jedimaster1227 Posted January 3, 2022 Share Posted January 3, 2022 Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has announced the addition of a new attraction which will open this March, Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex. This new experience will include new artifacts, exhibits and a new 4D flying theater with four different "journeys" to choose from! https://media.kennedyspacecenter.com/kennedy/kennedy-space-center-visitor-complex-launches-into-future-with-gateway-deep-space-launch-complex-opening-march-2022.htm In an ongoing mission to bring the epic story of the U.S. space program to life, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex today announced a new attraction. Slated to open in March 2022, Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex, will focus on the present and future of collaborative space exploration, enabling guests to experience the interstellar travel of tomorrow while celebrating what is happening right now within the space program. It will feature a showcase of NASA and commercial spacecraft hardware with immersive displays, as well as a “journey” through space, unique launch viewing opportunities and more. Upon entering Gateway on the first level, “space travelers” will be greeted with a futuristic design intended to set the stage for their journey. Displayed like massive space sculptures in an outdoor garden, visitors will be surrounded by actual space flown artifacts and full-scale models, placed around the floor and suspended from above to allow 360-degree viewing and interaction. They include: Orion Crew Vehicle from EFT-1 Mission (space flown) Boeing CST-100 Starliner Crew Vehicle (full-scale engineering model) SpaceX Falcon 9 booster, officially known as Booster 1023, which supported two SpaceX missions (space flown) Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser (full scale replica) NASA Space Launch System (scale model) ULA Atlas V and Delta IV heavy (scale model) As well as offering a “nose-to-nose” view of the SpaceX Falcon 9 booster, Gateway’s second floor features a 30-foot, floor-to-ceiling Robotic Trail Blazers Wall with interactive, touchscreen displays through which guests can learn about almost 40 different satellites and probes in space. Also in this area will be a HoloTube presentation station where guests can learn about the high-powered James Webb Space Telescope by manipulating holographic imagery, video and animation through a touchscreen kiosk. Nearby, guests will be transported into the future of space travel at Spaceport KSC, the first and only airport of the future. Upon entering the concourse, travelers will be surrounded by the sights and sounds of a galactic spaceport: atmospheric airport chatter will surround travelers as they peer through windows at distant views of active launches and landings. The main concourse features multiple screens that will showcase destination promo videos and departure and arrival information. Guests will then board their “spaceships” – in the form of a two-story, 4D flying theater – for one of four journeys: Cosmic Wonders, Daring Explorers, Red Planet or Uncharted Worlds. Each distinct destination allows for the possibility of a different experience with each visit. Gateway’s rooftop will be a versatile space for both launch and landing viewing and hosting special events. Affixed to the rooftop will be a Planewave CDK20 Telescope with a Espirit 100mm triplet deep sky APO Refractor, and an Altair 125mm solar refractor will offer access to some of the sky’s most amazing celestial and solar wonders. The stunning images can then be shared for educational purposes. As always, the health and safety of employees and guests is the highest priority for Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. In accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommendations, the visitor complex continues to operate at a limited attendance, accommodating social distancing, encouraging advance daily admission purchases, and implementing increased frequency of sanitization and disinfection. All guests, including those vaccinated against COVID-19, are required to wear face coverings in all indoor locations, except when actively eating or drinking. This includes all attractions, attraction queues, show viewing areas, restaurants and buses. Guests who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are not required to wear face coverings outdoors. Additional details are available at: www.kennedyspacecenter.com/info/coronavirus. SPACEX BOOSTER ARRIVAL See the incredible arrival of a spaceflown SpaceX Falcon 9 booster, officially known as Booster 1023. This booster supported two SpaceX missions and can be seen inside Gateway in 2022. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TEDodd Posted January 5, 2022 Share Posted January 5, 2022 Sounds fun. I wish the Space & Rocket Center (http://rocketcenter.com/) would get some similar love. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hilltopper39 Posted January 6, 2022 Share Posted January 6, 2022 I haven't been to Kennedy Space center in years, probably more like decades, but my kids went this summer with some friends and had a blast which kind of surprised me. Might have to make a trip down there when all of this is finished. Also is it just me or do these concept art images look kind of bad? I mean they're fine, accomplishes what they need to, it just looks super cartoony or something. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteamedHams Posted January 8, 2022 Share Posted January 8, 2022 On 1/5/2022 at 4:10 PM, TEDodd said: Sounds fun. I wish the Space & Rocket Center (http://rocketcenter.com/) would get some similar love. I worked (just finished my final day) at the center. Trust me, us guides and staff pitch stuff all the time. The issue is the state is slow to listen and even slower to give us money. I mentioned the Skyline kiddie coaster and that seemed to get attention, but that never went anywhere. Maybe one day that will happen, but I am not optimistic. Nice to see another Huntsville guy on the board. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TEDodd Posted January 8, 2022 Share Posted January 8, 2022 6 hours ago, SteamedHams said: The issue is the state is slow to listen and even slower to give us money. I mentioned the Skyline kiddie coaster and that seemed to get attention, but that never went anywhere. Maybe one day that will happen, but I am not optimistic. Nice to see another Huntsville guy on the board. Bummer to hear that. I remember in the '80s how great the place seemed. Just seems to be stuck in the 80s (well other than the Aviation Challenge stuff) I'm trying to convince my son to apply for a job there so I may get in touch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteamedHams Posted January 9, 2022 Share Posted January 9, 2022 17 hours ago, TEDodd said: I'm trying to convince my son to apply for a job there so I may get in touch. 100% he should apply. I can testify that it is the best job I have ever worked. Upper management is the best it has been in years, and they will listen to everyone. Its a lot of fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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