World Space Expo at Kennedy Space Center Celebrates 50 Years in Space
Kennedy Space Center plays host to the inaugural World Space Expo, celebrating NASA’s 50 years in space exploration. World Space Expo will take place from Thursday, November 1, 2007 through Sunday, November 4, 2007 at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex east of Orlando, Florida.
“Working with NASA, we are gathering together some of the most exciting efforts in space exploration into a comprehensive space exposition, World Space Expo. The event will give all who attend a glimpse of mankind’s space achievements from the place that sends people into space,” said Daniel LeBlanc, Chief Operating Officer, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, host of the four-day event. “The Aerial Salute to 50 Years in Space featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will mark only the second time an air show has been held at Kennedy Space Center, with special viewing from the NASA Causeway.”
World Space Expo is a unique event to celebrate humanity’s first 50 years in space with a look forward to exploring the moon and beyond. Among the many featured participants for the four days will be renowned aerospace heroes John Glenn and Scott Carpenter and the Pioneering Women of Aerospace forum, featuring Eileen Collins and other prominent female space veterans. World Space Expo is sponsored by Space Florida, the principal organization charged with fostering the growth of Florida’s space industry by the State of Florida, and Florida’s Space Coast Office of Tourism.
Aerial Salute to 50 Years in Space, November 3-4, 2007
Space flight and flight training have deep roots that originate with military aviators. World Space Expo will highlight these roots with a special Aerial Salute to 50 Years in Space featuring some of the most significant aircraft in use by our military today. The Aerial Salute will take place on the NASA Causeway overlooking the Banana River and will include the following aerial demonstrations:
— U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Aerial Demonstration Squadron
— U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor
— U.S. Navy F-18 Super Hornet
— U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle
— U.S. Air Force 920th Rescue Wing, responsible for Mercury and Gemini capsule recovery
— U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights
— P-51 Mustang Heritage Flight
Exploration Showcases, November 1-4, 2007
Space Florida Commercial Space Pavilion The Space Florida Commercial Space Pavilion will feature displays and products from the traditional space contractor community as well as space tourism organizations and emerging private entrepreneurial companies. Sponsored by Space Florida, confirmed exhibitors include SpaceX, the Federal Aviation Administration’s Office of Commercial Transportation, and the X Prize Foundation featuring a full scale model of SpaceShipOne.
NASA Pavilion
The NASA Pavilion will feature displays from NASA centers from around the country showcasing their unique areas of expertise and specialization. NASA’s 50th anniversary touring exhibit and an aerospace design art exhibit will celebrate NASA’s heritage. NASA’s international partners have been invited to exhibit. A historic Vostok capsule, Russia’s first habitable spacecraft flown in the early 1960’s, will be on display.
World Space Amphitheater
Featuring a 16 by 9-foot outdoor video screen, stage and sound, this amphitheater will feature activities throughout each day, breaking only for the air show. A schedule of speakers will keep audiences focused on space, including select Space Florida Space Days activities, educational programming and high-altitude weather balloon releases which feature live video feeds from the edge of space. Confirmed speakers include Mercury and Space Shuttle astronaut John Glenn; Mercury astronaut Scott Carpenter; Space Shuttle astronaut Eileen Collins; Space Shuttle astronaut and U.S. Air Force 45th Space Wing Commander Susan Helms; chairman and president of the X Prize Foundation and founder, chairman and CEO of Zero Gravity Corporation Peter Diamandis; FAA associate administrator Patricia G. Smith; the first female space tourist Anousheh Ansari; and U.S. Air Force Thunderbird pilots.
Science on a Sphere
The National Oceanographic & Atmospheric Administration’s “Science on a Sphere” will allow attendees, students and the general public to examine the planets and moons of our solar system and learn how space technology can aid in meteorological sciences such as hurricane prediction and global weather trends.
Commercial Space Day 2007, November 1, 2007
Hosted by Space Florida, this one-day meeting is designed for space industry representatives doing or looking to do business in Florida. Florida Lt. Governor Jeff Kottcamp is expected to attend.
Space Florida Next Generation Explorers Program, November 1-2, 2007
The Next Generation Explorers Program, sponsored by Space Florida, will immerse 3,000 sixth through eighth grade students from across Florida schools in interactive, informative and inspiring experiences designed to motivate them to study math and science. Students will rotate through the following activities: Tour of the Universe program, Science on a Sphere, Cool Space Careers question and answer sessions with astronauts, scientists and engineers, participate in a weather balloon release and the new Shuttle Launch Experience attraction at the Visitor Complex. Specially priced advance purchase tickets will go on sale Friday, September 7 through Sunday, October 21 and can be purchased on-line at www.KennedySpaceCenter.com/WorldSpaceExpo. Admission to World Space Expo, including regular admission to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, is available at a special pre-purchase rate of $28 plus tax for adults and $18 plus tax for children 3-11 years. This represents a $10 savings on a Visitor Complex admission and allows for one day of admission between November 1-4, 2007.
About Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens at 9 a.m. Closing times vary according to 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 mementos. Admission is $38 + tax for adults and $28 + tax for children ages 3-11. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Commander’s Club Annual Pass is $50 + tax for adults and $35 + tax for children ages 3-11. For more information, call 321-449-4444 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.
