A countdown is underway at NASA's Florida spaceport, ticking down the days until the public can experience a rocket engine test closer than ever before — by standing directly under the engine's nozzle.
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has announced the upcoming opening of The Gantry at LC-39, a former launch pad viewing tower that has now been renovated to become an "innovative, interactive experience" that includes a simulated test fire of a rocket engine. The reimagined attraction is slated to debut in early 2025, returning as a regular stop on the visitor complex's bus tour of the NASA launch site.
"The Gantry at LC-39 is an exciting next step in our mission to inspire and educate the next generation of explorers," said Therrin Protze, chief operating officer at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, in a statement. "This new attraction brings the stories around NASA's research to monitor our planet and innovative interactives to offer a deeper connection to the space program through a unique and dramatic lens."
"This attraction will excite and educate all ages," said Protze.
