitor Complex, signed documents and shook hands to cement the astronomy agreement during an on-campus ceremony at the Homer R. Denius Student Center. SpacePerson, the visitor complex's astronaut mascot, and Florida Tech’s Pete the Panther mugged for photos.

Ortega Observatory: Years after Florida Tech's research telescope breaks down, students working to repair damages

Florida Tech's Ortega Observatory personnel will gain use of the KSC Visitor Complex's portable telescope to track asteroids, Nicklow said. The building at the tourist attraction that houses "Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex" was constructed with an elevated platform to house the telescope, Protze said.

Researchers with Florida Tech and the Orlando-based Florida Space Institute will use the telescope, which can fit inside an enclosed trailer for transport.

For example, the telescope could have been driven to swampy areas outside Miami to detect the shadow of the asteroid Leona passing in front of the red supergiant star Betelgeuse during a celestial event last December, said Luis Quiroga-Nuñez, assistant professor of astrophysics and director of Florida Tech’s Ortega Observatory.

Protze credited the late Sam Durrance, a retired NASA astronaut and Florida Tech professor emeritus, with helping spark the vision of the telescope partnership. A planetary astronomer, Durrance served as a payload specialist aboard Columbia during STS-35 in 1990 and Endeavour during STS-67 in 1995.

"The Ortega Observatory will coordinate educational programs for observational astronomy at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, providing events, observational events and scientific talks given by the faculty of Aerospace, Physics and Space Sciences here," Quiroga-Nuñez, the master of ceremonies, said during Monday's event.

Meanwhile, Florida's Tech's research telescope — which is featured on the home page of the university website — remains damaged and deteriorated after failing five to seven years ago inside the Ortega Observatory atop the F. W. Olin Physical Sciences Center.

A team of students and faculty is laboring to try to resurrect and upgrade the damaged optical instrument, which sports a 32-inch primary mirror. If all goes well, the malfunctioning device will resume detecting light by year's end, Quiroga-Nuñez said.

For the latest news from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and NASA's Kennedy Space Center, visit  floridatoday.com/space .

Rick Neale  is a Space Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Neale at [email protected] . Twitter/X:  @RickNeale1

Space is important to us and that's why we're working to bring you top coverage of the industry and Florida launches. Journalism like this takes time and resources. Please support it with a subscription here.

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Nasa and spacex announce crew-9 mission to the international space station.

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NASA and SpaceX officials have revealed plans to launch the SpaceX Crew-9 mission to the International Space Station.

During a press conference on Friday, NASA said they are targeting the launch for no earlier than Aug. 18.

The mission will include NASA astronauts Zena Cardman, spacecraft commander; Nick Hague, pilot; and Stephanie Wilson, mission specialist; as well as Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Gorbunov.

The international crew will launch from NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39A in Florida aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft, NASA said.

The spacecraft will carry the crew to the orbiting laboratory for a six-month science mission.

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Core stage of Artemis rocket that will launch astronauts to moon arrives at Kennedy Space Center

Sls to be integrated in vehicle assembly building before rollout for artemis ii next year.

James Sparvero , Reporter

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. – The core stage of NASA’s Space Launch System for Artemis II completed its journey to Kennedy Space Center Tuesday.

A massive barge brought the 212-foot booster to the spaceport 900 miles away from its manufacturing facility in New Orleans.

The core stage will be moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building where it will be stacked with twin 17-story solid rocket boosters.

Artemis II will be the first mission with astronauts under the program.

[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos ]

Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen plan to become the first astronauts to orbit the moon in more than 50 years.

The entire Artemis program is very delayed, and very expensive, and now there’s another major issue that’s popped up.

It’s not with the rocket.

It’s with the crew’s capsule on top.

In May, News 6 reported how a new inspector general report found NASA still hadn’t figured out why the Orion’s charred heat shield got so badly damaged during reentry of Artemis I.

The astronauts will be coming in faster, and hotter, than any crew before.

“I think it is a very significant issue because the astronauts’ lives depend on this,” SpaceUpClose.com editor Dr. Ken Kremer said. “It’s coming back at 25,000 miles an hour, heating up to several thousands degrees so the heat shield must function, and because it has taken so long to figure out, we’ve already had a delay.”

The latest delay makes the launch slip until at least September of 2025.

A year after Artemis II, NASA plans to launch the third mission of the Artemis program.

Artemis III is when NASA astronauts are expected to land on the moon for the first time since the Apollo program.

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About the Author

James sparvero.

