Those who cannot travel to Florida on July 8 to witness the final launch of the Space Shuttle Program have the opportunity to enjoy a large-screen experience by viewing the event at StenniSphere, the visitor center at NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Center.
The visitor center will open an hour earlier at 9 a.m. on July 8 to accommodate visitors who wish to view the launch of space shuttle Atlantis on the STS-135 mission at a NASA facility. The launch is scheduled for 10:26 a.m. CDT. Following its mission to the International Space Station, shuttle Atlantis will be retired, culminating the 30-year-old Space Shuttle Program.
Visitors wishing to view the launch at Stennis should plan to be at the Mississippi Welcome Center Launch Pad building at I-10, Exit 2, before 10 a.m. to allow for transport to StenniSphere.
Following the launch, visitors will be able to learn more about living and working in space by touring the StenniSphere museum. StenniSphere is normally open to the public 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, and is closed on major holidays. Public tours run throughout each day from the Launch Pad at the Hancock County Welcome Center. The last tour leaves the Launch Pad at 2 p.m. each day. Registered group tours with their own transportation can obtain earlier admittance. Admission to StenniSphere is free. All visitors age 18 and older are required to show a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. All international visitors must present a passport.
For more information, visit https://www.nasa.gov/centers/stennis/home/index.html and click on the StenniSphere logo or call 1-800-237-1821 or (228) 688-2370.
For information about Stennis Space Center, visit: https://www.nasa.gov/centers/stennis.
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text-only version of this release
Rebecca Strecker, NASA News Chief
NASA Public Affairs Office
Stennis Space Center, MS 39529-6000
(228) 688-3249
Rebecca.A.Strecker@nasa.gov