KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. (October 3, 2007) – The noise, the vibrations – and the view! From countdown to lift-off, there’s nothing quite like a live space launch. A limited number of tickets are available to view the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery, mission STS-120, from Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, the closest public viewing site to the launch pad. Space Shuttle Discovery is set to launch on Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at 11:38 a.m. EDT from launch pad 39A.
STS-120 will deliver the Harmony module, named by school students, providing a high-tech hallway to the International Space Station, increasing the orbiting laboratory's interior space. Built in Italy for the United States, Harmony will connect the U.S. segment of the station to future European and Japanese modules.
Retired Air Force Col. Pamela Melroy will command the STS-120 mission, becoming the second woman to command a Space Shuttle.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will open early at 5:30 a.m. EDT on launch day. 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. After the launch, tour Kennedy Space Center with stops at the Apollo/Saturn V Center and the International Space Station Center.
Admission tickets must be purchased in advance to receive a placard to enter Kennedy Space Center. After 8:00 a.m., visitors must have a car placard to enter the Visitor Complex. 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 Discovery 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 by 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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