Kennedy Space Center Launches
Historic Launches at Kennedy Space Center
The Apollo Program of the 1960s and 1970s was one of NASA’s greatest accomplishments. Between the years 1967 and 1973, Saturn V, NASA’s most powerful launcher, launched 13 rockets. Apollo 4, the first uncrewed flight, was Kennedy Space Center’s first rocket launch. Saturn V launched Apollo 8’s crewed lunar orbiting mission, followed by the test missions of Apollo 9 and Apollo 10. It was Apollo 11, launched in July 1969, which took the first humans to the moon. The launches from Kennedy Space Center of Apollo missions 13 to 17 marked the end of the program in 1973.
Among the most renowned Kennedy Space Center launches was the USA’s first space station, Skylab, which was a NASA initiative. With an orbital workshop, Earth observation, solar observatory, and numerous other experiments as part of its important operations, Skylab’s positioning into the Earth’s orbit was the last launch done by the iconic Saturn V. The period of Skylab’s occupation by a space crew was 24 weeks between 1973 and 1974. It was in 1979 that the Space Shuttle failed to boost Skylab back, resulting in its disintegration into the Earth’s atmosphere.
One of NASA’s most renowned programs and well-known Kennedy Space Center launches was the Space Shuttle Program, which was NASA’s fourth human spaceflight initiative. Among the prominent orbiter vehicles of this space exploration program were Shuttle Discovery and Shuttle Atlantis, of which Atlantis can be witnessed at the Kennedy Space Center. The only winged spacecraft with a crew that achieved orbit as well as landing, the program was able to regularly transport cargo and crew from Earth to orbit for three decades, from 1981 to 2011.
The US military and NASA joined hands to work on robotic mission launches in the late 1950s, which resulted in NASA being able to launch two robotic missions per month in the 1960s. As the regular flights led to the rapid transformation of the Expendable Launch Vehicles, Kennedy Space Center got involved in the facilities of rocket and payload processing of all US robotic mission launches. Kennedy Space Center launches also included foreign and commercial missions, making it a hub of Expendable Launch Vehicles and space launches in the US.
Kennedy Space Center, in the 1990s, began to work with partner NASA Centers and international space players to prepare for processing on board the Space Shuttle before the launch into Earth's orbit. To understand the processing of the International Space Station, the center used its prior experience of processing 22 Spacelab missions on its premises. Kennedy Space center in the present day continues to process worldwide payloads for the ISS and develops experiments to be conducted in orbit.
Present Programs at Kennedy Space Center
Launch Viewing Areas at Kennedy Space Center
Located along NASA’s Crawler Way, LC-39A Observation Gantry offers never-seen-before views of the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station launch pads. Renowned as the closest location to a rocket launch you can publicly access, visitors stand at a mere distance of 2.3 miles from the launch pad, allowing them to experience the force and the magic of a space launch from the Kennedy Space Center.
Located right next to the Apollo/Saturn V Center, the Banana Creek Launch Viewing Area is perfect for those who wish to witness the launch in a relaxed manner with their families. A popular inclusion of the experience is bleacher seating and an open lawn, which is available to visitors on a first-come-first-serve basis. One can witness four different pads for Kennedy Space Center launches from this area.
Renowned as the VIP viewing site for space launches from Kennedy Space Center, the Apollo/ Saturn V Center Lawn is located quite close to all space launch pads in the area. One can witness the Saturn V and the Apollo Program exhibits up close while awaiting the latest launch of the Center.
While this location is farther away from the launch pads as compared to the other launch viewing areas, the comfort and amenities offered at the Main Visitor Complex of the Kennedy Space Center are unparalleled. With close-up views of the Space Shuttle Atlantis, the complex has live launch commentary, minimal viewing obstructions, bleacher and lawn seating, and access to attractions of the complex.
What Was the First Launch at Kennedy Space Center?
While space launches from Kennedy Space Center are a regular occurrence, the first launch of the Center was a uniquely special feat. The Saturn V, which is NASA’s ultimate space launch vehicle, saw its first flight test happen on 9th November 1967 from the Kennedy Space Center. As part of the Apollo 4 mission, the 363-foot-tall rocket had a thrusting power of 7.5 million pounds and was launched from the Center’s Launch Complex 39. Inspired by US President John F Kennedy’s vision to send humans to the moon, Saturn V’s launch had an impact that was felt up to three miles away.
FAQ's of Kennedy Space Center
What are some of the most historic launches at Kennedy Space Center?
Some of the most historic Kennedy Space Center launches include the Saturn V which was the most powerful and largest rocket ever flown into space, the Skylab which was the USA’s first space station, and the Shuttle Atlantis, which was the last shuttle to fly into space.
What is inside Kennedy Space Center?
The Kennedy Space Center sprawls over an area of 144,000 acres and houses 700 buildings and facilities. From the original Shuttle Atlantis and the iconic Saturn V, Kennedy Space Center has several installations that cannot be found anywhere else, including the 525-foot Vehicle Assembly Building where NASA stacks its largest rockets.
Where is the Kennedy Space Center?
The Kennedy Space Center is located on the US East Coast, at Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953, Florida. Among the nearby locations are Orlando Beach and Daytona Beach, as well as Cape Canaveral.
When was the Kennedy Space Center established?
The Kennedy Space Center was established in 1962, three years after the start of operations at NASA.
Why is the Kennedy Space Center famous?
Kennedy Space Center, renowned as NASA’s primary launch Center for crewed spaceflights, is famous for its unique exhibits that include the Saturn V, Shuttle Atlantis, a space flight simulator, viewing space launches, and touching a moon rock, among many other space travel highlights.
Can you visit Kennedy Space Center for free?
No, it is not possible to visit the Kennedy Space Center for free. For exploring the highlights at the Center, visitors need to purchase paid tickets. It is recommended that you buy your tickets online to save yourself from last-minute confusion and have a hassle-free space experience.
Is visiting Kennedy Space Center worth it?
Yes, visiting the Kennedy Space Center is absolutely worth it. If you are a space enthusiast, Kennedy Space Center is the ideal destination to experience the magic of space and witness how far humans have gone in their quest for space exploration. As expert guides provide insights about the installations and facilities of the Center, explore the unique attractions that range from original space explorers to space simulation experiences. Numerous historical launches from Kennedy Space Center add to its popularity, with the Center offering experiences that cater to enthusiasts of all ages.
Why was the Kennedy Space Center built in Florida?
The location of the area on the US East Coast and its relative closeness to the Equator as compared to other US locations is what make Florida the preferred base for NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and its space exploration initiatives.
What are the opening hours at Kennedy Space Center?
The Kennedy Space Center is open on all days of the week from 9 AM to 5 PM. It is recommended that you visit the Center during the early morning hours so that you have ample time to explore all the attractions and exhibits.