Atlas V Launch Scheduled for February 16, 2012

The Kennedy Space Center has reminded us that the launch of the Atlas V rocket will take place on February 16, 2012. Guests of the Kennedy Space Center can view the launch from the park (included in the admission ticket), or from a separate area (paying a small fee). Here are additional information:
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February 16 Atlas V Launch Viewing Available at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. – 50 years ago, Project Mercury astronaut John Glenn made history by becoming the first American to orbit the Earth. This stunning achievement relied upon the strength of a powerful Atlas rocket to successfully carry Glenn’s spacecraft, Friendship 7, into space. Nearly 50 years to the day of Glenn’s 1962 flight, an advanced United Launch Alliance Atlas V 551 rocket will lift-off from Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex recognizes the historic ties between these events, and is offering visitors the opportunity to watch the Feb. 16 launch of the Atlas V, currently scheduled to occur between 5:46 and 6:30 p.m.

Launch viewing from the main Visitor Complex is included in the price of a general admission ticket and includes launch commentary broadcast over the public address system. Visitor Complex admission is $43+ tax for adults and $33+ tax for children ages 3-11.

A limited number of tickets are available to view the launch from the east lawn of the Apollo/Saturn V Center. Launch Transportation Tickets are an additional $20 plus tax, and include broadcast launch commentary. Bus boarding for the Apollo/Saturn V Center begins at 3:30 p.m.

The Feb. 16 launch will deploy the U.S. Navy’s first Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) tactical communications satellite. MUOS is designed to greatly enhance ground communications for American forces on the move... To purchase tickets or for more information on launch viewing, the “Celebrating 50 Years of Americans in Orbit” program, and the “Cape Canaveral: Then & Now” tour, please call 877-313-2610 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.

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It may not be as exciting as the launch of a space shuttle, but we are still amazed to see these rockets going toward space, or better, toward "the unknown." Quite interesting, don't you think?