At Florida’s Kennedy Space Centre Visitor Complex, where the epic story of the US space programme comes to life, a host of new experiences are being unveiled for 2024.
The new attractions look ahead to the future of space travel and celebrate the heroes and incredible achievements of the past. There’s also a first-of-its-kind, after-hours event planned where visitors will have the opportunity to mingle with veteran NASA astronauts under the starlit night sky.
Blue Origin's first permanent, interactive exhibit opened at Kennedy Space Centre Visitor Complex on 8 December 2023. Guests enter a near-perfect replica of the New Shepard capsule, named after Mercury astronaut Alan Shepard, the first American to go to space, on a breathtaking journey beyond the Kármán Line, the internationally recognized boundary of space. Developed in close collaboration with scientists, engineers and producers, the immersive virtual reality experience uses actual data and imagery to authentically mimic the voyage to space, and back home again.
By leveraging cutting-edge VR technology, including high-resolution graphics and advanced hand and motion tracking, the capsule ensures a deeply immersive experience that's also visually beautiful. To allow those who can’t physically enter the capsule on their own to have the same launch experience, the capsule includes an accessible flight seat and VR headset external to the capsule.
Offering yet another out-of-this-universe experience, Kennedy Space Centre Visitor Complex launched Hyperdeck Mission Moon in December 2023. This new, interactive, virtual reality experience transports four players at once on a Moon mission. The VR mission features unparalleled use of environmental effects and motion simulation to provide a highly stimulating level of thrill with zero motion sickness.
Guests are outfitted with VR headsets and will feel rumbling beneath their feet as their "spacecraft" departs and then lands on the Moon. Upon landing, participants are taken on a thrilling, fast-paced, journey across the lunar surface, complete with twists and turns, obstacles that must be destroyed using hand-held shooting devices, and minerals to collect.
Other features of the experience include heat, wind and custom floor-mounted controllers that provide realistic feedback effects like recoil and vibration. Hyperdeck is located in the IMAX building and is included with admission. In October 2023, Kennedy Space Centre Visitor Complex officially unveiled the new Kennedy Entry Experience, an exciting enhancement to the entrance plaza that awes guests on arrival.
The LED spectacular features a 3,000 sq.ft video display that tells the story of NASA: past, present, and future, with attention-grabbing technology, sponsored by SNA Displays, that makes images appear to leap off the screen. The inspiring six-minute video, which replays throughout the day, sets the tone by featuring former President John F. Kennedy’s famous “We choose to go to the Moon” speech as well as iconic artifacts that guests will encounter during their visit, moments in history that changed space exploration forever, and glimpses into the future.
An all-new premier event has been launched - Kennedy Under the Stars! Taking place on 2 February 2024, guests can experience exclusive after-hours access to Kennedy Space Centre Visitor Complex, but with dazzling twists including a DJ-led techno glow party, Cosmic Glow miniature golf, illuminated bars and lounge areas, eye-popping chalk art crafted by local artists, and much more. Space-themed costumes* are encouraged.
From 6.30–9.30pm, guests will be able to explore all main visitor complex** attractions and experiences. Selected restaurants and retail stores will also be open. Guests can purchase signature cocktails, as well as special menu items. This very special Friday night event also brings the chance to mingle with veteran NASA astronauts Chris Ferguson and Nicole Stott, who will be there to celebrate under the stars.
Breathtaking space movies are shown daily in the IMAX Building at Kennedy Space Centre Visitor Complex. They bring space exploration to life with celebrity narrators and are included with admission. December 2023 saw the launch of Deep Sky, which brings the awe-inspiring images captured by NASA's Webb Telescope to IMAX — a journey to the beginning of time and space, to never-before-seen cosmic landscapes, recently discovered exoplanets and planets around other stars.
Sponsored by L3 Harris and narrated by acclaimed actress Michelle Williams, Deep Sky follows the global mission to build and launch the James Webb Space Telescope into orbit in an attempt to answer questions that have haunted mankind since the beginning of time.
*For security reasons, costume masks that conceal the face are prohibited, as are any props that resemble weapons.
** The ticket is valid for event entry only. This event does not include the Kenndy Space Centre Bus Tour or Apollo/Saturn V Centre.
