Chat with an astronaut at Kennedy Space Center

During the holidays guests can reach for the stars and chat with a real life space traveller at Kennedy Space Center.

 Kick back with a cocktail and have a conversation with an astronaut through a series of new and improved astronaut experiences at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Guests will have the chance to meet face-to-face with space pioneers during the new Chat With An Astronaut and the relaunched Astronaut Encounter.

"Our programs, events and attractions at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex are designed to bring our guests as close to space as possible, without ever leaving Earth," said Therrin Protze, chief operating officer, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

"Inviting astronauts to share their inspiring stories with our guests is one way we do that. There are so many experiences that are unique to us at the visitor complex, and one of the most special is the opportunity to engage directly with our national space heroes."

Chat With An Astronaut

The new Chat With an Astronaut will feature a sit down with the Astronaut of the Day in an intimate, small-group setting. The astronaut will answer guests’ most-pressing questions as they all enjoy food and drinks together. Replacing the former Dine with an Astronaut program, Chat With An Astronaut will be offered twice daily at 10:00am and 2:00pm ET.

This add-on experience includes a continental breakfast in the morning, or chef’s choice of culinary samplings in the afternoon, one alcoholic drink per adult ticket (more available for purchase), a commemorative gift and signed portrait of the astronaut.

Tickets are $50 per adult, and $35 per child.

This experience is indoors with social distancing practices in place. For everyone’s health and safety, astronauts will not pose for photos with guests.

Astronaut Encounter

Included with admission, the Astronaut Encounter presentations will return to the Universe Theater beginning December 13. During this 40-minute experience, guests have the rare opportunity to meet veteran NASA astronauts and learn about their experiences in space as commanders, pilots, and mission and payload specialists.

The December Astronauts of the Day schedule includes:

Mike Baker | December 15 – 18

Ken Cameron | December 19 – 22

Norm Thagard | December 23 – 28

Tony Antonelli | December 29 – January 2

Bruce Melnick, veteran astronaut and director of operational excellence at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is responsible for overseeing the Astronaut Encounter program.

Melnick spent more than 300 hours in space, orbiting Earth 207 times aboard space shuttle missions in 1990 and 1992.

Between 1992 and 2007 Bruce held various positions of increasing responsibility with Lockheed Martin, United Space Alliance, McDonnell Douglas and the Boeing Company.

He most recently served as Vice President of The Boeing Company, Space Coast Operations Division, where he was responsible for supporting many of the programs throughout Florida, including International Space Station, space shuttle and the Delta rocket family.

For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit www.kennedyspacecenter.com.