The following are questions we have been asked prior to Youth Launch Events. If you have any other questions, please submit them to the ISS National Lab STEM staff, and we will post them here.
- What airports are closest to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (KSCVC)?
- Directions to Orlando International Airport (MCO).
- Airlines: MCO serves all major airlines and is a focus center for Frontier, Jet Blue, Southwest, and Spirit. Note that Southwest Airlines does not charge change fees in the event that the launch is delayed or scrubbed (canceled).
- We suggest you arrive at least one day in advance and arrange to stay at least one day following the launch. This will allow for some cushion to participate in the presentations, poster sessions, and launch viewing, and to take advantage of all that the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has to offer.
- Do I have to wear a mask at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (KSCVC)?
For the most up-to-date information regarding health and safety protocols, please click here.
- What happens if our launch is delayed or canceled?
Launches get delayed and canceled approximately 50 percent of the time. Launch schedules can sometimes change minutes before the scheduled launch. In the event of a delayed launch, we welcome you to stay for the next launch window. However, sometimes launch windows are days or weeks apart. Travel arrangements should be made accordingly with maximum flexibility in mind. The participant and chaperone will be able to reuse their complimentary passes, but additional guests would need to repurchase passes for KSCVC. We will communicate with partner organization staff members to let you know if there is a change in the launch schedule.
- Who should we contact with questions or problems?
ISS National Lab STEM staff members are happy to assist you in any way during your Youth Launch Event experience. Partner organization staff members will have contact information for ISS National Lab staff and are able to contact us with any questions participants or their guests may have.
- Do I get in free to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (KSCVC)?
Complimentary access to KSCVC is included for: each youth participant whose experiment is being launched to the ISS, one chaperone per youth participant, and one staff member from the partner organization. Parking passes will be sent as a PDF in advance to partner organization staff members to be shared with all participating families. Additional guests are welcome. Partner organization staff members will also be sent a discount code for $5.00 off the price of admission. This code will be shared with participating families in advance so that guests can purchase their own tickets. It is highly recommended that you purchase tickets prior to arriving at KSCVC in order to avoid a long wait in the ticket purchasing line. The group will not be able to wait for those individuals purchasing tickets at KSCVC on the day of the event. It is imperative when purchasing tickets that the official KSCVC website is used, otherwise the discount code will not work.
- How many people can come with the Youth Launch Event participant?
This is a very exciting day, and we want the Youth Launch Event participant to share it with those that helped make this opportunity possible. Therefore, any guests that would like to attend are allowed, but they will have to purchase a ticket for entry into KSCVC. It is highly recommended that individuals purchase additional tickets online in advance in order to ensure that all guests are accommodated. A discount code for $5 off each purchased ticket will be shared with partner organization staff members in advance for guests who are purchasing tickets. It is imperative when purchasing tickets that the official KSCVC website is used, otherwise the discount code will not work.
- What should guests do during the presentation session and poster session?
Guests are encouraged to watch the presentation session in the Journey to Mars theater and visit the poster session under the Atlantis Orbiter to find out more about the student experiments being flown to the ISS. Guests are free to explore KSCVC throughout the day. It is important to remember that Youth Launch Event participants should be chaperoned by a responsible adult at all times while on the grounds of KSCVC.
- Is the Astronaut Training Experience (ATX) open?
Yes, the ATX is open. Hours of availability change due to COVID. To check availability while you are visiting KSCVC, please click here.
- How do I find the latest information about the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (KSCVC)?
Find the latest Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex information here.