Are you planning a trip to the Kennedy Space Center and feeling overwhelmed by the badging process? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! As a seasoned visitor to KSC, I have navigated the badging office more times than I can count. In this blog post, I’ll be sharing my top tips and tricks for making your visit to the KSC Badging Office as smooth and stress-free as possible. From what documents you need to bring with you to insider knowledge on how long wait times are typically, keep reading for all of my best advice on navigating the KSC Badging Office like a pro!
What is the KSC Badging Office?
How to Get Badges
Badge Requirements
Badge Requirements
As a seasoned visitor to the Kennedy Space Center, you likely already know about some of the more common badge requirements. But if you’re new to the area, or just have some questions about what’s required for a particular activity, read on for a breakdown of each badge type and its corresponding requirements.
Visitor Badge: The most common type of badge, this allows access to all Kennedy Space Center facilities except Launch Control Center (LCC) and certain shuttle launch pads. All visitors must have a valid passport-style photo identification card or driver’s license that shows your name and date of birth. You also need proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or passport). Children under 18 years old require an adult visitor badge to accompany them.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Badge: This one-time purchase allows you full access to all seven complexes at KSC – Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF), Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), External Tank Building (ETB), Launcher Assembly Building (LABS), Mission Operations Control Room (MOCR), and Press Site – as well as many other areas not open to standard visitors. It also includes a $10 discount off admission prices at any participating complex. To purchase your badge, visit spaceportsusa.com/kennedy-space-center/visitor-badge or call 877-987-4369.
Shuttle Flight
Badge Guidelines
If you’re like most visitors to the Kennedy Space Center (KSC), you probably want to collect as many space program badges as possible. But how do you know which badges are worth collecting?
Here are some tips from a seasoned visitor to the KSC Badging Office:
1. Start by researching the different badge programs. Each one has its own set of requirements and rewards, so it’s important to understand what is available before making a purchase.
2. Ask around. If you don’t know where to start, ask other space enthusiasts or your local astronomy club for advice. They may have members who have collected all of the available badges and can help you get started on the right track.
3. Be patient. It can take months or even years to collect all of the necessary badges for each program, so be prepared for a long haul!
4. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from the KSC Badging Office staff. They are more than happy to offer suggestions or point you in the right direction if you’re struggling with a particular badge requirement.
Visitor FAQs
Q: I just got my badge, but now I can’t find my pass. What do I do?
A: If you have a valid KSC visitor pass and your photo ID, you can go to the Badging Office near the ticketing booth in the lower level of the KSC Visitor Complex. Tell them that you have a new badge and show them your photo ID. They will update your badge information and give you a temporary pass. You will need to bring your new badge with you when you leave the complex so that the staff at security can scan it.
