From space enthusiasts to families to anyone who simply enjoys both sun and adventure, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers the perfect mix of fun and education in a way few other destinations can. In this week’s Take 5, we sit down with Therrin Protze, Chief Operating Officer, to discuss how this popular attraction in Merritt Island, Florida, continues to innovate and appeal to all ages with new exhibits that are truly out of this world.

1. Kennedy Space Center has recently launched new interactive experiences such as The Gantry at LC-39. How do these exhibits enhance the visitor experience, and what makes them particularly appealing to international travellers, including Canadians?

“The Gantry at LC-39 marks a bold step forward in our mission to spark curiosity and foster learning among the next generation of explorers. Located at the historic launch complex where Apollo and Shuttle missions once lifted off – and where NASA’s Artemis program is now writing the next chapter of lunar exploration – it offers visitors an unparalleled sense of place and purpose.

“Accessible via the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour, The Gantry at LC-39 delivers a 360-degree view of active launch pads and showcases the extraordinary intersection of technology, history, and nature. Guests can explore immersive exhibits like the Earth Information Center, which connects NASA’s space-based research to the health of our planet; design and virtually launch rockets through the Rocket Build Interactive; and even stand beneath a roaring, full-scale rocket engine during the Test Fire Simulation.

“For international visitors The Gantry offers an experience that goes far beyond traditional sightseeing. It’s a chance to witness the future of space exploration unfold before their eyes while also celebrating the beauty of our home planet.”

The Gantry at LC-39

2. What trends are you seeing in space tourism and science-focused travel, and how is Kennedy Space Center adapting its offerings to meet the evolving interests of leisure travellers?

“We’re seeing tremendous growth in experiential travel. People want to do more than just observe; they want to participate, to be inspired, and to learn something meaningful. Space- and science-focused tourism are a perfect match for this trend because they combine adventure, innovation, and education in a way few other destinations can.

“At Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, we’ve evolved our programming to reflect that demand. From our Chat with an Astronaut experiences, where guests can enjoy a small-group conversation with a veteran astronaut who has actually flown in space, to our Astronaut Training Experience that simulates what it’s like to prepare for a mission to Mars, visitors can choose the level of immersion that suits their curiosity. Each new attraction we add – like Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex and The Gantry – helps guests connect with the past, present and future of space exploration.

3. Canada is an important international market for many U.S. attractions. How does Kennedy Space Center engage with Canadian travellers, and what strategies are in place to increase visitation from Canada?

“Canada is one of our top international markets, and we greatly value the enthusiasm Canadians bring for NASA and space exploration. We work closely with our travel trade partners and tourism boards to ensure Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is well represented in key Canadian markets.

“We’ve strengthened our presence through targeted campaigns with Visit Space Coast and Visit Florida, and we participate in travel trade shows across Canada to engage directly with advisors and tour operators.”

4. Travel advisors play a key role in promoting experiential destinations. What resources, training, or packages does Kennedy Space Center Visitor offer to help agents sell visits effectively?

“We’re committed to supporting the travel trade and ensuring advisors have the tools they need to showcase Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Through partnerships with receptives and wholesalers, we offer tickets and packages to travel advisors.

“Many of our products – such as admission bundles that include the Chat with an Astronaut experience or Special Interest Tours – are available through major tour operators and Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), making it simple for advisors to build a complete, commissionable package for their clients.”

5. Looking ahead, are there any upcoming expansions, programs, or seasonal offerings that travel advisors should know about to position Kennedy Space Center as a must-visit destination for their clients? 

“There’s always something new launching here, which is part of what makes Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex such a dynamic destination. For instance, this holiday season, we’re bringing back Holidays in Space, but have added a new 600-drone nighttime spectacular that tells the story of “Starflake,” a celestial character who journeys through NASA’s greatest programs from Apollo and Shuttle to today’s Artemis missions. We’re also introducing Kennedy Under the Stars: Holiday Edition this December. On December 19 and 20 the visitor complex will transform into an after-dark, holiday spectacular.

In the International Space Station

“Looking to the future, we’re preparing for an all-new experience currently in development that will further immerse guests in the story of human spaceflight. While details will be shared in due course, it will complement The Gantry at LC-39 and Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex® by bringing guests even closer to the incredible work happening today as NASA and its partners prepare for the Artemis missions to the Moon and beyond.

“For travel advisors, this means their clients will always find something fresh, inspiring, and unforgettable every time they visit.”

For more information, go to kennedyspacecenter.com.