Air Force Space & Missile History Center - Free and open to the public
By 1st Lt. Karl Wiest, 45th SW Public Affairs
/ Published November 12, 2010
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. -- The new 3,200 foot Air Force Space and Missile History Center, located at 100 Space Port Way outside the Cape's Gate 1 entrance, is free to the public and includes a variety of exhibits from the 1950s through today.
"As we move forward into the future of space operations, this center provides everyone with a detailed history of where the Air Force's space launch program started and how much it has progressed in relatively very little time," said Brig. Gen. Ed Wilson, 45th Space Wing commander. "This center is a testament to all those who have come before us, to the hard work and the dedication they expressed, and the sacrifices those individuals made."
Featuring information on every launch complex on Cape Canaveral, the center features incredible artifacts, displays, and presentations, including nosecones, rocket engines, static displays, launch consoles, and launch vehicles; all of which provide a glimpse in to the history of American space lift and space launch operations.
"The history center is here today thanks to the tremendous contributions and the hard work of the Space and Missile Museum Foundation," said Ms. Emily Perry, the Director of the new center. "They're diligence and perseverance has made this day in to a reality and we should all be truly grateful."
At the direction of Ms. Perry, more than 50 rocket and missile models and over 70 photo enlargements are featured here. Also, the Air Force Space & Missile History Center now includes space hardware, historical artifacts, and space memorabilia. Lastly, there is a gift shop, which is operated by the Space & Missile Museum Foundation, that features hundreds of aerospace-related items; many of which are unique to the air station and are not available anywhere else.
Air Force Space and Missile History Center Information:
Cost: Free
Hours of operation: T - F 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., and Sunday 12 - 4 p.m.
Operating Hours Phone: (321) 853-1919
Website: www.afspacemuseum.org