KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. (April 28, 2009) – Launch viewing tickets are available to
view the launch of STS-125 space shuttle Atlantis from the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, located just outside of Kennedy Space Center. This historic flight, targeted for Monday, May 11, 2009 at 2:01 p.m. ET, marks the fifth and final space shuttle mission to service the Hubble Space Telescope, the most powerful telescope in history that has given mankind the ability to look deep within the universe.
The space shuttle crew will carry two new science instruments to the Hubble Space Telescope, along with stabilizing gyroscopes, batteries and thermal blankets that will allow the telescope to continue to function through 2013. The current mission duration is set for 11 days, and the astronauts plan to conduct five spacewalks while orbiting 350 miles above Earth.
Guests will have a direct view of the space shuttle immediately after it has cleared the Vehicle
Assembly Building following initial lift-off. As with all shuttle launches, special launch day activities will take place at the Astronaut Hall of Fame, including live NASA countdown audio and video presentations on a jumbo-sized screen, astronaut appearances and launch briefings. Guests can also experience motion-based simulators and hands-on exhibits while visiting the Astronaut Hall of Fame.
Astronaut Hall of Fame launch viewing tickets may be purchased online or by telephone. Admission is $17+tax for adults and $13+tax for children ages 3-11 and includes viewing of the space shuttle Atlantis launch from the Hall of Fame. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 321-449-4400 and visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.
About KennedySpaceCenter Visitor Complex
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens at 9 a.m. Closing times vary by season. The Visitor Complex is open daily except December 25 and certain launch days. Admission includes the new Shuttle Launch Experience, Kennedy Space Center Tour, 3D IMAX® space films, Astronaut Encounter, all exhibits, and the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®, featuring historic spacecraft, simulator rides and the world's largest collection of personal astronaut mementos. Admission is $38 + tax for adults and $28 + tax for children ages 3-11. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Commander’s Club Annual Pass is $50 + tax for adults and $40 + tax for children ages 3-11. For more information, call 321-449-4444 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.
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