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June 22nd, 2017

Ready or Not Are You?  Kennedy Space Center is Ready for Tomorrow's SpaceX Launch of BulgariaSat-1 


If you've ever wanted to view a launch Kennedy Space Center is providing the information you'll need to personally experience this thrill. 

Kennedy Space Center is prepared for tomorrow's SpaceX Falcon 9's launch of BulgariaSat-1 at Launch Complex 39A, on June 23, 2017 at 2:10 PM. 
BulgariaSat-1 is the first geostationary communications satellite in Bulgaria’s history. The satellite will be located at the Bulgarian orbital position and will provide television and data communications services to homes in that region of Europe.


Kennedy Space Center hosts crowds eager to see various launches.

SpaceX will attempt a controlled landing of the Falcon 9 first stage on the autonomous spaceport drone ship (ASDS), Of Course I Still Love You, in the Atlantic Ocean. Additionally, SpaceX will use a space-proven first stage of a Falcon 9 rocket, initially launched January 2017. 
Falcon 9 is SpaceX’s two-stage rocket manufactured to successfully transport satellites and their Dragon spacecraft into orbit. Currently the only rocket fully designed and developed in the twenty-first century, Falcon 9 delivers payloads to space aboard the Dragon spacecraft or inside a composite fairing. Safety and mission success were critical in the design of the Falcon 9 rocket. With a minimal number of separation events and nine first-stage Merlin engines, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is designed so that even if two of the engines shut down, the rocket can still operate. In 2012, SpaceX became the first commercial company to rendezvous with the International Space Station. Although these flights have not transported crew, SpaceX continues to work toward their goal of one day carrying astronauts to space in Crew Dragon’s pressurized capsule using the Falcon 9.


Official SpaceX BulgariaSat-1 mission patch


Launch viewing opportunities for BulgariaSat-1 are included with daily admission and available at Apollo/Saturn V Center and the main visitor complex with bleacher seating and launch commentary. Both viewing areas are accessible for visitors with daily admission tickets only. No additional tickets are required. The launch viewing area at Apollo/Saturn V Center, approximately 3.9 miles/6.27 kilometers from the launch pad, is available first-come, first-served until capacity is reached. After arriving and parking at the visitor complex, those wishing to view from Apollo/Saturn V Center will be transported by bus from the inside the main visitor complex to this special viewing area at Kennedy Space Center, behind NASA’s gates. Security protocol requires that all guests must be transported by visitor complex tour buses to these secure facilities. 

Parking traffic increases closer to launch time, so make time for parking, entering the complex (including security bag search), walking to bus boarding and any potential lines. Arrive early to assure your viewing spot! We cannot offer ticket refunds for late arrivals. 

Launch date, time, and viewing opportunities are subject to change. Launches can be affected by technical and mechanical issues as well as range operations and weather, either in advance or at the last minute.