James joined News 6 in March 2016 as the Brevard County Reporter. His arrival was the realization of a three-year effort to return to the state where his career began. James is from Pittsburgh, PA and graduated from Penn State in 2009 with a degree in Broadcast Journalism.

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30-Minute Everglades Airboat Tour from Orlando

1-Hour Ultimate Everglades Airboat Tour from Orlando

Wild Florida Adventure + Airboat Tour from Orlando (All-Inclusive)

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Monday-Friday From 8 am – 6 pm (EST)

Saturday-Sunday From 10 am – 2 pm (EST)

• Approx. 11 Hours
• Free Cancellation
• Admission Ticket
• Roundtrip Transportation

Trip Details

Prepare to blast off on the ultimate Kennedy Space Center tours from Orlando! Experience the wonders of space travel on an immersive trip to NASA’s launch headquarters for a full day of fun. Explore previously restricted areas, walk under the massive Saturn V rocket, and even meet an astronaut! This one-of-a-kind tour includes roundtrip transportation from Orlando with convenient pickup locations from International Drive to KSC and more.

Trip Highlights

• Admission to Kennedy Space Center
• Visit the Rocket Garden, Space Shuttle Atlantis & more
• Experience the Deep Space Launch Complex
• Touch a piece of Moon Rock
• Convenient pickup and drop-off locations in Orlando

Trip Includes

• Free Cancellation May be canceled or changed up to 24 hours prior to departure
• Partially Guided
• No Hidden Fees! Sales Tax is included in all prices

Trip Excludes

• Optional Gratuities
• Meals & Beverages

After pickup from your selected location, take a short drive from Orlando to Cape Canaveral on the roundtrip shuttle bus. On the way there, you’ll hear interesting facts about the history of NASA’s space program and learn about the must-see-and-do attractions at KSC from your tour guide.

Your day begins at Kennedy Space Center’s Visitor Complex . Here, you can explore previously restricted areas, walk under the massive Saturn V rocket, and even meet and greet an astronaut from outer space! Explore the Heroes & Legends exhibit featuring the Astronaut Hall of Fame where you’ll find American heroes of the Last Frontier. See the largest collection of personal astronaut memorabilia and space artifacts ever assembled.

At the Observation Gantry , get a bird’s-eye view of the space shuttle launch pads. Stop by the Apollo/Saturn V Center to see a real rocket and touch a piece of moon rock! You can even watch IMAX movie screenings of Hubble 3D, narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, or Space Station 3D, which takes you on a virtual trip to the International Space Station.

Inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit see the legendary spacecraft, Atlantis. More than 60+ interactive experiences highlight the people and passion behind NASA’s space program that launched the Hubble Space Telescope and built the International Space Station. Find out what it’s like to be a real astronaut! Take the helm at the shuttle cockpit and experience the sensation of floating in space as you strap in for a simulated shuttle launch.

At the Deep Space Launch Complex – Gateway , which opened in May 2022, you can explore the future of space travel. Discover the futuristic prototypes of cutting-edge innovations for space exploration from NASA and their commercial partners. Then, enter the spaceport of the future and launch aboard one of four unforgettable journeys on an immersive experience through deep space.

Once your day comes to an end, and you’ve experienced all the fascinating attractions that Kennedy Space Center has to offer, hop onboard the shuttle bus for a relaxing ride back to Orlando.

Depart & Return Orlando

8:30 am to 7:30 pm

Trip Duration

Approx. 11-hours

Pickup & Drop-off Locations

(Google Maps)

7:00 am – Charley’s Steak House (2901 Parkway Blvd, Suite 1A, Kissimmee, FL 34747)

7:10 am – Walt Disney World Swan (1200 Epcot Resorts Blvd, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830)

7:20 am – Golden Corral Buffet & Grill at Lake Buena Vista (8707 Vineland Ave, Orlando, FL 32821)

7:35 am – Loews Royal Pacific Resort (6300 Hollywood Way, Orlando, FL 32819)

7:50 am – Avanti Palms Resort & Conference Center (6515 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819)

8:00 am – ICON Park (8375 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819)

How long do orders take to process?

Orders typically take 1-2 Business Days to process. You’ll receive an email confirmation once your order has been received. A final confirmation will be sent with your ticket voucher once the booking is confirmed.

Can I change or cancel my order?

Most of the activities on our website can be changed or canceled up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure date. However, a select few are non-refundable and non-transferable. Please refer to the Trip Details , or contact us for questions regarding a specific activity.

