Orion Launch Experience at Kennedy Space Center Dec. 4

There’s no better place to be on the morning of Thursday, December 4 than Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, where guests can witness firsthand Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, the test flight of the uncrewed Orion spacecraft from America’s gateway to space and experience a complete pre-launch-to-post-splashdown program, including Orion-related activities, exhibits, astronaut appearances and live coverage and commentary.

“The Orion launch will be visible from many areas across the Space Coast, but there’s only one way to feel the rumble, experience the excitement and get up to date, minute-to-minute information from NASA TV, astronauts and space experts — and that’s at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex,” said Therrin Protze, chief operating officer of the Visitor Complex. “This is your chance to be part of history in the making and tell your kids and grandkids you were here when we achieved our first steps toward Mars.”

EFT-1 featuring the Orion capsule aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket, is set to lift off from Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station as early as 7:05 a.m. The two-orbit, 4.5 hour mission culminates with a splashdown of the capsule in the Pacific Ocean.

The following programs are exclusive to those who choose to view the historic launch from Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex:

Journey with Orion and Countdown to Splashdown programs with John Zarrella

Join John Zarrella, former CNN space expert and correspondent, for the Journey with Orion program leading up to launch, beginning at 5:30 a.m. and the Countdown to Splashdown program, beginning one hour prior to splashdown. Mission experts and astronauts join Zarrella on stage to share their unique perspective during the mission. Guests will be invited to ask questions and participate in giveaways. A CNN veteran for 32 years, Zarrella has covered more than 75 shuttle missions including the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope and repair missions, John Glenn’s return to flight, the loss of Challenger and Columbia and the return to shuttle flight, as well as the final shuttle mission, STS-135.

Live NASA TV Coverage

Live NASA TV coverage of the mission, beginning at 4:30 a.m., will be broadcast throughout the Visitor Complex on Jumbotron screens in the Rocket Garden and outside of Space Shuttle AtlantisSM, on giant IMAX® Theater screens and in the Astronaut Encounter Theater. Live coverage will also be displayed at the Apollo/Saturn V Center throughout the launch countdown and launch.

Astronaut Appearances

Astronaut appearances are scheduled at various locations during the launch countdown including NASA veteran space shuttle astronauts Sam Durrance, Bruce McCandless, Mike McCulley, Jerry Ross and Winston Scott.

Displays and Exhibits

NASA, Mars and Orion interactive displays and models are located throughout the Visitor Complex, adding to the excitement of launch, offering guests additional opportunities to learn more about NASA and the significance of these first steps to eventually launch astronauts to Mars. Displays run from Dec. 2 through Dec. 4 and include:

• Exploration Systems Development exhibit featuring Mars, with interactive screens, high-resolution models and a photo op with a mock-up space suit, NASA
• Space Launch System presentation of five-segment rocket motor and Launch Abort System, with representatives available for questions, ATK
• Full-size RL10 upper stage engine and a RS-68 booster-stage engine model used for Delta IV Heavy Lift Rocket, Aerojet Rocketdyne
• Delta IV rocket and EFT-1 mission displays, United Launch Alliance
• Social media photo booth with ¼ scale replica of Orion crew capsule; EFT-1 flight pattern and Orion heat shield displays, Lockheed Martin
• “I’m On Board” banner signing opportunity, NASA
• Space Launch System and Orion inflatable, NASA
• Commercial Crew Program, NASA
• Launch Services Program, NASA
• Technology Transfer, NASA
• Armstrong Visitor Center, NASA
• Mars Rover display, NASA

Breakfast with an Astronaut

For a limited time only, Nov. 29 through Dec. 3, Visitor Complex guests can enjoy breakfast and an inspiring chat with one of NASA's veteran astronauts at Breakfast With An Astronaut. This special event includes a buffet breakfast, an astronaut presentation about his/her experiences in space, a question and answer period, and the opportunity to snap a photo with an astronaut hero. Breakfast With An Astronaut begins at 9:15 a.m. and is $29.99 plus tax for adults and $15.99 plus tax for children 3-11 plus either a daily admission or annual pass. Seating is limited, so register online at https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/tickets.aspx or call 866.737.5235 to register in advance.

Photographer Michael Soluri

Guests may meet renowned photographer Michael Soluri on Dec. 3 for a book signing and presentation for his new book, “Infinite Worlds: The People and Places of Space Exploration.”

A 30-minute presentation by Soluri will be held at 12 p.m. in Exploration Space®: Explorers Wanted. Soluri will be available to sign copies of his book at 1 p.m. at The Space Shop. Visit Space Shuttle AtlantisSM to view 27 of Soluri’s images of the NASA and Kennedy Space Center workforce.

Soluri has documented humankind’s space exploration journey for more than 15 years. His new book takes a behind-the-scenes look at NASA’s centers in Florida, Texas and Maryland. Published by Simon & Schuster, “Infinite Worlds: The People and Places of Space Exploration” features more than 300 fascinating images, 15 essays and a forward by legendary former astronaut and Senator John Glenn.

Speakers

NASA and Orion experts are scheduled to speak Dec. 3 and Dec. 4 on a variety of topics including NASA’s new Orion spacecraft and the Space Launch System.

The launch window is set for the morning of Dec. 4, beginning at 7:05 a.m. and extending to 9:44 a.m. Guests may choose from two viewing sites: the Apollo/Saturn V Center located within secured areas of Kennedy Space Center or the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction, situated at the main Visitor Complex. The Apollo/Saturn V viewing area overlooks the scenic Banana Creek and offers a lawn area and bleacher seating with a view of Launch Pad 37, just 8 miles away at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. This location is accessible only by bus from the Visitor Complex.

A limited number of tickets are available for launch viewing from the Apollo/Saturn V Center for $20 plus the cost of admission. Bus transportation to the Apollo/Saturn V Center is available from 3 to 6 a.m. Viewing from Space Shuttle Atlantis is included in admission. Admission and launch viewing tickets can be purchased online at www.kennedyspacecenter.com. Please see website for additional information, including the launch scrub policy.

After launch, guests can spend the day exploring Space Shuttle Atlantis, Exploration Space: Explorers Wanted, Rocket Garden and other attractions. At dusk, the Visitor Complex presents its all-new Holiday Rocket Garden Light Show in the majestic Rocket Garden featuring a choreographed light and music program. Guests also will be treated to a stunning array of decorations including a 41-foot Christmas tree and a giant NASA “meatball” ornament.

PHOTO: ©2014 NASA/Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. All Rights Reserved.