Resorts Magazine

US COAST TO COAST Founded in 1962 and renamed in honor of President John F. Kennedy after his death, the center was the launch site for historic missions such as Apollo 11—the first manned landing on the Moon—and all of NASA’s Space Shuttle flights. But the Kennedy Space Center is far from being just a piece of history; it remains an active launch base for rockets from NASA, SpaceX, and United Launch Alliance. A visit offers a compelling mix of emotion, science, and spectacle. One of the highlights is the massive Space Shuttle Atlantis, displayed with its payload doors open and suspended as if in orbit. Nearby, a simulator lets you experience a shuttle launch firsthand—a powerful and unforgettable moment. The NASA Bus Tour takes visitors deep into operational areas of the center, including the gigantic Vehicle Assembly Building and the same launch pads still used today. If timing is right, guests can even witness a 98 R ESORTS M AGAZINE