Artemis Adventure takes off at Kennedy Space Center.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

According to a release, beginning July 19, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will offer the next generation of space explorers the chance to take their own “giant leap” with special programs and events designed to celebrate and elevate Artemis missions. With planned scavenger hunts to dance parties, holding discussions with industry experts and astronauts, there will be something for the whole family to discover while learning about the future of space exploration during Artemis: Next Giant Leap.

“NASA’s Artemis missions are a great opportunity to engage and inspire our guests with a number of experiences around the visitor complex,” said Therrin Protze, Chief Operating Officer of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. “Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will continue to tell the history of the space program while educating the next generation of space explorers through entertaining and interactive exhibits, programs, and special events.”

As part of the Artemis Adventure, guests can partake in an Artemis Scavenger Hunt by picking up a Mission Manual at the Information desk or the Space Shop and answer questions about NASA’s next giant leap during visits to six information stations throughout the visitor complex.

Guests will watch a short video corresponding with questions in the manual at each station and will receive a sticker once they select the correct answers. Once all the answers are complete, Artemis explorers can return to the Information desk to collect a Mission Success reward!

Guests will also learn about NASA’s next giant leap with a series of short films exploring major elements of upcoming Artemis missions. Played daily under the Atlantis Pavilion, the Artemis Short Film Festival will feature everything from ground support to launch services. Visitors will learn how the concept began and what the future holds for deep space travel.

Thursday, July 22 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., veteran astronaut Norm Thagard will discuss “Artemis: From Shuttle to SLS” in Journey to Mars: Explorers Wanted. Veteran NASA astronaut Mike Mullane will also discuss “Artemis: From Shuttle to SLS” on July 24 at 3 p.m. Guests will learn more about how Artemis builds upon the lessons learned from NASA’s legacies like the space shuttle. 

Under Artemis, NASA will land the first woman and first person of color on the moon. 

Visitors will have the chance to learn more about NASA’s plans and the influence that the former space programs have in the “next giant leap” from veteran astronaut Nicole Stott during “Women in Space” on July 26 at 3 p.m. in Journey to Mars: Explorers Wanted.

On July 27 and 28 at 1 p.m., subject matter experts will hold a live, virtual chat from the Universe Theater to discuss how NASA plans to return to the moon using innovative technologies. During “Hear from the Experts,” guests will listen to Artemis engineers, managers, and communicators providing updates while engaging in a Q&A session.

The celebration will wrap up with the Artemis: Next Giant Leap Block Party at NASA Central from July 30 through August 1. Guests can dance along as a DJ spins out of this world tunes beginning at 1 p.m. each day. July 30 will be a blackout date for annual pass holders due to a planned launch. Wandering street performers will also travel around the visitor complex performing science demonstrations and magic tricks.

All Artemis: Next Giant Leap events come with daily admission to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

For more information and to make a reservation, visit www.kennedyspacecenter.com.