KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. (October 19, 2009) – Launch viewing tickets go on sale Tuesday, October 20, 2009, at 9:00 a.m. ET to see the spectacular afternoon launch of space shuttle Atlantis from Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. STS-129, targeted for Monday, November 16, 2009, at 2:28 p.m. ET, will travel to the International Space Station (ISS) delivering spare hardware, including gyroscopes and equipment.
The six-person crew of space shuttle Atlantis will install two platforms to the truss, or “backbone” of the station, allowing for the sustainability of ISS operations once the space shuttle retires. The mission will also bring back astronaut Nicole Stott, who has been living aboard the station for more than two months. The 11-day mission will include three spacewalks and is scheduled to be the final crew rotation flight for the space station.
Guests will have the opportunity to view the launch from the Rocket Garden or Shuttle Plaza at the Visitor Complex, a viewing area six miles away from the launch pad. 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 Shuttle Launch Experience.
Admission tickets must be purchased in advance to receive a special vehicle 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. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 321-449-4400 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.
About KennedySpaceCenter 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 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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