Launch Viewing Ticket Information - U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame
Thank you for purchasing a ticket to view a launch from the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Witnessing a space shuttle launch is a rare and special event. Please review the following information carefully. If you have additional questions, please call (866) 737-5235 prior to your trip. Please expect heavy call volume on the days immediately surrounding the launch date. Launch date and times, as well as the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and Visitor Complex operational schedule, are subject to change.
Important Launch Viewing Information
The U. S. Astronaut Hall of Fame Launch Viewing & Visitor Complex Admission ticket includes access to the launch viewing area at the Astronaut Hall of Fame and access to the simulators and museum with hands-on exhibits and full-motion simulators. This ticket also includes admission into Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex one additional day within 7 days of the launch.
The U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame Launch Viewing Only ticket package includes access to the launch viewing area at the Astronaut Hall of Fame. Your admission ticket includes access to the museum with hands-on exhibits and full-motion simulators. This ticket does not include admission to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
1. ARRIVAL TIME: YOU MUST ARRIVE TO THE U.S. ASTRONAUT HALL OF FAME BY 11:30 P.M. ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6 - If you arrive after this time, entrance on launch day may not be guaranteed.
NOTE: This arrival time is only valid for the original launch attempt date. If the launch attempt date changes, the arrival time will change. In the event that the launch is rescheduled, please refer to the latest U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame Launch Information Sheet at KennedySpaceCenter.com/AHOF for operating hours and arrival times or call (866) 737-5235.
2. FOLLOW THE LAUNCH: IT IS THE VISITOR’S RESPONSIBILITY TO KEEP UP WITH THE DATE AND TIME OF THE SHUTTLE LAUNCH - Please check KennedySpaceCenter.com/SpaceShuttle (the Visitor Complex Web site) or nasa.gov/missions/highlights/schedule.html (NASA’s official launch schedule) for any mission updates prior to leaving for the Astronaut Hall of Fame. Follow the Visitor Complex on Twitter to receive launch updates: twitter.com/ExploreSpaceKSC.
Keep your tickets – In the event of a date change, your ticket will be required to access the Astronaut Hall of Fame on subsequent launch attempt days. In the event that the launch is rescheduled, please refer to KennedySpaceCenter.com/AHOF or call (866) 737-5235 for Visitor Complex operating hours and arrival times.
3. DATE CHANGES DUE TO POSTPONEMENT: Please remember that all LAUNCH TICKETS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. The launch viewing tickets you have purchased are mission specific (example: STS-130), not date specific. In the event of a scrub, your tickets are valid for the next time that particular mission attempts to launch. If travel plans don’t allow you to return for the next shuttle launch attempt, you may choose to use your ticket for admission into the Hall of Fame at anytime.
Launch time and date, and operational hours are subject to change.
Launching humans into space is a very complex business, and the safety of the crew is NASA’s number one priority. Hundreds of different factors can cause a scheduled launch date to change many times.
4. DRIVING DIRECTIONS/TRAVEL – To access the Hall of Fame, please take State Road 528 to exit 46 (US 1 in Cocoa). Go north toward Titusville. Vectorspace Boulevard will be approximately 8 miles on the right and will take you into the Hall of Fame parking lot.
When you arrive, you will be directed to park in a nearby lot, or along one of the roads leading to the Astronaut Hall of Fame. After parking, head to the entrance pavilion. Once inside, you can check out the viewing area and get yourself oriented. You will want to head to the northeast corner of the property for the best viewing. Your ticket includes admission to the Astronaut Hall of Fame, which you are free to experience at any time during your stay. There are food and beverage stands located near the viewing area.
After launch, traffic is the heaviest. There will be thousands of launch viewers departing at the same time from all around the area, so please plan accordingly.
5. ASTRONAUT HALL OF FAME VIEWING AREA - The Astronaut Hall of Fame is located just outside the gates of Kennedy Space Center and is approximately 12 miles from the Space Shuttle Launch Pads. The viewing area is an open field in the northwest corner of the Astronaut Hall of Fame property, with standing room only. Remember, even though you will not be able to see the Space Shuttle sitting on the launch pad from this location, you will have a direct view of the Space Shuttle after it has cleared the Vehicle Assembly Building, immediately following initial lift-off. Additionally, a large outdoor screen is located directly adjacent to the viewing area and will carry images of the launch preparations and the actual launch.
Please see the security restrictions for specific types of chairs allowed. For summer launches, you should bring insect repellant, sunglasses and sunscreen. Don’t forget your camera - a shuttle launch is the ultimate photo opportunity. The viewing area is approximately 12 miles away from the shuttle launch pad. Some people bring binoculars, telescopes and tripods, cameras and long-range lenses. Because sound travels slower than light, you will see the shuttle launch before you hear it, so watch!
6. THINGS TO DO AT THE U.S. ASTRONAUT HALL OF FAME – In addition to the outdoor viewing area, the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame features the world’s largest collection of personal astronaut memorabilia, plus historic spacecraft, hands-on activities and astronaut training simulators. Sit at a mission control console, take a virtual ride on Mars and feel the pull of 4 G’s in the G-Force Trainer.
7. SECURITY/SAFETY - Please carefully review the security policy.
The following items are not permitted on property:
Hard-side coolers (soft-sided coolers are permitted), fire arms of any type (with or without a permit), ammunition (live or spent), pepper/mace sprays, knives, box cutters or like items, nail clippers with knife blades, laser pointers, large beach-type umbrellas, on-property cooking or grilling, any other sharp/pointed items (including pointed scissors or nail files) luggage or other large bags are not permitted.
Blankets and collapsible camping/umbrella-style folding chairs that are carried in shoulder bags are permitted.
NASA’s Safety Statement:
Please be advised that hazards are inherent in launching and launch viewing of a space shuttle mission. By accepting the invitation to view the launch or landing you do so with the understanding of the potential risk. Although NASA applies stringent range safety principles and techniques to protect the general public, workforce and property for all areas of the Kennedy Space Center during launch, in the event of an inadvertent circumstance, hazards including debris, blast and toxics could occur.
It is imperative that you stay within controlled areas with your group and strictly follow all instructions provided by NASA. Although an accident during lift-off of the space shuttle is highly unlikely, some safety precautions are necessary. As is the case with the launch of a space vehicle, a potential danger exists from toxic vapors contained in any cloud formed as a result of a launch mishap. In the event of an accident, all persons at the Kennedy Space Center should take shelter immediately in the nearest air-conditioned building.
Please call us if there is an error in your ticket package at (866) 737-5235. We will correct the situation immediately.
Thank you for your patience, understanding and support of NASA and Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. We sincerely hope you enjoy your day.