In 2025, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will unveil a series of new experiences, exclusive offerings and signature events.
Cashless in 2025
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has transitioned to a cashless operation for a smoother, more secure guest experience. As of January 6, cash will no longer be accepted at registers throughout the visitor complex. Should guests arrive with cash, converting it into a convenient Visa prepaid debit card is simple and free at Cash-to-Card kiosks placed throughout the visitor complex and at the Apollo/Saturn V Center.
Guests can continue to use credit cards, debit cards, or Apple Pay for purchases. This cashless transition makes payments faster, safer and more convenient for all guests, creating a streamlined and secure experience.
Kennedy Under the Stars
Back by popular demand, Kennedy Under the Stars, an exclusive after-hours event offering a glow-in-the-dark celebration with an inter-galactic party vibe, will return to the visitor complex on February 7, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Guests will marvel at the park after dark with illuminated attractions, an early 2000s video DJ in the Rocket Garden, a techno dance party in NASA Central, Cosmic Glow Mini Golf under the Saturn 1B rocket, and more.
Visitors also can meet veteran NASA astronauts Sandy Magnus and Curt Brown, enjoy glowing lounges and shop NASA gear with discounts for annual passholders. Guests will be able to explore all main campus attractions and experiences like Space Shuttle Atlantis®, Shuttle Launch Experience, Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex®, Spaceport KSC and more.
The Gantry at LC-39
The first-quarter of 2025 opening of The Gantry at LC-39 reimagines the observation gantry at Launch Complex 39, offering stunning 360° views of active launch pads, NASA’s spaceport and the surrounding wildlife refuge.
Featuring immersive exhibits such as the Earth Information Center, where guests explore how space tech provides a holistic view of how the planet is changing in ways that affect all life on earth and the Rocket Build Interactive, where guests can design and virtually launch rockets, experiencing the thrill of space flight from a launch site within view of Kennedy Space Center’s working space ports. The Gantry brings space exploration to life. Guests will also experience a thrilling Test Fire Simulation, an interactive launch viewing area and a shaded courtyard with climbing sculptures inspired by local wildlife.
Record number of planned launches
With more than 80 space launches in 2024 and over 100 expected in 2025, visitors have an opportunity to experience these thrilling events up close, including from a prime viewing location at LC-39. For many of the launches, exclusive packages will be available, offering an optimal viewing experience.
Discover something real
Unlike other attractions, the visitor complex offers an experience truly based in reality. Guests can meet veteran astronauts during “Chat With An Astronaut” for an intimate, small-group Q&A, or get autographs at The Space Shop and Shuttle Express. During “Astronaut Encounter” in Universe Theater, astronauts share thrilling space stories in live presentations and Q&A sessions, and is offered daily.
Throughout the visitor complex, guests will witness flight flown artifacts like the Orion Exploration Flight Test-1 spacecraft, SpaceX Cargo Dragon COTS-2, and Falcon 9 Rocket Booster in Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex®. They’ll also encounter the space shuttle Atlantis, the massive Saturn V rocket, the Apollo 14 crew capsule and the iconic Rocket Garden. Worn space suits, including Alan Shepard’s Moon-dust-covered suit in the Apollo/Saturn V Center and astronaut Michael López-Alegría’s Axiom Mission 1 flight suit – recently unveiled in Space Shuttle Atlantis® – complete the authentic guest experience.
