Kennedy Space Center offers Falcon 9 rocket launch viewing area

By | February 21, 2013

kennedyspacecenterCAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Watch the powerful sights and sounds of the thunderous roaring engines of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as it bursts into the sky on Friday, March 1, 2013. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex guests can enjoy a front row view along the NASA Causeway. The launch is scheduled for 10:10 a.m. ET from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

This flight will continue a series of missions to the International Space Station (ISS) under NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services contract to deliver and return significant amounts of cargo aboard the Dragon spacecraft. The Dragon will carry 1,200 pounds of supplies for the space station crew and experiments being conducted aboard the laboratory. Upon arrival to the ISS, Expedition 34 Commander Kevin Ford and Flight Engineer Tom Marshburn will use a robotic arm to grapple the Dragon and attach it to the ISS. The Dragon, scheduled to return to Earth on March 25, will bring more than 2,300 pounds of experiment samples and equipment back with it.

Located along the Banana River and only six miles from the launch pad, the NASA Causeway viewing area offers the closest public viewing opportunity in Brevard County. This viewing area will feature live NASA launch countdown commentary, and food and souvenirs available for purchase.

A limited number of NASA Causeway launch viewing tickets can be purchased for $20 plus tax, in addition to admission. Bus loading for the NASA Causeway viewing area will begin at 7 a.m.

Launch viewing from Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is included in regular admission and will feature live mission control commentary.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call 877-313-2610 or visit KennedySpaceCenter.com.