Do I need to bring a photo ID?

Yes. The person who placed the order must be present on the day of the activity. The credit card holder is required to show a valid photo ID and a matching ticket voucher. Otherwise, entry will not be permitted.

Can I book a trip for someone else?

If you would like to book a trip for someone and you will not be present on the day of the activity, you must submit a Credit Card Authorization Form and a copy of your valid photo ID and credit card for verification.

What should I bring on the day of my tour?

We recommend packing a day bag with your swimsuit, towels, a change of clothes, snacks, water, and sunscreen. Closed-toed shoes may be required for certain activities.

What time do I need to be at the pickup spot?

Please arrive at least 10-15 minutes before the pickup time indicated at checkout or on your confirmation email/tour voucher. 

Can I park my car at the pickup location?

Yes. Most of the pickup locations allow free car parking and are easily distinguishable. If you park at any of the Walt Disney World Resorts or Universal Orlando Resorts, there will be an additional fee for parking.

What if I need help on the day of the trip?

If you need help on the day of your scheduled activity, or you need to contact the tour operator for any reason, please contact the phone number listed on your ticket voucher. 

Are tour vehicles wheelchair accessible?

Wheelchair- and scooter-accessible vehicles are available upon request. Any passenger requiring an ADA-accessible vehicle must inform us at least 2 Business Days prior to departure. 

What languages are available?

All of our tours are guided in English. Other languages may be available upon request for groups. Please contact us to inquire about tours in other languages.

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SpaceX to launch its first Starlink mission since receiving FAA clearance

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER — SpaceX is ready to launch its Falcon 9 rocket again on Saturday after the Federal Aviation Administration grounded the famed fleet following an "anomaly" during an earlier Starlink launch in July.

On Thursday, July 25, the FAA gave SpaceX clearance to launch again, with the California-based company's first mission taking off from Florida.

What You Need To Know

Spacex will send off starlink 10-9 mission launch complex 39a at kennedy space center it is the first spacex launch of the falcon 9 rocket since its faa clearance get more space coverage here   ▶, why the falcon 9 was grounded.

During the Starlink 9-3 mission that took off from Vandenberg, Calif., on Thursday, July 11, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket had a malfunction during liftoff. The 20 Starlink satellites it was carrying could not achieve low-Earth orbit and fell back down to Earth.

SpaceX owns the Starlink company.

A few days later, SpaceX requested a public safety determination to be made by the FAA to show that the Falcon 9 rocket fleet does not pose a risk to the public.

The FAA grounded the famed Falcon 9 rocket from taking off until SpaceX could determine the cause of the second-stage engine failure.

SpaceX stated in its report to the FAA that the problem was identified as a liquid oxygen leak.

“During the first burn of Falcon 9’s second stage engine, a liquid oxygen leak developed within the insulation around the upper stage engine. The cause of the leak was identified as a crack in a sense line for a pressure sensor attached to the vehicle’s oxygen system. This line cracked due to fatigue caused by high loading from engine vibration and looseness in the clamp that normally constrains the line. Despite the leak, the second stage engine continued to operate through the duration of its first burn, and completed its engine shutdown, where it entered the coast phase of the mission in the intended elliptical parking orbit,” stated SpaceX .  

The liquid oxygen leak on the upper stage prevented a second burn and caused extreme cooling of engine components, which also impacted the release of ignition fluid to the engine, explained SpaceX, adding that this caused the engine to have a hard start and “caused the upper stage to subsequently lose attitude control.”

That Falcon 9 first-stage booster, B1063, had 19 missions to its name, most of them Starlink launches. Most notable of its missions is NASA’s DART mission which saw a spacecraft slam into an asteroid on purpose.

SpaceX conducted a static fire test on a Falcon 9 on Thursday, July 25, which was successful.

The FAA shared a statement with Spectrum News, stating that there are no public safety issues after a review.

“After a comprehensive review, the FAA determined no public safety issues were involved in the anomaly that occurred during the SpaceX Starlink Group 9-3 launch on July 11. This public safety determination means the Falcon 9 vehicle may return to flight operations while the overall investigation remains open, provided all other license requirements are met,” the FAA stated.

First launch since FAA clearance

SpaceX is aiming for an early Saturday morning launch of more than 20 Starlink satellites.

The Falcon 9 rocket is expected to leave Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center, with the launch window opening at 12:21 a.m. ET, stated SpaceX .

