KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. (July 30, 2007) – As the sun sets in the west, Space Shuttle Endeavour will rise in the east during a launch at Kennedy Space Center. A limited number of tickets are available to view the first launch in more than four years of Space Shuttle Endeavour, mission STS-118, from Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, the closest public viewing site to the launch pad. Space Shuttle Endeavour is set to launch on Tuesday, August 7, 2007 at 7:02 p.m. EST.
While brief flight delays, such as two days, two weeks, even two months can happen, 22 years is a long time to wait for a space flight. Mission Specialist Barbara Morgan, the teacher-turned-astronaut whose association with NASA began more than 20 years ago, served as backup to Christa McAuliffe for the 1986 Challenger mission. Morgan, a former Idaho schoolteacher, joined NASA's Teacher in Space program in 1985 and was selected as an astronaut in 1998. As a mission specialist for the seven member crew, she will operate the shuttle’s robot arm and help load 5,000 pounds of cargo onto the International Space Station and take part in education-related activities.
As with all shuttle launches, special launch day activities will take place at the Visitor Complex. Guests will enjoy live NASA countdown audio and video presentations on a jumbo-sized screen, Astronaut appearances and launch briefings. Before witnessing the live Space Shuttle launch, park visitors can experience the sights, sounds and sensations of their own launch on the newest attraction at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Shuttle Launch Experience.
Admission tickets must be purchased in advance to receive a placard to enter Kennedy Space Center. Tickets can be purchased online or by telephone. Visitor Complex admission is $38+ tax for adults and $28+ tax for children ages 3-11 and includes viewing of the Space Shuttle Endeavour launch from the Visitor Complex. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 321-449-4400 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.
About Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens at 9 a.m. Closing times vary according to season. The Visitor Complex is open daily except December 25. Admission includes the new Shuttle Launch Experience, all exhibits, Astronaut Encounter, IMAX® space films, KSC Tour, 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 Annual Pass is $50 + tax for adults and $35 + tax for children ages 3-11. For more information, call 321-449-4444 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.
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