Kennedy Space Center: Guests Can 'Fly With An Astronaut'

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is offering a special, limited-time, limited-capacity program called “Fly With An Astronaut” in which guests can spend a thrilling half day experiencing the highlights of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, including a ‘flight’ on Shuttle Launch Experience, with a veteran NASA space shuttle astronaut. This special offering is limited to just 43 guests per day, and is available Thursday, July 16 through Sunday, July 19, 2015.

The program includes admission to the Visitor Complex as well as a morning of tours and activities guided by astronaut Bob Springer. One of many highlights of the day is the opportunity to “fly” on Shuttle Launch Experience with Springer, who served as mission specialist on two space shuttle flights, STS-29 Discovery and STS-38 Atlantis, and has logged more than 6,500 flying hours in his career. The experience also includes a catered buffet lunch at the Apollo/Saturn V Center; a panoramic photo stop at the Launch Complex (LC) 39 Observation Gantry, which is otherwise not accessible to guests; an autographed photo of the guest with the astronaut hero; and a retail gift.

Fly With An Astronaut participants will meet at Nature and Technology at 9:15 a.m. each day for a “preflight” briefing and individual photo with Springer. The newly recruited “crew members” will then enter Shuttle Launch Experience to find out what it feels like to launch into space aboard a shuttle traveling 17,500 mph – with an veteran NASA astronaut at their side.

Participants will then board a bus with Springer for a private tour of Kennedy Space Center, including a drive past the Vehicle Assembly Building and a stop at the LC-39 Observation Gantry. Here, Springer will share stories of his experiences aboard space shuttles Discover and Atlantis as guests take advantage of panoramic photo opportunities of KSC and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in the distance.

The next stop is the Apollo/Saturn V Center, where participants will enjoy a guided tour with Springer, followed by a catered buffet lunch. During lunch, guests will receive a printed photo of themselves with Springer and have an opportunity for him to autograph it. At the end of the tour, at approximately 1:30 p.m., guests will receive a parting gift and will be free to continue touring the Apollo/Saturn V Center or board a bus back to the Visitor Complex.

The limited-time, limited-capacity program is $199 for adults; $174 for children (ages 3-11), including Visitor Complex admission, a catered lunch, an autographed photo and a retail gift. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex annual pass holders may purchase the program for $149 per adult or $134 per child (ages 3-11)

Seating is limited; for reservations, please call 855-456-6597.