On June 29, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex at Cape Canaveral, Fla., opened the doors to a comprehensive and interactive attraction devoted to NASA's 30-year Space Shuttle Program, entitled, “Space Shuttle Atlantis.”
More than 40 NASA astronauts were expected to participate in the grand opening. The festivities also included more than 20 special NASA exhibits throughout the Visitor Complex.
One of three space-flown orbiters distributed by NASA to science centers and museums throughout the country, Atlantis is the focal point of a$100 million, 90,000ft2 attraction containing four multimedia and cinematic productions and more than 60 interactive experiences that invite guests to "be the astronaut" and to celebrate the people, passion and patriotism behind the shuttle program.
Space Shuttle Atlantis flew in space 33 times and still bears the scars, scorch marks and space dust of its last mission. Guests get a nearly 360-degree view of Atlantis as only astronauts have seen it before, tilted on its side at an angle, seeming to float in space with its payload bay doors open and its robotic arm extended, as if it has just undocked from the International Space Station (ISS).
Developed by Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, operators of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for NASA since 1995, as well as St. Louis-based PGAV Destinations, in partnership with NASA, Space Shuttle Atlantis is the marquee element in a 10-year master plan for the Visitor Complex.
The attraction is included in regular admission to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
The Visitor Complex is not funded through tax dollars or appropriated funds. Operation, maintenance and development are funded through revenue generated by ticket, food and merchandise sales.