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MUST-SEE EXHIBITS
Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex
Take a flight with Spaceport KSC
This is by far the standout attraction. Head to the
departure gates of the future and prepare to board one of four simulation flights:
Cosmic Wonders, Daring Explorers, Red Planet or Uncharted Worlds. Once
strapped into your seat, the giant screens will come to life, with plenty of special effects, and transport you out of this world.
Explore the SpaceX Falcon 9 Booster
As you enter Gateway, you
won’t miss the huge SpaceX booster, which is suspended above. You can learn all about the rockets currently going into space and look closely at this Falcon 9 booster, which has flown into orbit twice.
Step into the spacecraft
Want to know just what the latest spacecrafts look like inside? Step aboard a full-scale mock-up to see where astronauts live and work and how they use all available space in zero gravity.
opened its new attraction, Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex. It is full of space exploration artefacts: visitors can see the spacecraft of today and learn about the innovations being made to prepare for deep space travel to planets such as Mars. Entering Spaceport KSC to board my own ‘spaceship’ on a mission to deep space through an immersive simulation ride was certainly another highlight. Having to choose between four journeys, I decided on Red Planet, for an action-packed adventure to Mars. From blast-off to landing, the special effects and visuals make for a thrilling four-minute trip. Heading back to Earth and the present day, KSCVC
is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit this summer. I’ve had a fascination with space since I was young, so to see the iconic shuttle in real life was a moment I’ll remember forever. Aspiring young space cadets – and adults who are big kids at heart too – can have plenty of fun with the new All Systems Are Go attraction, which launched earlier this year. The Peanuts characters – Snoopy, Woodstock, Charlie Brown and pals – take to the stage for a fun and educational performance for kids. Thanks to clever puppetry, special effects and an interactive smartphone element, the entertaining show brings the history of Nasa and the current Artemis launches to life.
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33The Space Bar, which is perfect for space-themed cocktails, including the tequila- based Skyrockets in Flight
For visitors feeling inspired from all the space talk, a chat with an astronaut is just the ticket. Each day, a veteran Nasa astronaut is at the park to interact with guests. I was lucky enough to meet José Hernández, who flew to the International Space Station in 2009. When I asked him if had any hesitation ahead of his space flight, he quite simply said: “Nope, none at all.” There’s so much to see at KSCVC and it’s well worth spending a few days in the area away from the larger crowds of Orlando. The new Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Center is the closest hotel to the park. It has a fantastic rooftop bar, The Space Bar, which serves space-themed cocktails, including the tequila-based Skyrockets in Flight, and has a prime viewing spot for rocket launches. Additionally, if you have clients looking to extend
their stay, suggest a few days in Cocoa Beach – the East Coast Capital of Surf. With miles of golden sand, it’s the
travelweekly.co.uk
ABOVE: Treasures Gallery housing artefacts from Apollo missions BELOW: Kelly Ranson meets veteran astronaut José Hernández
agent tip agent tip
“Get there early, then take the KSC Bus Tour through Nasa’s restricted areas to the Apollo/
Saturn V Center. Return to the main complex at your leisure, and prioritise seeing Space Shuttle Atlantis, Gateway and the Spaceport KSC journeys.
Don’t forget to hit up the world’s biggest space shop too!”
Theresa MacPherson, sales team member,
AttractionTickets.com
PICTURE: Michael Vick / The Capsule; KSCVC
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