Launch of Atlas V Rocket Scheduled to Take Place May 20

The Kennedy Space Center invites Guests to experience the thunderous roar of a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket on Wednesday, May 20, as it lifts off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station carrying the U.S. Air Force’s X-37B space plane on a national defense mission. The launch viewing window begins at 10:45 a.m. EDT. The Visitor Complex offers the closest public viewing of the launch having four different launch viewing areas available.

Each of the locations offers thrilling viewing experiences. Here's a description of each of them:

NASA Causeway (PAID):

The NASA Causeway includes an exclusive, up-close view of the rocket on the launch pad and during liftoff. This location includes live launch commentary and bleacher seating. This is an outdoor viewing site with no covered viewing. Launch Transportation Tickets to the NASA Causeway are available for $49 plus tax, in addition to admission. Purchase tickets at KennedySpaceCenter.com or call 855-456-6200.

LC-39 Observation Gantry (SOLD OUT):

LC-39 Observation Gantry offers a premium, up-close view of the rocket on the launch pad and during liftoff. Guests can feel the force of the launch and hear the roar of the engines from the launch pads at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. This area features lawn and bleacher seating and live launch commentary. The package includes launch transportation, a light snack and a souvenir T-shirt. Launch Transportation Tickets to LC-39 Observation Gantry are available for $49 in addition to admission.

Apollo/Saturn V Center (INCLUDED WITH ADMISSION):

The Apollo/Saturn V Center is located within Kennedy Space Center and features an open lawn and bleacher section overlooking the scenic Banana River. Live launch commentary, food and retail are available for purchase and indoor restroom facilities are available. This viewing opportunity is included with daily admission.

Space Shuttle Atlantis (INCLUDED WITH ADMISSION):

Located at the main Visitor Complex, viewing adjacent to Space Shuttle Atlantis is included with daily admission. The viewing area offers guests a view of the rocket once it clears the tree line. Bleacher seating and live launch commentary are provided.

Buses from the Visitor Complex will transport guests directly to the Apollo/Saturn Center from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. or until capacity is reached, and to the NASA Causeway and the LC-39 Observation Gantry beginning at 8:30 a.m. Buses for LC-39 Observation Gantry will board from the Rocket Garden; buses to the NASA Causeway will board next to Early Space Exploration. The launch window opens at 10:45 a.m. EDT.

The X-37B is designed to launch like a satellite and land like an airplane. In 2012, it broke the record for the longest mission of a reusable space vehicle after a 469-day mission. Air Force Space Command-5 (AFSPC-5) marks the 54th launch of an Atlas V rocket since its first mission in 2002.

Admission to the Visitor Complex is $50 plus tax for adults and $40 plus tax for children 3-11. Kennedy Space Center admission tickets may be purchased at www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.

Please note, launch date, time and viewing locations are subject to change. Launches can be affected by technical and mechanical issues as well as range operations and weather, either in advance or at the last minute.