inside Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s newest attraction, Gateway.
Credit: Brandon Wynn / Spaceflight-News + Space Explored
That wasn’t even a new exhibit, it opened back in 2017, but it was tucked away in a section of the park many visitors passed by on their way to the larger, more visible Atlantis building. So if this is your first time even knowing that exhibit existed, you’re not alone. It took me a few visits before a friend guided me in that direction. Gateway’s flashy presence will draw plenty to see these historic spacecraft.
Mock-ups everywhere, including a future spaceplane
To fill the space, you will find mock-ups of the rest of the modern hardware used in today’s commercial space industry, from a simulator of Boeing’s Starliner to the Atlas V and Delta IV Heavy rockets from ULA. However, the crown of the mock-ups is a full-size Dream Chaser hanging right next to SpaceX’s B1023.
Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser is a modern spaceplane and will be used to transport cargo to and from the International Space Station. Launching on top of ULA’s upcoming Vulcan rocket, once Dream Chaser’s mission is complete, it will return to land like an airplane – bringing back memories of the Space Shuttle launching and landing from Kennedy Space Center.
Alongside all these amazing mementos of the modern space program, those visiting Gateway will be surrounded by interactive, educational, and entertaining experiences while inside, all with the theme of being at a futuristic spaceport.
Gateway is included with admission to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, like the other exhibits it has on display. It will be hard to miss, right front and center when you walk into the park.
