Kennedy Space Center launches new Rise to Space bus tour

Guests visiting Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex can get closer to space and history with the new Cape Canaveral’s Rise to Space bus tour.

The tour offers the chance to access restricted and historic areas of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. During the tour, a space expert will lead guests to historic launch sites, the Sands Space History Center, the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse, and Hangar C.

“We are excited to expand our tour offerings and bring guests even closer to history with Cape Canaveral’s Rise to Space tour,” said Therrin Protze, chief operating officer of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. “This new tour is perfect for space history enthusiasts looking to learn more about America’s early space program.”

A space expert guide will also be available to answer questions as guests tour Hangar C, the first permanent and oldest surviving structure at the Cape, which was built and used for missile assembly. Inside, guests will see artifacts like Atlas, America’s first intercontinental ballistic missile; the only known Firebird missile still in existence; and early space artifacts like Gemini and Apollo “boiler plates” that were used during simulations for training.

Cape Canaveral’s Rise to Space tour costs $75 plus tax, but keep in mind that it doesn’t include admission to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Closed-toe shoes are required and guests must be at least 14 years old to go on the tour. The tour is offered every Tuesday and tickets must be purchased at least five days in advance to allow for the additional security protocol.

To learn more about the tour, visit KennedySpaceCenter.com.