Interact with America’s space heroes at Kennedy Space Centre

As the most visible symbol of the American space program, it’s no wonder that two of the most popular Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex experiences are the Astronaut Encounter and Lunch With an Astronaut. Both are unique, one-of-a-kind experiences available only at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Conducted daily, these exciting experiences offer an up-close-and-personal opportunity to meet with a bona fide member of NASA’s astronaut corps. Guests are invited to share in the excitement of space exploration through presentations that are thoughtful, entertaining and oftentimes amusing. Likewise, the programs provide astronauts with the occasion to share the importance of NASA’s mission with the world.

Held daily at the Astronaut Encounter Theatre, the half-hour interactive activity consists of question and answer sessions, mission briefings, and a highly personal perspective of space travel as told by one of only 309 astronauts who have experienced it.

An impressive selection of astronauts has appeared since the program began in 2001. Among them include Gemini and Apollo astronaut Gene Cernan; Apollo Astronauts Al Worden, Walt Cunningham and Charlie Duke; Space Shuttle astronauts Story Musgrave, John Blaha, Jon McBride, and more. A schedule of future Astronaut Encounter appearances is available at KennedySpaceCenter.com.

Lunch with an Astronaut is an exclusive opportunity for guests to roll up their sleeves and rub elbows with America’s finest. Offered daily, the Lunch with an Astronaut program begins with a delicious buffet lunch followed by a light-hearted video presentation highlighting “everyday” life on the Space Shuttle.

Then for main course - an in-depth, personal presentation by the featured astronaut, followed by a question and answer session and photo opportunity. Participants also receive a souvenir autographed by the “space hero” as a take home keep sake of the occasion. To ensure each guest enjoys quality time with the astronaut seating is limited and reservations are recommended. Lunch With an Astronaut is park of the Space Pass ticket available throughout the UK at various Attaction Specialists and ticket brokers.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens at 9 a.m. Closing times vary by season. The Visitor Complex is open daily except December 25 and certain launch days. Admission includes the new Shuttle Launch Experience, Kennedy Space Center Tour, 3D IMAX space films, Astronaut Encounter, all exhibits, and the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, featuring historic spacecraft, simulator rides and the world's largest collection of personal astronaut memorabilia.