Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to reopen
MELBOURNE, Fla. – The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex announced Wednesday that it will reopen to guests beginning May 28, the day after NASA and SpaceX are scheduled to send astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley to the International Space Station, a first for the U.S. since the shuttle program retired in 2011.
The visitor complex, which closed March 16 due to the coronavirus pandemic, will have reduced admission, attendance limits and a limited number of attractions available, according to a news release.
During the visitor complex’s reopening phase, it will encourage advance daily admission purchases while requiring face coverings and temperature screenings for employees and guests.
It also will accommodate social distancing in queues, restaurants and other facilities throughout the complex as well as implementing more sanitizing and disinfection.
During the initial reopening, a limited-time “Explore Today, Explore Tomorrow” package, which will include daily admission, parking and a complimentary ticket to return to the visitor complex in 2021, will be $29.99 for adults and $24.99 for children. Daily admission tickets usually are $57.
The complex will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
One of the attractions unavailable is the bus tour, and all guests will be required to have a timed ticket, including annual passholders.
Additional details are available at kennedyspacecenter.com/info/coronavirus.
“Guests will also be able to purchase a space expert-led walking tour through Heroes & Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, the Rocket Garden, Nature and Technology, Journey to Mars: Explorers Wanted, NASA Now, Space Shuttle Atlantis, Astronaut Training Experience,” the news release says. “This tour, which will be limited to small groups, costs $49.99 and includes admission and a boxed lunch.”
It is unclear whether the visitor complex will provide launch-viewing opportunities – a regular attraction for visitors – upon its reopening.