The launch window closes at 4:21 a.m. ET, which means there are additional chances for takeoff.

The forecast is looking good for the early Saturday morning launch, according to weather experts.

The 45th Weather Squadron is giving an 85% chance of good liftoff conditions, with the only concern being the cumulus cloud rule.

If the launch does not happen, the next attempt will be on Sunday, July 28, at the same time.

Going into the black

This Falcon 9 booster, B1069, has 16 missions under its belt already.

• Hotbird 13F
• SES-18 & 19
• 12 Starlink missions

The first-stage booster is expected to land on the Just Read the Instructions droneship, which will be out in the Atlantic Ocean.

About the Starlink 10-9 mission

The 23   Starlink satellites will head to low-Earth orbit and join the thousands that call that location home.

Dr. Jonathan McDowell, of Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, has documented Starlink satellites.

Before this launch,  McDowell logged the following :

• 6,215 are in orbit
• 5,848 are in operational orbit

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July 22, 2024

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NASA's Artemis II moon mission rocket core stage on way to Kennedy Space Center

by Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel

The biggest piece of the puzzle to send humans on a trip around the moon for the first time in more than half a century is on its way to Kennedy Space Center.

The Boeing-built core stage of NASA's Space Launch System rocket was loaded onto NASA's Pegasus barge from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, and is now taking the 900-mile trip to Florida.

The flight hardware that includes the four RS-25 engines made by Aerojet Rocketdyne from the space shuttle era will then be taken to the Vehicle Assembly Building where it will be turned upright standing 212 feet tall. It will be married to other components of the SLS rocket including two solid rocket boosters from Northrop Grumman that when combined produce 8.8 million pounds of thrust on liftoff.

The next flight is Artemis II, which is targeting launch from KSC's Launch Pad 39-B no earlier than September 2025. That mission will take NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch along with Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen on a trip out to the moon and back aboard the Orion spacecraft built by Lockheed Martin.

The last time humans flew to the moon was on Apollo 17 in 1972.

"With Artemis, we've set our sights on doing something big and incredibly complex that will inspire a new generation, advance our scientific endeavors, and move U.S. competitiveness forward," said NASA's Catherine Koerner, associate administrator for the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate. "The SLS rocket is a key component of our efforts to develop a long-term presence at the moon."

The rocket's lone flight in November 2022 on the Artemis I mission made it the most powerful rocket ever to make it to orbit before this year's successful SpaceX Starship and Super Heavy missions, which produce nearly twice the thrust on liftoff.

SLS is still touted by NASA, though, as the only rocket that can send both crew and cargo on its planned lunar missions that include the construction of a lunar space station called Gateway and regular missions on the moon's south pole in search of ice that could be converted to fuel and oxygen for a potential lunar habitat.

The uncrewed version of Orion that flew on Artemis I made it back to Earth safely on what was considered a mostly successful test flight, but damage to Orion's heat shield remains the lead problem to solve before NASA is willing to put humans on board.

The road map still calls for Artemis III to fly one year later no earlier than September 2026, a flight that is designed to send Orion back to the moon where it will rendezvous with a lunar lander version of SpaceX's Starship. Two of the four astronauts on Artemis III will board Starship to fly down to the lunar surface. One of those astronauts is slated to be the first woman to walk on the moon.

The Artemis program was born in 2012 out of the remnants of the shuttered Constellation program, which also featured the Orion spacecraft. The first flight came years later than expected at much higher costs.

An audit in late 2023 from NASA's Office of the Inspector General stated that through the first three missions, the program will have topped $93 billion. The SLS rocket represented 26% of that cost to the tune of $23.8 billion.

The audit stated SLS rockets will top $2.5 billion per launch, although NASA was aiming to reduce costs through "workforce reductions, manufacturing and contracting efficiencies, and expanding the SLS's user base" to only $1.25 billion per launch. The OIG deemed that aspirational goal unrealistic, though.

It did find that rocket costs could approach $2 billion through the first 10 SLS rockets under a new contract structure implemented in 2023, which would be a cost reduction of 20%.

NASA's goal for the Artemis program, set during the Obama administration, is still to land a human on Mars by 2040.

"The delivery of the SLS core stage for Artemis II to Kennedy Space Center signals a shift from manufacturing to launch readiness as teams continue to make progress on hardware for all major elements for future SLS rockets," said NASA SLS program manager John Honeycutt. "We are motivated by the success of Artemis I and focused on working toward the first crewed flight under Artemis."

2024 Orlando Sentinel. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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