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NASA's SpaceX Crew-8 lifts off from Launch Complex 39A on March 3, 2024.
An aerial view of the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The ISRU Pilot Excavator (IPEx) breadboard unit, also known as RASSOR, digs in the regolith bin during testing inside Swamp Works at Kennedy Space Center.

Kennedy Space Center

Kennedy Space Center, one of 10 NASA field centers, is a premier multi-user spaceport with about 100 private-sector partners and nearly 250 partnership agreements. The presence of commercial companies at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center is larger than ever before, enabling us to embark on a new era of space exploration. Although Kennedy is the agency’s main launch site, the center also is home to facilities that research and develop innovative solutions that government and commercial space ventures need for working and living on the surfaces of the Moon and other bodies in our solar system.

Learn More About Kennedy about Kennedy Space Center

Location

Kennedy Space Center, Florida

Founded

July 1, 1962

People

10,000+

Director

Janet Petro

Programs and More

Kennedy plays a vital role in supporting science, technology, exploration, and human space flight.

Commercial Crew Program

The Commercial Crew Program represents a revolutionary approach to government and commercial collaborations for the advancement of space exploration.

Deep Space Logistics

Gateway is a critical part of NASA's deep space exploration plans, along with the Space Launch System rocket, Orion spacecraft, and human landing system.

Exploration Ground Systems

EGS is preparing the infrastructure to support several different kinds of spacecraft and rockets, including the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft for Artemis missions.

Launch Services Program

NASA's LSP is responsible for launching uncrewed rockets delivering spacecraft that observe the Earth, visit other planets, and explore the universe – from weather satellites to telescopes to rovers and more.

Research and Technology

The developments made inside Kennedy's labs and its unique facilities are critical to the future success of space exploration and play an important role in improving the quality of life for all Americans.

Commercial Resupply

NASA's commercial space program has enabled a successful partnership with two American companies to resupply the International Space Station, helping build a strong American commercial space industry.

See a Launch up Close

Experience the sights and sounds of a launch like never before.

Learn How about See a Launch up Close
A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 401 rocket with NASA's Lucy spacecraft atop lifts off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

Doing Business with Kennedy

Kennedy has nearly 250 active partnership agreements in place with about 100 private-sector partners.

Whether you want to launch spacecraft or engage in other aerospace-related activities, Kennedy Space Center – with its unique facilities, proven technical capabilities and experienced workforce – can provide a partnership that will help you reach your goals.

Partner With Us
A side-by-side photo of SpaceX's processing hangar and Boeing's Commercial Crew and Cargo Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
A side-by-side photo of SpaceX’s processing hangar and Boeing’s Commercial Crew and Cargo Processing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
NASA/Tony Gray and Kevin O’Connell, Kim Shiflett

History

Pioneering spaceflight and innovation

In July 1962, the Launch Operations Center was established, and by December 1963, it was renamed the John F. Kennedy Space Center.

Launch pads and towers rose one by one above the scrub land, dotting the shoreline of Florida’s East Coast. By 1960, the Missile Firing Laboratory had become an extension of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. On July 1, 1962, NASA officially activated the Launch Operations Center at the seaside spaceport, granting the center equal status to Marshall and offering the center’s new director, Dr. Kurt H. Debus, a direct report to the agency’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. The following year the center was renamed to honor the president who put America on the path to the Moon.

Read About More Kennedy History about Pioneering spaceflight and innovation
Wernher von Braun explains the Saturn system to President John F. Kennedy at Launch Complex 37 while the president tours the Cape Canaveral Missile Test Annex in 1963.
Wernher von Braun explains the Saturn system to President John F. Kennedy at Launch Complex 37 while the president tours the Cape Canaveral Missile Test Annex on Nov. 16, 1963.
NASA