Prepare for a Launch Day
Joining us for a launch?
Not sure how to prepare for a launch day at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex? Here are some helpful tips to make sure you make the most out of your day before you even arrive.
Arrive Early!
The visitor complex sees higher attendance on launch days. Traffic throughout the Space Coast and leading up to the visitor complex increases closer to launch time, so allow time for parking, entering the complex, security bag search, and walking to bus boarding or your viewing location. Refer to the launch’s page on the Event Calendar for timing specifics, like when bus boarding begins. We cannot offer refunds for late arrivals.
Purchase Ahead of Time
Save time by purchasing your tickets online. You may scan your barcode from your smartphone at the main entrance. Remember: Kennedy Space Center is located on the 140,000 acres of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Download your ticket or take a screenshot of the barcode before arriving in case of poor reception.
Be Ready to Board Your Bus
Please bring all items needed before boarding the bus for launch viewing. After boarding the bus for one of the launch viewing locations, be prepared to remain at the viewing area until the rocket has launched or scrubbed. Just as lines may have been long to board the tour bus, anticipate it will take time to return to the main visitor complex after a launch or a scrub.
Prepare for the Florida Climate
Florida is the Sunshine State! Be prepared for outdoor viewing in direct sunlight or, during an evening launch, sharing the viewing areas with insects. Be sure to bring sunscreen, hats, umbrellas and sunglasses. Water bottles are encouraged so you may refill them frequently at a water bottle station or drinking fountain.
Launch Preparation FAQs
What should I bring on a launch day?
What should I bring on a launch day?
We recommend you bring the following with you on a launch day:
- Sun protection like sunscreen, hats, umbrellas and sunglasses.
- Soft-sided coolers or lunch boxes. Hard coolers, glass bottles or alcoholic beverages are not permitted.
- Reusable plastic or stainless steel water bottles (no glass)
- Insect repellant
- Cameras, tripods and binoculars
- Picnic blankets or umbrella-style folding camp chairs that are carried in shoulder bags
How early should I arrive on launch days?
How early should I arrive on launch days?
Every launch is different, but as a rule, arrive as early as possible. Operational hours, bus boarding times, and viewing location hours are all listed on the specific launch event page on the Event Calendar. Refer to those times and factor in travel time, parking, security screening, and walking within the visitor complex.