Astronaut Appearances

Astronauts are back! Join Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in welcoming back NASA’s veteran astronauts as part of our daily schedule and add-on enhancements.  

NASA selects astronauts from a diverse pool of applicants with a wide variety of backgrounds, from scientists to pilots. From the thousands of applications received, only a few are chosen to be a member of the elite NASA Astronaut Corps. Each day at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, visitors get the rare opportunity to meet a veteran NASA astronaut. 
 

Meet the Astronaut of the Day at any of the following opportunities.  See the Daily Schedule for the times for each when you arrive. 

• The daily Astronaut Encounter briefings allow time for a presentation from the astronaut and a question-and-answer session, so be prepared to ask him or her what you have always wanted to know.
• Visitors can also get an astronaut’s autograph at The Space Shop and Shuttle Express at various times during the day.
• During the all-new Chat With An Astronaut, enjoy a sampling of food and beverages while having a group conversation with the Astronaut of the Day about what it is really like to live and work in space.  This new add-on enhancement requires daily admission.

About Tony Antonelli:

• Born in Detroit, Michigan 
• Holds a Bachelor of Science degree BS in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology 
• Holds a Master of Science degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics from University of Washington 
• Served as a Naval Aviator in support of Operation Southern Watch 
• Earned 3,200 flight hours and 273 carrier landings 
• Distinguished Graduate of the United States Air Force Test Pilot School (Navy Exchange Pilot) 
• Selected by NASA in 2000 
• Flown on two space shuttle missions: 
  
  • STS-119 in 2009, where he delivered the S6 Truss to the International Space Station (ISS) 
  • STS-132 in 2010, where he delivered an Integrated Cargo Carrier and a Russian mini-Research Module to the ISS