USA: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center to Open “Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex“ in March 2022

The new “Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex“ attraction, which is currently under construction on the grounds of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center on Merritt Island (Florida), is scheduled to be completed in the next few months, so it can open to guests in March 2022. The new multi-level building, which with its iridescent turquoise panels is also an eye-catcher from the outside, is dedicated to the present and future of collaborative space exploration, enabling guests, among other things, to experience the interstellar travel of tomorrow.

Original NASA and commercial spacecraft hardware, immersive displays such as interactive touch-screen displays to learn about satellites and probes, a 4D motion theatre with four different films, observation areas and, of course, full-scale spaceship models, like those that can be marvelled at in the “Rocket Garden“ located close to the new building, will complement the existing visitor offerings at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center.

Among the exhibit highlights that will be on display in the “Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex“ in the future is also the “SpaceX Falcon 9“ booster rocket (a rocket that is deployed during launch and then dropped). Also, visitors will be able to learn more about the high-powered “James Webb Space Telescope“ – a NASA, ESA & CSA infrared space telescope that is scheduled to be launched into orbit in a fortnight on 22 December – by manipulating holographic imagery, video and animation through a touchscreen kiosk. The building‘s roof terrace will be available for events, in addition to serve as observation platform to view launches and landings. (eap)