What to Expect on a Launch Day
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex team is glad you joined us for a rocket launch. Because this may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, here is what you can expect from a launch day at America’s premier spaceport.
- You may experience longer lines for attractions, restaurants, tours, restrooms and shows. We recommend you arrive early to ensure enough time to experience everything in your day.
- Know that launch dates, time and viewing opportunities are subject to change. Launches can be affected by technical and mechanical issues as well as range operations and weather, either in advance or at the last minute.
- The visitor complex is not responsible for the success of a rocket launch. We wish we could make every launch successful, but we are just as disappointed as you are if the launch is delayed or scrubbed. (See more on “scrubs” below.)
- Please be familiar with the Launch Scrub Policy for Launch Transportation Tickets and for special launch viewing packages. What is a scrub? See the FAQs below!
FAQs
What is a “scrub”?
What is a “scrub”?
What exactly does the term “scrub” mean? It means that the attempt to launch the rocket has been canceled for that day, and a new date/time must be selected. In this clip from the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour, Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, the first female Launch Director, explains that term and what it means for the launch team.
Why do rockets scrub?
Why do rockets scrub?
Launching a rocket is not easy. Years of work go into each mission leading up to launch day. Launch control operations will always err on the side of caution when launching a vehicle, especially a crew, into space. Here are some of the reasons teams may hold a launch:
- Inclement weather, such as thunderstorms, strong upper winds or cold temperatures.
- Technical concerns with the rocket, spacecraft, payload or ground systems. If any sensors detect an abnormality, the launch will be “held” to investigate any issues.
- Nature. A woodpecker once caused a shuttle launch delay after pecking over 200 holes in the external fuel tank. Hear the story from astronaut Don Thomas!
- Airplanes and boats if they cruise within the determined safety range of the rocket. Delays may occur days, weeks, or months in advance, but a scrub can also be called moments before liftoff.
Who decides to scrub a launch?
Who decides to scrub a launch?
All launch decisions are made by the team managing the specific mission, such as NASA, SpaceX or United Launch Alliance. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex does not make any launch decisions, but will keep our guests updated as soon as we hear information about the progress of the launch.
How is a new date selected?
How is a new date selected?
New dates are mainly determined by the time needed to fix the problem, the turnaround procedures and/or the positioning of the spacecraft’s destination or payload. Depending on the mission, factors like the rotation of Earth or other planets are considered when selecting a new date or time. For example, when the mission is a resupply of the International Space Station (ISS), they must calculate the ISS’s position in orbit for a successful rendezvous with the spacecraft. When a launch is placed on hold, the operations team will determine what actions are required for the specific mission’s scenario. Learn more from this video created by United Launch Alliance.
What happens at the visitor complex when a launch is delayed or scrubbed?
What happens at the visitor complex when a launch is delayed or scrubbed?
Though Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex provides launch viewing opportunities, we do not have any control over the actual launch schedule or the success of a launch. Please review our scrub policy for both LTTs and launch viewing packages – the scrub policy differs depending on the type of ticket purchased. Depending on when the scrub is called and how much time is left in the day, we hope you will stay and explore all of the visitor complex attractions and exhibits.