Editor’s Note:
Click here to download hi-def .mov Broll of ‘Holidays in Space,’
including sound bites
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (Dec. 27, 2014) – KENNEDY SPACE CENTER — Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is treating guests to an out-of-this-world holiday experience with exciting new additions to the annual “Holidays in Space” celebration. Highlights include a 3D projection mapping presentation and a Holiday Laser Light Spectacular that may be visible to the crew aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
The 3D projection mapping presentation is being shown on the side of a 223-foot-long Saturn 1B rocket. Also called spatial augmented reality, this technology is used to project images onto irregularly shaped objects, such as bridges, buildings, and now, a rocket. In this remarkable presentation – a first at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex – iconic NASA images, historic video footage, and custom animation bend around the contours and span every inch of one of America’s most powerful rockets, bringing to life the past, present and future of NASA’s space program like never before. Bounce along the lunar surface in a moon buggy then float along weightlessly with an astronaut on a spacewalk. Shuttles burst from their launch pads and the modules of the International Space Station (ISS) seem to click together effortlessly before the focus shifts to the Red Planet and our future among the majesty of the stars. The 3D projection mapping presentation is part of Holidays in Space through Dec. 30.
The new Holiday Laser Light Spectacular features an incredible music and laser light show that is visible in Orlando and throughout Central Florida. The green rays from the laser show may even be bright enough for crew aboard the ISS to see. The Holiday Laser Light Spectacular continues until Dec. 31.
The Visitor Complex previously unveiled an all-new Holiday Rocket Garden Light Show, which takes place daily through Jan. 4 in the ever-popular Rocket Garden, a Visitor Complex hallmark. The outdoor garden features a majestic collection of real and replica capsules and rockets, soaring 80, 90, and 100 feet into the sky, demonstrating how manned space flight progressed through the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo eras.
The Visitor Complex is adorned for the holiday season with a stunning array of decorations including a 41-foot Christmas tree, a giant NASA ornament, garlands, lights, ribbons, bows and more.
“Many astronauts have told us that they have felt no greater sense of peace and hope for humankind than when looking down on the blue marble of Earth from space,” said Therrin Protze, chief operating officer of the Visitor Complex. “Through these truly unique celebrations, we hope to share that incredible feeling with all our guests this holiday season.”
All holiday activities are included with Visitor Complex admission; no advance reservations are required. Light shows begin at dusk each day.
Don’t wait another day to “unwrap” this one-of-a-kind holiday celebration! As you’ll soon see, the vastness of our universe lies in the palm of your hand when you visit Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s Holidays in Space. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s holiday hours of operation are: Dec. 27-Jan. 4: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.