Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center, one of 10 NASA field centers, is a premier multi-user spaceport with about 100 private-sector partners and nearly 250 partnership agreements. The presence of commercial companies at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center is larger than ever before, enabling us to embark on a new era of space exploration. Although Kennedy is the agency’s main launch site, the center also is home to facilities that research and develop innovative solutions that government and commercial space ventures need for working and living on the surfaces of the Moon and other bodies in our solar system.
Location
Kennedy Space Center, Florida
Founded
July 1, 1962
People
10,000+
Director
Janet Petro
Latest Kennedy News
Programs and More
Kennedy plays a vital role in supporting science, technology, exploration, and human space flight.
Commercial Crew Program
The Commercial Crew Program represents a revolutionary approach to government and commercial collaborations for the advancement of space exploration.
Deep Space Logistics
Gateway is a critical part of NASA's deep space exploration plans, along with the Space Launch System rocket, Orion spacecraft, and human landing system.
Exploration Ground Systems
EGS is preparing the infrastructure to support several different kinds of spacecraft and rockets, including the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft for Artemis missions.
Launch Services Program
NASA's LSP is responsible for launching uncrewed rockets delivering spacecraft that observe the Earth, visit other planets, and explore the universe – from weather satellites to telescopes to rovers and more.
Research and Technology
The developments made inside Kennedy's labs and its unique facilities are critical to the future success of space exploration and play an important role in improving the quality of life for all Americans.
Commercial Resupply
NASA's commercial space program has enabled a successful partnership with two American companies to resupply the International Space Station, helping build a strong American commercial space industry.
See a Launch up Close
Experience the sights and sounds of a launch like never before.
Learn How about See a Launch up Close
Doing Business with Kennedy
Kennedy has nearly 250 active partnership agreements in place with about 100 private-sector partners.
Whether you want to launch spacecraft or engage in other aerospace-related activities, Kennedy Space Center – with its unique facilities, proven technical capabilities and experienced workforce – can provide a partnership that will help you reach your goals.
Partner With Us
Master Plan
Kennedy Space Center is the world’s preeminent launch complex for government and commercial space access, enabling the world to explore and work in space.
Learn more information about Kennedy’s background, mission, and process that went into constructing the Master Plan.
View Kennedy's Master Plan Now
Visiting Kennedy on Business
Any person entering Kennedy Space Center on official business must have a Kennedy-issued badge in order to gain access.
Clearance to enter the center complex should be coordinated through your Kennedy sponsor – the individual or office you intend to visit. You may pick up your badge at the Kennedy Badging Office, located just outside Gate 3. Select “Read More” for directions to the badging office, as well as a list of accepted documentation required to pick up your badge.
Learn More About Visiting Kennedy on Business
Learn More and Get Involved
History
Pioneering spaceflight and innovation
In July 1962, the Launch Operations Center was established, and by December 1963, it was renamed the John F. Kennedy Space Center.
Launch pads and towers rose one by one above the scrub land, dotting the shoreline of Florida’s East Coast. By 1960, the Missile Firing Laboratory had become an extension of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. On July 1, 1962, NASA officially activated the Launch Operations Center at the seaside spaceport, granting the center equal status to Marshall and offering the center’s new director, Dr. Kurt H. Debus, a direct report to the agency’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. The following year the center was renamed to honor the president who put America on the path to the Moon.
Read About More Kennedy History about Pioneering spaceflight and innovation
