KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. (August 26, 2008) – Launch viewing tickets go on sale Monday, August 25 to view the stunning night launch of STS-125 Space Shuttle Atlantis from Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. This historic flight, scheduled for Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at 10:19 p.m. ET, marks the fifth and final space shuttle mission to service the Hubble Space Telescope, the most significant telescope ever made. Tickets will give visitors access to the closest public viewing site to the launch pad.
This launch is unique in many ways as days prior to launch visitors on the Kennedy Space Center Tour can witness the rare sight of two fully-assembled space shuttles on both launch pads 39A and 39B.
The 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 during rendezvous 350 miles above Earth.
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 shuttle launch on the newest attraction, Shuttle Launch Experience.
As an added bonus, debuting at the Visitor Complex in October is the new art exhibition, Eye on the Universe: The Hubble Space Telescope, showcasing a blend of magnificent art and science of deep space discovery, featuring some of the most vibrant images of the universe. Spectacular Hubble Space Telescope images and unique presentation techniques allow visitors to step into the universe and walk the pathway to ancient stars, nebulas and galaxies.
Admission tickets must be purchased in advance to receive a special car placard to allow entry to Kennedy Space Center after the gates close. 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 Atlantis launch from the Visitor Complex. Special evening buffets are available with visiting astronauts. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 321-449-4400 and 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 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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