Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Mission

On November 26, 2011, the Curiosity Rover will launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V Rocket as part of the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Mission. Mars, the Red Planet, will be the rover's destination in August 2012.

Curiosity will spend 23 months after landing gathering samples of rocks and soil. Curiosity is equipped with equipment to drill through rocks, and instruments to collect samples and distribute to onboard test chambers. Curiosity's goal is to assess whether Mars ever had, or does still have today, an environment capable of supporting microbial life and habitability.

The rocket launch is scheduled between 10:02 - 11:45 a.m. EST on November 26, 2011. Please check back for operating hours.

Please note all rocket launch transportation tickets have sold out for Saturday, November 26. Special viewing from the Visitor Complex will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Rocket Launch Update as of 11/21 4:19 pm: Please note the MSL launch has moved to Saturday, November 26, 2011. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will open at 6:00 a.m. on launch day. Bus boarding for rocket launch transportation tickets begins at 7 a.m.

Bill Nye's presentations will still be held on November 25, 2011 at 2:00 and 4:00 p.m.

Launch tickets will follow the mission and will be valid on Saturday now that the launch date has changed. Please continue to check back for any further details.

Special Activities and Presentations

Bill Nye, "The Science Guy"

On Friday, November 25, Bill Nye of the Emmy award-winning TV show, “Bill Nye The Science Guy^®” will share a special presentation titled "Martian Curiosity May Change the World" at the IMAX^® Theater at 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Seating for Nye’s presentations is available on a first-come, first-serve basis, so early arrival at the IMAX Theater is recommended.

Bill Nye is the Executive Director of The Planetary Society, the world’s largest space interest group, as well as a scientist, former Boeing engineer, stand-up comedian, author, inventor and man on a mission: to help foster a scientifically literate society. He is the host of three currently running TV shows including “The 100 Greatest Discoveries” on the Science Channel, “The Eyes of Nye” on PBS and “Stuff Happens” on Planet Green.

LEGO "Build the Future" Event

From November 23 - November 26, children of all ages are invited to the LEGO^® Build the Future play area in the IMAX Theater Hubble Gallery. Guests will join NASA, a LEGO^® designer and 800,000 LEGO^® bricks to help build their vision of the future out of LEGO bricks. Guests will be admitted to the play area for 45 minutes. For a glimpse at LEGO activities, visit www.legospace.com.

Schedule: Nov. 23 - 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Nov. 24 - 1 to 5 p.m., Nov. 25 - 12 to 5 p.m. and Nov. 26 - 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. This event is done through the partnership between NASA and LEGO^®.

Black Friday lives at KSCVC

Guests can expect great bargains for the holidays when they visit The Space Shop on-site at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on November 25, 2011.

MSL Mission Safety Statement

Please be advised that hazards are inherent in launching and launch viewing. By accepting this invitation to view the launch, you do so with the understanding of the potential risk.

Although NASA applies stringent range safety principles and techniques to protect the general public, workforce, and property for all areas of the Kennedy Space Center during launch, in the event of an inadvertent circumstance, hazards such as debris, blast, and toxics, and potentially, in some unlikely cases, exposure to nuclear material from spacecraft electrical power sources could occur.

Should an unlikely accident occur, guests may be advised to move promptly indoors to a designated building until we can ensure a safe departure.

It is imperative that you stay within the controlled areas, stay with your group, and strictly follow all instructions provided by NASA.