Activity Dates: August 4 - 5, 2011
On August 5, 2011, the Juno spacecraft launched aboard an Atlas V rocket. Jupiter, the largest planet in the solar system, will be the spacecraft's final destination in July of 2016. At the time of launch, Jupiter was 445 million miles away from the Earth.
Juno will orbit Jupiter 33 times for approximately one year, skimming close to the surface above the planet's cloud tops every 11 days. Juno's primary goal is to map the gravitational and magnetic fields of Jupiter, which will help gain more understanding of the origin and evolution of the planet.
The first 2,000 guests to the Visitor Complex on August 5 had the opportunity for prime viewing from the Apollo/Saturn V Center. Alternate launch viewing was available at the main Visitor Complex.
General admission was required and included access to the following:
August 4
- All exhibits, programs and attractions, including the KSC Tour
- Special History of Science and Juno Exhibits
- LEGO "Build the Future" Activities
- Bill Nye Presentation (seating is limited!)
August 5
- All exhibits, programs and attractions
- Special History of Science and Juno Exhibits
- LEGO "Build the Future" Activities
- Juno Rocket Launch
Special Activities and Presentations
Bill Nye "The Science Guy"
On August 4, guests were able to experience the exhilaration of a real rocket launch with America's favorite science guy and Executive Director of the Planetary Society, Bill Nye. Bill Nye discussed what to expect for the Juno Mission to see the Atlas rocket lift off on its way to Jupiter.
LEGO "Build the Future" Event
On August 3 and 4, guests were able to build and explore the future in space through a NASA-LEGO® building event took place in the IMAX Theater Hubble Gallery.