Celebrate the final flight of Space Shuttle Endeavour this weekend

Space Shuttle Endeavour is departing the Kennedy Space Center for the very last time after 19 years of service, 25 missions, 133 astronauts carried, 299 days in space and 122,883,151 miles traveled. Guests are invited to join the farewell celebration Sept. 14 to 17, 2012, at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

The public has the opportunity to see Endeavour as it is being prepared for its journey atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft on Sept. 14 and 15. Through scheduled exclusive Endeavour bus tours, guests will be able to view the orbiter as it is lifted by the mate-demate device and placed atop a specially designed Boeing 747 aircraft.

As a collectible, complimentary gift during the festivities, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex guests will receive a lithograph of Endeavour as a keepsake.

There are two unique opportunities to view the fly-out of Endeavour at approximately 7:30 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 17. A limited number of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex guests will have a front-row seat to witness the departure of Endeavour from the Shuttle Landing Facility. Another fly-out viewing option is from the Visitor Complex Rocket Garden.

Endeavour celebration events include:

Friday, Sept. 14 and Saturday, Sept. 15: Endeavour Bus Tour

• Special Endeavour tour, including a drive-by of the mate-demate device at the SLF with viewing of Endeavour as it is mated to the 747 SCA and drive by of Launch Pad 39-A with the tour culminating at the Apollo/Saturn V Center. Viewing and photo opportunities will be available from the bus. The tour price is $20 per adult/$14 per child in addition to regular admission.

Monday, Sept. 17: Endeavour Fly-Out Viewing Opportunities

• Limited availability at the SLF for guests to view takeoff and fly-over of Endeavour. Bus transportation to the SLF will be from 6 a.m. to 6:45 a.m. The tour price for this up-close opportunity is $40 per person plus admission.
• Fly-over of Endeavour at 300 feet above the Rocket Garden. Viewing is included in regular admission price. Guests are encouraged to arrive by 6:30 a.m.
• Live NASA TV video coverage of Endeavour’s fly-out and commentary will be broadcast in the IMAX Theater. Doors will open at 6 a.m. Coverage begins at 6:30 a.m.

For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.