–Jack King, NASA Chief of Public Information, July 16, 1969
‘Liftoff! We have liftoff!’
Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 Mission at Kennedy
Space Center Visitor Complex with July Special Events
The countdown is on! This July will mark 50 years since the historic Apollo 11 mission launched for its journey to the Moon from LC-39 at Kennedy Space Center. Visitors from around the globe will be able to relive the experience and more at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, through a series of events and celebrations designed to commemorate the anniversaries of the launch, journey and landing.
The Apollo/Saturn V Center, offering an exploration of the Apollo Program from the days leading up to the first launch to the Moon landings that followed, will unveil new upgrades, exhibits and experiences on July 15. Guests will immerse themselves in the stories and history that describe the moments that changed the future of space exploration forever, all surrounding an actual Saturn V rocket. Enhancements include a closer look at Lunar Module 9, projection mapping on the side of the Saturn V rocket, a 1969 period living room and bar scene that recreate what it was like to watch the Moon landing, a Moon Tree Garden made up of trees grown from seeds that orbited the Moon, a Fisher Space Pen legacy display, a closer look at the Command and Service Module 119, and more. The Apollo/Saturn V Center remains open during these updates, but guests may be subject to Moon dust during the process.
On July 16 at exactly 9:32 a.m., guests will be able to relive the excitement of watching Apollo 11 lift off. A “flashback” event will take visitors through the launch sequence in real time by showcasing original footage at the Banana Creek viewing area, which offers an amazing view of the launch pad that Apollo 11 lifted off from 50 years ago. Before and after, guests will enjoy breakfast and other refreshments, have the chance to experience the Apollo/Saturn V Center, and be enlightened by expert commentary, astronaut interviews and more.
During a special “Moon Landing” event on July 20, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will honor the Moon landing and the moment that Neil Armstrong took his first steps on the Moon 50 years ago.
After completing the monumental Apollo 11 mission, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins safely splashed back into the Pacific Ocean on July 24, 1969. As the final anniversary event in the timeline of the mission, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will host “Splashdown” in the Rocket Garden on July 24.
To stay up to date on Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s plans to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11, visit the following link.
At a glance:
July 15: Apollo/Saturn V Center Transformation Celebration
July 16: Relive the excitement of watching Apollo 11 lift off through the launch sequence replayed in real time.
July 20: Moon Landing – Join Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in honoring the unprecedented moment not only experienced by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, but the entire world.
July 24: A welcome home celebration exactly 50 years later to the date that Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins safely splashed back into the Pacific Ocean.