Celebrate World Space Week at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Visit Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex during World Space Week or join a “virtual” event in celebration of past, present, and future space exploration.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hosts World Space Week from now through Oct. 10, with special events each day and the once in a lifetime chance to celebrate “science, technology, and their contribution to the betterment of the human condition,” with the North America premiere of the original IMAX film, “Asteroid Hunters”; the opportunity to experience a Facebook Live session with NASA SLS team members; and the invitation to join in commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 13 mission.

Kennedy Space Center’s chief operating officer Therrin Protze says, “This world-wide celebration is an opportunity for Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to join like-minded institutions around the world as we work to inspire the next generation of space explorers.”

Follow along with each day’s events:

Oct. 6, 3:00 p.m. — Experience the North America premier of the IMAX movie “Asteroid Hunters,” narrated by Star Wars’ Daisy Ridley

“Asteroid Hunters,” presented by IMAX in association with Huahuang Pictures, takes viewers into deep space as it explores asteroids, their cosmic origins, and their potential threat to planet Earth. The film features asteroid scientists, who act as a defense between Earth and asteroids’ paths, revealing the cutting edge tools and techniques used to both detect and track potentially destructive asteroids. Through the important work they do, these scientists may one day save the planet. The 38-minute film’s premier, debuting in the Visitor Center’s IMAX Theater at 3 p.m., also includes a Q&A session with writer and producer Phil Groves, and both are included with Visitor Complex admission on a first come, first served basis. The theater will have limited capacity to allow for physical distancing.

October 9, 2:15pm – America’s Next Giant Leap: Testing the World’s Largest Rocket Stage

This live, 45-minute event highlights a special presentation by the engineers for NASA’s new SLS system that will send astronauts back to the moon. It will be hosted at the Universe Theater at the Space Center’s Visitor Complex and show the group completing a final test on what will be the world’s largest rocket stage later this month at Stennis Space Center. The group will be led by NASA SLS team members Tony Castilleja (Boeing SLS), and Marcia Lindstrom and Trey Cate (SLS Strategic Communication), and their talk will be followed by an opportunity for an audience Q&A session. The event is included with regular Visitor Complex admission on a first come, first served basis, and with limited capacity due to social distancing.

Oct. 10 – Apollo 13 Commemoration

While the official anniversary of the famed Apollo 13 mission from the Kennedy Space Center was back in April, when the Visitor Complex was closed due to COVID-19, a new commemoration will be held all day on Oct. 10. Guests will be able to collect special Apollo 13 trading cards and watch a personal message from Captain Jim Lovell, as well as celebrate the occasion in unique NASA style. Advance daily purchases are encouraged.

In accordance with CDC recommendations, precautionary measures continue to include limited attendance, social distancing and increased sanitization and disinfection, plus temperature screening and face coverings for all guests and employees.

For more information about these and other KSC events, visit KennedySpaceCenter.com.