Photos and video from Kennedy Space Center
See photos and video from our family day at the Kennedy Space Center which was one of our favorite attractions during our family vacation in Orlando. With highlights like seeing the Space Shuttle Atlantis, the Apollo Program, touring the launch pads and vehicle assembly building and having lunch with an astronaut, the Kennedy Space Center entertained and educated our family the entire day we were there.
Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour
As we got into line for our bus tour, Madison was given some crayons and a NASA activity book for kids. This activity book kept our daughter entertained throughout the tour. | Photo by FamilyVacationHub
This was our NASA Kennedy Space Center Tour Bus which was comfortable and more importantly, air conditioned. | Photo by FamilyVacationHub
As we were getting into our tour bus, I noticed the coolest space shuttle fence. | Photo by FamilyVacationHub
The Vehicle Assembly Building was one of our tour stops and it was truly an impressive building. | Photo by FamilyVacationHub
Our tour guide was nice enough to take a picture of each guest that wanted one in front of the VAB. | Photo by FamilyVacationHub
Outside of the Vehicle Assembly Building was this M113 Armored Rescue Vehicle which was used for an emergency evacuation from the launch pads. | Photo by FamilyVacationHub
This was one of two Crawler-Transporters that has a Mobile Launcher Platform mounted on top of it. | Photo by FamilyVacationHub
The 355-foot-tall NASA Mobile Launch Tower is being upgraded for use in the upcoming Space Launch System (SLS) and other future rocket launches. | Photo by FamilyVacationHub
One of the NASA Apollo and Space Shuttle Monuments at one of our stops overlooking the launch pads of the Kennedy Space Center. | Photo by FamilyVacationHub
Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit
It is not hard to find out where the Space Shuttle Atlantis building is with the full scale replica of the external tank and solid rocket boosters outside the entrance. | Photo by FamilyVacationHub
Standing under the external tank and solid rocket boosters sure give you a respect for the power these bad boys must have put out. | Photo by FamilyVacationHub
Even as you walk the ramp to reach the upper floors of the building, the space shuttle stack outside the window still dominates and hovers over you. | Photo by FamilyVacationHub
The movie before you enter the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit tells the story of how the Space Shuttle was conceived and the what it it took to bring it to a reality. | Photo by FamilyVacationHub
As the space shuttle movie ends, the movie screen opens up and the Space Shuttle Atlantis is right in front of you. | Photo by FamilyVacationHub
The Space Shuttle Atlantis is displayed in a flight position angle that gives a great view that is usually only seen in space. | Photo by FamilyVacationHub
As you can see from this image, you are only a few short feet away from the shuttle when standing on the walkway. | Photo by FamilyVacationHub
With the payload bay doors open and the Canadarm extended you get a view that only was seen in space prior to this exhibit. | Photo by FamilyVacationHub
A view of the Space Shuttle Atlantis’ tail section. | Photo by FamilyVacationHub
The rear of the Space Shuttle Atlantis with its 3 Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) also known as RS-25’s. | Photo by FamilyVacationHub
The tires used on the Atlantis orbiter on the last space shuttle mission (STS-135). | Photo by FamilyVacationHub
The Space Shuttle Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU). | Photo by FamilyVacationHub
A wall display honoring all of the Space Shuttle Orbiters. | Photo by FamilyVacationHub
A 1/15th scale replica of the Space Shuttle Atlantis. | Photo by FamilyVacationHub
One of the many displays around the exhibit that educate the visitors about the space shuttle program. | Photo by FamilyVacationHub
Apollo / Saturn V Rocket Center
Before we entered the Apollo / Saturn V Center, we saw a reenactment of the Apollo 8 launch at the actual consoles of the Launch Control Firing Room for the Apollo program. | Photo by FamilyVacationHub
Apollo 8 Firing Room Video
As you enter the Apollo/Saturn V Center the huge 363-foot Saturn V rocket hovers above you and takes up the entire length of the building. | Photo by FamilyVacationHub
The five F-1 engines give the Saturn V rocket 7.5 million pounds of thrust for the liftoff and the first stage burn of 165 seconds. | Photo by FamilyVacationHub
A display of newspapers from around the world reporting on the Apollo 11 mission that landed Man on the Moon. | Photo by FamilyVacationHub
A unique experience at the Apollo/Saturn V Center is being able to touch an actual moon rock which our daughter loved. | Photo by FamilyVacationHub
Madi posing at the NASA Astronaut Van. | Photo by FamilyVacationHub
Lunch with an Astronaut
The promo image of astronaut Winston E. Scott during his introduction for our lunch. | Photo by FamilyVacationHub
NASA mission specialist Winston E. Scott who flew on two space shuttle missions answering questions from the guests of the Lunch with an Astronaut. | Photo by FamilyVacationHub
During our lunch we got to see a wonderful space shuttle film along with hearing from Winston Scott. | Photo by FamilyVacationHub
The tasty food dish that we enjoyed from the buffet of the Lunch with an Astronaut. | Photo by FamilyVacationHub
Around the Kennedy Space Center
The Rocket Garden is where you can see the NASA Mercury-Redstone, Atlas, Titan and Saturn 1B rockets. | Photo by FamilyVacationHub
The huge F-1 rocket engine is one of five used to launch the Saturn V rocket in its first stage. | Photo by FamilyVacationHub
On the right of this picture, laying on its side, is the huge Saturn 1B rocket which is the largest rocket in the garden. | Photo by FamilyVacationHub
This is the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) which is going to be launched by the Space Launch System to bring astronauts beyond low Earth orbit. | Photo by FamilyVacationHub
A model of the Dream Chaser, a reusable space plane being developed to take astronauts to low Earth orbit and back. | Photo by FamilyVacationHub
A NASA T-38 Talon jet with the space shuttle stack in the background. | Photo by FamilyVacationHub
The Eggsteroids Slingshot activity that is part of the Angry Birds Space Encounter. | Photo Courtesy of Kennedy Space Center
An astronaut memorial plaque is a small part of the Astronaut Memorial area of the Kennedy Space Center. | Photo by FamilyVacationHub
The NASA globe with the space shuttle stack peaking out from behind. | Photo by FamilyVacationHub
Read the details, get our tips and see more photos of our family day at the Kennedy Space Center. See our Orlando Tourist Map with Points of Interest for directions to the Kennedy Space Center and more family attractions around the city. For more tour information and to buy tickets, visit the Kennedy Space Center website.
We were provided media passes to the Kennedy Space Center for the purpose of reviewing it on our blog. Regardless, we would only recommend places, activities or services that we would use/visit personally and that we believe will be good for our readers.