Hey Thrill Seekers!
So today (5th December 2018) A SpaceX Falcon 9 CRS-16 rocket will launch into space to deliver a shipment of cargo and science investigations to the International Space station. It will be the 16th SpaceX mission under NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services contract.
It is due to launch at 1.16pm EST (6.16pm GMT)
The most important thing to know is that there is no extra cost to visit Kennedy Space Center during a rocket launch – it is included with general admission but be aware… it gets VERY busy so if you are going to see a rocket launch be sure to leave with plenty of time to get there! The visitor complex opens at 9:00 AM daily, all three viewing locations and the available bleacher seating are first come, first served.
Kennedy offers not only the best view of rocket launches but also launch commentary, bleacher seating and access to the visitor complex exhibits and attractions.
According to Kennedy Space Center, the best viewing opportunities are:
Apollo/Saturn V Center – Approximately 6.2 miles/10 kilometers from launch pad
- Included with daily admission.
- Bleacher seating and launch commentary with access to restrooms.
- Dining and souvenirs available for purchase.
Main visitor complex – Approximately 6.7 miles/10.8 kilometers from launch pad
- Included with daily admission.
- Bleacher seating and launch commentary with access to restrooms.
- Dining and souvenirs available for purchase.
Check out these top tips from Kennedy about visiting on launch days!
LC-39 LTT holders and those wishing to view from the Apollo/Saturn V Center:
- Arrive early to ensure you have plenty of time to board your bus by the designated time. Viewing at the Apollo/Saturn V Center does not require an extra ticket for this specific launch, so the location is first come, first served until capacity is reached.
- Bus boarding for LC-39 Observation Gantry begins approximately three hours before the scheduled launch time.
- Kennedy Space Center buses transport from the inside the main visitor complex to these special viewing areas beyond NASA’s gates. Security protocol requires that all guests must be transported by only visitor complex tour buses to these secure facilities.
Main visitor complex viewing/daily admission only:
- Viewing from the main visitor complex does not require bus transportation.
- Check the Daily Schedule regarding the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour hours of operation on a launch day. If you wish to include the bus tour and the Apollo/ Saturn V Center in your day but do not want to remain there for the launch, be sure to take the tour either before or after the launch, depending on the scheduled launch time and visitor complex hours of operations/tours.
Anyone going to get the chance to see this?!
Smiles included,
Abby.
We are coming to Florida on a family holiday next August and are hoping to see something similar to today’s launch. When is the schedule published so we are able to book? My kids would absolutely love to see something like this but sadly we are in the UK so very little chance. Fingers crossed something is happening next year, if not we are still planning on coming to the space centre. Many thanks
Nic Fountain
I’m not sure if they’re scheduled that fair in advance but this would be the best place to keep checking!: https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/launches-and-events/events-calendar?pageindex=1