Payload Blog

How to Meet an Astronaut


Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex welcomes a real veteran astronaut on site every single day. Don’t miss your opportunity to ask questions, hear about life in space and take a snapshot with the space hero. Below are the ways you can be sure to check “meet an astronaut” off of your bucket list:


Chat With An Astronaut

Add-on to daily admission

Chat With An Astronaut

Sit down with the Astronaut of the Day in a casual, small-group setting to answer your most pressing questions. Enjoy a sampling of food and beverages while having a group conversation about what it is really like to live and work in space. With plenty of time for an engaging Q & A session, you are sure to leave feeling truly acquainted with a space pioneer and equipped with incredible stories to share for years to come.

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Astronaut Encounter

Included with daily admission

Astronaut answering question during Astronaut Encounter.

Each day, you are invited to hear from a veteran astronaut during an Astronaut Encounter presentation. Hear firsthand what it was like to live and work in space from his or her perspective. Be sure to stay after the presentation for a question and answer session and a photo opportunity with your group and the astronaut. Located in Universe Theater, the astronaut’s presentation is offered multiple times a day and is included with daily admission. Check the Daily Schedule upon arrival for show times.

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Fly With An Astronaut

Advance reservations required; ticket price includes daily admission

Guests touring Space Shuttle Atlantis with Astronaut Jon McBride during Fly With An Astronaut.

Tour Kennedy Space Center with an astronaut guide. With a small group, explore Space Shuttle Atlantis® and blast off in the Shuttle Launch Experience®. Plus, go behind NASA’s gates and learn about Kennedy Space Center’s operational facilities from the veteran space explorer. You will have plenty of time to ask questions and hear amazing stories during this half-day tour. This experience includes lunch and an autographed photo of you and your astronaut guide.

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Autographs in the Space Shop

Included with daily admission

Astronaut Jon McBride signing autographs in The Space Shop

Every afternoon, the Astronaut of the Day visits the second floor of the Space Shop for an autograph session. Bring your favorite space memorial and take the opportunity to bring home a unique souvenir of your time visiting America’s multiuser spaceport. Be sure to check the Daily Schedule for the timing on the day of your arrival.


You can find the scheduled Astronauts of the Day on the Events Calendar before you arrive. Throughout the year, there even are more opportunities to hear from veteran astronauts. Sign up for the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex newsletter to learn of upcoming Astronauts of the Day, special events such as the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame® autograph sessions, book signings and other exclusive astronaut appearances.

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