Atlas Rocket Launch on March 19, 2013 at KSC

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Offers Best Public Viewing of Atlas V Rocket Launch on March 19, 2013

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Experience the powerful sights and sounds of the thunderous roaring engines of a 191-foot-tall Atlas V rocket as it launches into the sky on Tuesday, March 19, 2013. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex guests may view the launch from the Apollo/Saturn V Center, the closest possible public viewing area, or a special area at the Visitor Complex. The rocket will blast off from Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station with a launch window from 5:21 to 6:01 p.m. ET.

Special launch viewing areas for guests and live launch commentary from mission control are included in admission to the Visitor Complex. Guests should arrive before 3:30 p.m. to ensure transportation to the Apollo/Saturn V Center.

The United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket will launch the U.S. military's second Space Based Infrared System Geosynchronous satellite, or SBIRS GEO 2, for missile early-warning detection.      

SBIRS, considered one of the nation’s highest priority space programs, is designed to provide global, persistent, infrared surveillance capabilities to meet 21st century demands in four national security mission areas: missile warning, missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace awareness.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call 877-313-2610 and visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.