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Viewing a Rocket Launch at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex? Here’s What to Know Before Lift-Off

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is the closest civilians can get to rocket launches – and there’s nothing that compares to feeling the rumble and roar of the rocket as it ascends to space! In anticipation of tomorrow’s SpaceX Falcon 9 TESS mission launch, as well as the other 40 launches planned throughout the rest of this year, the visitor complex is sharing some “insider tips” to ensure the best launch viewing experience on Earth.

  • Plan to arrive early; Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens at 9 a.m. Expect high attendance and increased traffic leading up to the visitor complex and throughout the Space Coast before and after the launch or a scrub.
  • Save time by purchasing your tickets online and accessing them on your phone at the front gate.
  • Anticipate longer lines for attractions, restaurants, tours, restrooms and shows on a launch day.
  • Minimize food lines by planning to eat lunch either before or after peak times.
  • Just as lines may have been longer when boarding the bus to launch viewing areas, anticipate that it will take time to return to the main visitor complex after a launch or a scrub.
  • Be prepared for outdoor viewing in direct sunlight and sharing the viewing areas with insects.
  • Check the printed Daily Schedule on site or monitor our social media for the latest information leading up to the launch.

Things to bring:

  • Sun protection: lotion, hats, umbrellas and sunglasses
  • Insect repellent
  • Soft-sided coolers or lunch boxes
  • Water in reusable plastic bottles
  • Cameras, tripods and binoculars
  • Blankets or umbrella-style folding camp chairs carried in shoulder bags.

For more information about viewing rocket launches at the visitor complex, visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.