Space Shuttle AtlantisSM to Celebrate Grand Opening at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex June 29

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (May 23, 2013) – The world’s most comprehensive attraction devoted to the space shuttle opens Saturday, June 29 at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Space Shuttle Atlantis^SM is the new, 90,000-square-foot, $100 million home of the priceless, historic spacecraft that tells the incredible story of NASA’s 30-year Space Shuttle Program. The Visitor Complex will open at 9 a.m. and grand opening events will take place throughout the day.

More than 30 Atlantis astronauts will participate in the grand opening of Space Shuttle Atlantis, which will offer guests the public’s first access to the attraction. From only a few feet away, guests will be awed and inspired with an up-close, 360-degree view of Atlantis. The shuttle is dramatically showcased as if it were in orbit – as only astronauts have had a chance to see it. Atlantis is elevated 30 feet off the ground and rotated at a 43.21-degree angle with its payload bay doors open and Canadarm (robotic arm) extended.

Space Shuttle Atlantis features more than 60 interactive, touch-screen experiences and high-tech simulators inviting guests to “be the astronaut,” bringing to life the people, passion and patriotism behind the Space Shuttle Program as well as the complexity of the engineering marvel that launched the Hubble Space Telescope and built the International Space Station.

Space Shuttle Atlantis grand opening festivities are included in regular Visitor Complex admission: $50 + tax for adults and $40 + tax for children ages 3-11.

For more information, call 877-313-2610 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com

About Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex brings to life the epic story of the U.S. space program, offering a full day or more of fun and educational activities, including the Kennedy Space Center Tour featuring the Saturn V Center with an actual Saturn V moon rocket, the new Angry Birds^™ Space Encounter, Shuttle Launch Experience, 3D IMAX^® space films, Astronaut Encounter,Exploration Space: Explorers Wanted and many other interactive exhibits. The new $100 million home for Space Shuttle Atlantis^SM opens June 29, 2013. Admission also includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame^®, featuring historic spacecraft and the world’s largest collection of personal astronaut memorabilia, which opens daily at noon and closing times vary by season. Only 45 minutes from Orlando, Fla., Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens daily at 9 a.m. with closing times varying by season.  Admission is $50 + tax for adults and $40 + tax for children ages 3-11. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Commander’s Club Annual Pass is $63+ tax for adults and $53 + tax for children ages 3-11.  For more information, call 877-313-2610 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.

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Media Contacts:

Nancy Glasgow, 407-375-2433, [email protected]