This historic flight, scheduled for Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at 1:34 a.m. ET, marks the fifth and final space shuttle mission to service the Hubble Space Telescope, the most significant telescope ever made. Tickets will give visitors access to the closest public viewing site to the launch pad.

This launch is unique in many ways as days prior to launch visitors on the Kennedy Space Center Tour can witness the rare sight of two fully-assembled space shuttles on both launch pads 39A and 39B. In preparation for an emergency, Space Shuttle Endeavor will be ready to launch and rescue Space Shuttle Atlantis' crew should there be a problem with the spacecraft.

The Hubble Space Telescope is too far from the International Space Station for the Station to be used as a safety vehicle.

The shuttle crew will carry two new science instruments to the Hubble Space Telescope, along with stabilizing gyroscopes, batteries and thermal blankets that will allow the telescope to continue to function through 2013. The current mission duration is set for 11 days, and the astronauts plan to conduct five spacewalks during rendezvous 350 miles above Earth.

As with all shuttle launches, special launch day activities will take place at the Visitor Complex. Guests will enjoy live NASA countdown audio and video presentations on a jumbo-sized screen, astronaut appearances and launch briefings.

Before witnessing the live space shuttle launch, park visitors can experience the sights, sounds and sensations of their own shuttle launch on the newest attraction, Shuttle Launch Experience.

As an added bonus, debuting at the Visitor Complex in October is the new art exhibition, Eye on the Universe: The Hubble Space Telescope, showcasing a blend of magnificent art and science of deep space discovery, featuring some of the most vibrant images of the universe.

Spectacular Hubble Space Telescope images and unique presentation techniques allow visitors to step into the universe and walk the pathway to ancient stars, nebulas and galaxies.

Admission tickets must be purchased in advance to receive a special car placard to allow entry to Kennedy Space Center after the gates close. Tickets can be purchased online or by telephone.

Visitor Complex admission is $38+ tax for adults and $28+ tax for children ages 3-11 and includes viewing of the Space Shuttle Atlantis launch from the Visitor Complex. Special evening buffets are available with visiting astronauts.

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Related Links
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Space Telescope News and Technology at Skynightly.com