Kennedy Space Centre readies itself for Atlantis exhibition

Florida’s Kennedy Space Centre has this week held a special ceremony to celebrate it becoming home to the space shuttle Atlantis.

The £64.8 million exhibit will open in the summer and allow visitors to a close up look at the historic craft.

A series of interactive displays will also chart NASA’s rich history in space exploration.

Bill Moore, chief operating officer at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, said: “Today marks the start of a new era in which this magnificent ship, Atlantis, which has travelled to space and back an astounding 33 times, will remain docked in her home port, displayed in all her glory.”
The Atlantis orbiter was retired last summer following its final space trip. The craft had made more than 30 journeys since it was originally commissioned in 1979.

US president Barack Obama was in Florida this week to visit the Disney World resort in Orlando, where he set out plans for the region’s tourism initiatives.

Posted by Nicole Maher