Florida’s Kennedy Space Center has unveiled a new attraction that explores the innovations driving the future of deep space travel. Olivia Palamountain reports
Opened this summer at Florida’s Kennedy Space Center, “Gateway: the Deep Space Launch Complex“, is a complement to the live rocket launch views that take place here and at the neighbouring Cape Canaveral Space Force Station every year.
Designed to immerse guests in the “interstellar travel of tomorrow while celebrating everything happening right now within the space programme,” the attraction features real NASA and commercial spacecraft hardware, a “journey” through space and a unique launch viewing opportunity.
Upon entry, visitors can lose themselves in an impressive range of artefacts and full-scale models of everything from rocket engines to launch equipment and spacesuits, some of which are suspended from the ceiling for extra impact.
Over at the HoloTube presentation station, meanwhile, the high-powered James Webb Space Telescope is brought to life through holographic imagery and engaging touchscreen displays.
Visitors can also transport themselves to an imaginary airport of the future at Spaceport KSC, where views of active launches and landings will be made visible through “galactic spaceport windows.”
Chat With An Astronaut is offered twice daily at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, at 10am and 2pm.