Hotel sold out. Excitement that seems to swell day by day. It could be hundreds of thousands of visitors, support staff, etc.
These are just a few of the factors being calculated in preparation for Artemis I, the first launch of NASA's moon-focused Space Launch System rocket scheduled for August 29. Part of it. The biggest and most powerful rocket in years has launched from the Space Coast, bringing a level of excitement to match.
Overall, Space Coast stakeholders are committed to attracting at least 100,000 people to the rocket's first window, including opportunities on August 29, September 2, and September 5 (Labor Day). We expect visitors. T-0 on August 29th is currently set at 8:33 AM ET. Hosted by Pad 39B.
This rocket is part of NASA's Artemis program, which aims to bring humanity back to the moon during his decade. It starts with an unmanned Artemis I mission and plans to send the Orion capsule to the Moon and back in four to six weeks. Artemis II will do the same for astronauts, and Artemis III will send her two astronauts to the surface after 2024.
Hotels and Tourism
Space Coast is not. A stranger to launch the crowd of days. By 2011, during the space shuttle era, more than half a million visitors flooded the area, scooping up hotel rooms and cramming local businesses.
The crowd has grown smaller since then, but is still important. Thousands of people flocked to Brevard County to watch the launch, even amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Recent SpaceX Crew taking astronauts from KSC to the International Space Station Some of the Dragon launches have attracted between 100,000 and 250,000 visitors, said Peter Cranis, executive director of the Space Coast Office of Tourism. It's not hard to expect over 100,000 from Artemis I.
"I think the manned launches and these Artemis launches will be equally interesting for people," he said Cranis. "We're definitely expecting more than 100,000 people, if not more."
As of June, Brevard County had 10,734 hotel rooms and he had 4,500 hotels. Mr. Krannis said he had rented a vacation home. Each unit can obviously accommodate multiple people, but those numbers may not be affected by spectators driving from Orlando, for example. For example, to watch the launch without staying overnight.
Speaking about his cadence, Klenis said Artemis also supports his office's efforts in marketing Space Coast. Both KSC and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station are hosting 32 launches this year, a pace he hasn't seen since the 1960s.
"Our marketing line is the only beach where we double as a launch pad and the message we can send now that the frequency is so high," he said. . "Being known for that is what sets us apart among our peers who obviously have a beach to push but no space program."
A quick glance at the room listing reveals a rapidly declining supply of non-sold out rooms.
The space-themed Courtyard by He Marriott Titusville – Kennedy Space Center is one of He's newest hotels in the area. Completed this year and opened to the public in April, the facility boasts views of KSC and Space Force Station Cape Canaveral, and even has a rooftop "space bar" for watching launches.
At Artemis I, all the rooms in the Courtyard have sold out, including the space bar.
"Since the hotel opened in April, more and more people are discovering the hotel, and room bookings are steadily increasing. Also, people love the rooftop Space Bar. said Glenn White, director of corporate communications for Delaware North. The company franchised the Courtyard Hotel brand and paid for the project.
"We also hope that people will book rooms and visit Spacebar to experience the excitement of seeing Artemis on the launch pad in the days leading up to launch," White said. rice field.
Delaware North's primary Space Coast His operation is the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, which is expected to sell out on Artemis Day.
"We expect the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to fill up in preparation for the upcoming Artemis launch," said Therrin Protze, chief operating officer of the visitor complex. increase. “[The Visitor Complex] will offer a special Artemis launch viewing package, which includes unique experiences such as live commentary from space experts and access to select exhibits and attractions. Includes closest public viewing opportunity.”
Artemis I launch coincides with the recently opened Gateway: Deep Space Launch Complex exhibit focused on the future of spaceflight. is associated with Among the new exhibits are items such as a scale model of the SLS rocket, an Orion capsule in flight similar to that of Artemis I, and a SpaceX Falcon Heavy booster mounted on the ceiling.
Artemis I Visitor Complex tickets available from 11:00 am on Tuesday, August 2 at Kennedy Space Center website
Kennedy Space Center. will be sold. and Media
Spectators aren't the only expected visitors to the Space Coast. Hundreds of media members around the world have also signed up to cover Liftoff.
KSC's public relations team confirmed that at least 700 media members have signed up so far. . This number overwhelms a normal launch and is close to the crowds seen during the Space Shuttle program. Space Force space launch Delta 45 spokesperson Heather Scott said the military department will also be on board to help manage the media.
"The growing sense of energy and excitement that has been steadily building around Kennedy and among our employees over the last year is palpable," said KSC's Director of Exploration Ground Systems. One Mike Bolger said: "The anticipation grows with each passing day as the launch of this amazing rocket and spacecraft approaches." There is a high demand for a Launch Day Car Pass that can be used for
And it's not just for viewing on launch day. Employees not working directly with Artemis are handling non-essential items, such as buying lunch to save time.
"While our team is focused on walking the final stages before SLS and Orion's maiden flight around the Moon, the excitement throughout the Center is palpable," said the KSC Director. said Janet Petro of "You can see it in people's faces and voices. When we're all standing in the sky with our eyes on launch day, I don't think the world has that feeling."
