KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. (October 28, 2008) – Aeronautics will soar to new heights as an expanded roster of aviation stars will take to the skies for the second annual Space & Air Show at Kennedy Space Center featuring the Blue Angels November 8 and 9, 2008. With the backdrop of America's launch facilities, the air show continues to expand, complementing the always spectacular Blue Angels Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron. Newly announced acts set to take the aerial stage include the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division Parachute Demonstration Team, the Air Force Heritage Flight Program, the "Panchito" B-25J Mitchell Bomber and the C-130T Hercules Aircraft, "Fat Albert."
The U.S. Army 101st Airborne Parachute Demonstration Team, also known as the "Screaming Eagles," will thrill spectators with daring jumps from altitudes as high as 10,500 feet above the ground at speeds of more than 120 miles per hour. The Air Force Heritage Flight Program will showcase today's state-of-the-art fighters as they fly in close formation with vintage aircraft of the Vietnam era. Making a fly-by appearance is the "Panchito" B-25J Mitchell Bomber, sponsored by the Disabled American Veterans. The B-25J is among the most famous of the twin-engine medium bombers used during World War II. The C-130T Hercules Aircraft affectionately known as "Fat Albert," the workhorse support aircraft of the Blue Angels, will join the performance.
Joining their Navy cousin is the U.S. Navy F-18 Super Hornet Demonstration Team, capable of executing extremely tight turns over a large range of speed. The Air Force F-16 Viper East Demonstration Team will showcase America's premier fighter aircraft, the highly maneuverable Fighting Falcons, capable of ripping across the sky at speeds of up to Mach 2. The 920th Rescue Wing will demonstrate a daring water rescue of a downed astronaut from a mock space shuttle bailout with pararescuemen hoisted from helicopters, showcasing their skills and training in support of the U.S. space program.
Mike Goulian, sponsored by Castrol Aviator aviation oils, will perform a symphony of aerobatics in the sky in his EXTRA 300SHP aerobatic aircraft, demonstrating amazing twists, turns and twirls. The Air Force Reserve Biplane Show will feature Ed Hamill telling his story, Living the Dream, in a performance taking viewers back in time through the last century of barnstorming aerobatics.
Aircraft displays and space-related exhibits alongside the air show viewing are
a include the NASA Exploration Experience, a new exhibit featuring a virtual visit to the moon and a look into the future of space exploration. Participants employ teamwork, rules of engagement, leadership and high-tech equipment as they take part in a virtual U.S. Army mission in the Virtual Army Experience.
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation's Astronaut Autograph & Memorabilia Show, November 7 and 9, is the largest of its kind, gathering more than twenty-five American space legends from the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Skylab and Space Shuttle programs to personally meet guests, pose for photos and sign memorabilia. Admission to the Astronaut Autograph & Memorabilia Show is $5 in addition to admission to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, which must be purchased to enter the show. Astronaut signatures are at an additional fee. For more information or to purchase tickets for the Astronaut Autograph & Memorabilia Show, call 321-455-7014 or visit www.astronautscholarship.org.
Tickets for the Space & Air Show at Kennedy Space Center are available online at www.kennedyspacecenter.com/space_and_air_show or by calling 321-449-4400 with special savings for advance purchase. Ticketing options include:
Special Advance Tickets:
- Air Show only: $15 Adult/$12 Child plus tax
- Air Show with Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex: $38 Adult/$28 Child plus tax
- Air Show included with the purchase a Commander's Club Annual Pass.
- VIP Package (Pre-event only): $95 plus tax, which includes entry to a center stage hospitality chalet with catered food and beverages, special transportation to the air show, a complimentary program and a Commander's Club Annual Pass to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
Day of Show Tickets:
- Air Show only: $20 Adult/$15 Child plus tax
- Air Show with Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex: $53 Adult/$40 Child plus tax
Buses begin departing from Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for the air show at 10:30 a.m. with continuous service throughout the day. Air show viewing is from the NASA Causeway within Kennedy Space Center. The Space & Air Show runs from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m.
About Kennedy Space Center 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 memorabilia. 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.
About Astronaut Autograph & Memorabilia Show:
Come face to face with American space legends at the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation inaugural Astronaut Autograph & Memorabilia Show on November 7 and 9, 2008 at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. No where else on Earth will hero astronauts from all four American space programs be in one place signing memorabilia and posing for photos with guests. All proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, a nonprofit, 501 (c)(3), which provides scholarships for exceptional college students pursuing degrees in science and engineering. For more information or to purchase tickets call 321-455-7014 or visit www.astronautscholarship.org.
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