Kennedy Space Center’s newest attraction officially opened on June 15th – Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex is the “spaceport of the future”, where you can experience the “interstellar travel of tomorrow”

Gateway the Deep Space Launch Complex, FIRST LOOK: Deep Space Launch Complex NOW OPEN at Kennedy Space Center

The new complex features a showcase of NASA and their commercial partners’ spacecraft hardware including flight-flown artifacts, immersive, interactive displays and games, and a headlining attraction offering four different simulated journeys through space.

Think of this as Kennedy Space Center’s own Tomorrowland. Gateway is focused on the educational aspect of what is next for NASA and the space industry. The exhibit itself was designed to evolve and will be updated as new things are available.

Gateway the Deep Space Launch Complex, FIRST LOOK: Deep Space Launch Complex NOW OPEN at Kennedy Space Center

Gateway the Deep Space Launch Complex, FIRST LOOK: Deep Space Launch Complex NOW OPEN at Kennedy Space Center

Upon entering Gateway, you’ll find yourself surrounded by flight-flown objects and full-scale models, both on display around the floor and suspended from above. You’ll encounter:

  • Aerojet Rocketdyne RL10 Upper-stage Rocket Engine
  • Boeing Crew Space Transporation-100 Starliner Mock-Up Capsule (full-scale engineering model)
  • Boeing Spacesuit
  • Boeing Starliner Simulator (full-scale model)
  • LIFE Habitat Cut-Away (scale model)
  • Lockheed Martin Space Habitat (full-scale mockup)
  • NASA Space Launch System (SLS) rocket (scale model)
  • Orion Exploration Flight Test-1 Capsule (flight flown)
  • Orion Heatshield Tiles
  • Sierra Space Dream Chaser (full-scale model)
  • Sierra Space Shooting Star(full-scale model)
  • SpaceX Cargo Dragon COTS-2 (flight flown)
  • SpaceX Falcon 9 booster, officially known as Booster B1023 (flight flown)
  • United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket (scale model)
  • United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket (scale model)

 


Choose Your Journey at Spaceport KSC

You’ll eventually make your way up the ramp to the second level, where Spaceport KSC “departures” are found. Akin to an airport of the future, here is where you choose one of four gates boarding four different space journeys to embark on: Red Planet, Daring Explorers, Cosmic Wonders, and Uncharted Worlds. 

Gateway the Deep Space Launch Complex, FIRST LOOK: Deep Space Launch Complex NOW OPEN at Kennedy Space Center

Gateway the Deep Space Launch Complex, FIRST LOOK: Deep Space Launch Complex NOW OPEN at Kennedy Space Center

 

This is a 4D simulator attraction, most similar to Disney’s Soarin’ or Flight of Passage. Once you’re buckled in, the bench-style row of 11 seats moves towards a domed screen and you begin your journey. The seats move along with the action on screen. From what we experienced, the movements are mostly graceful and slow-moving. Each trip is about 4.5 minutes long – full of breathtaking scenes from space! The height requirement is 39″; for those that are unable to transfer to the ride seats or have sensitivity to motion, you may view the experience without the movement from the Observation Bay.


Refuel at Space Bowl Bistro

Also located inside Gateway is an all-new quick-service eatery for Kennedy Space Center. Refuel your energy at Space Bowl Bistro, featuring Bistro Bowls, including refreshing acai bowls and choose-your-protein savory bowls. Choices range from quinoa, rice, greens and noodle bases to proteins – including barbecue short rib, marinated ahi tuna, jackfruit, and more. Beverage offerings include soft drinks, coconut water, coffee, tea and domestic beer. 

Gateway the Deep Space Launch Complex, FIRST LOOK: Deep Space Launch Complex NOW OPEN at Kennedy Space Center


Visiting the Kennedy Space Center

Admission to Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex is included with regular admission to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The Visitor Complex brings the epic story of the U.S. space program to life, offering a full day of fun, inspiration and educational activities, just 45 minutes from Orlando, Florida. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is open daily from 9am – 5pm. For tickets and more information, visit KennedySpaceCenter.com.

Gateway the Deep Space Launch Complex, FIRST LOOK: Deep Space Launch Complex NOW OPEN at Kennedy Space Center


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Gateway the Deep Space Launch Complex, FIRST LOOK: Deep Space Launch Complex NOW OPEN at Kennedy Space Center

 

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Chloé Ferreira
Chloé loves ‘90s EPCOT, roller coasters, kitschy dark rides, a good background area music loop, Hot Butterbeer, and all things Halloween. You’ll mostly find her wandering around Orlando’s biggest theme parks snapping pics and sharing tips… or probably talking about The Great Movie Ride.