NASA’s Moon rocket is on the move at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, rolling out of the Vehicle Assembly Building for a 4.2-mile journey to Launch Complex 39B on March 17, 2022. Carried atop the crawler-transporter 2, the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft are venturing to the pad for a wet dress rehearsal ahead of the uncrewed Artemis I launch. The first in an increasingly complex set of missions, Artemis I will test SLS and Orion as an integrated system prior to crewed flights to the Moon. Through Artemis, NASA will land the first woman and the first person of color on the lunar surface, paving the way for a long-term lunar presence and serving as a steppingstone on the way to Mars.
The Kennedy Space Center, located on the east coast of Florida, is a renowned spaceport and launch facility operated by NASA. It serves as the primary site for human spaceflight activities, satellite launches, and scientific research. Named in honor of President John F. Kennedy, the center has played a pivotal role in shaping the history of space exploration.
The Kennedy Space Center encompasses an expansive complex that houses various facilities, including launch pads, assembly buildings, and astronaut training facilities. It has served as the launch site for numerous iconic missions, such as the Apollo lunar landings and the space shuttle program. The center is not only involved in launching spacecraft but also in scientific exploration. It hosts the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, where visitors can learn about space history, view actual space artifacts, and even witness rocket launches. With its rich heritage and ongoing contributions to space exploration, the Kennedy Space Center remains an iconic symbol of humanity’s quest to reach beyond the boundaries of Earth.
