Space Shuttle Atlantis at the Kennedy Space Center

The Space Shuttle Atlantis is one of the most iconic exhibits at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Housed in a dramatic, purpose-built facility, Atlantis is displayed as if in flight—tilted at a 43.21-degree angle with its payload bay doors open—giving visitors a rare and breathtaking view of the shuttle as it looked while orbiting Earth.

Space Shuttle Atlantis flew 33 missions between 1985 and 2011, traveling more than 126 million miles and playing a crucial role in the history of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. It delivered key components to the International Space Station (ISS), launched interplanetary probes like the Magellan mission to Venus and the Galileo mission to Jupiter, and was part of the final servicing mission to the Hubble Space Telescope. Its last mission, STS-135, marked the official end of the shuttle program in July 2011.

The Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit opened in 2013 and does more than just display the orbiter—it tells the full story of the shuttle era. The experience begins with a cinematic presentation that builds up to a dramatic unveiling of the shuttle. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, simulators, and displays that highlight the shuttle's technology, the challenges of spaceflight, and the teamwork behind each mission.

One of the exhibit’s most moving elements is the Space Mirror Memorial, which honors astronauts who lost their lives in the line of duty. There’s also a full-scale replica of the Hubble Space Telescope and a Shuttle Launch Experience simulator that lets visitors feel what it’s like to blast into orbit. More than just a retired spacecraft, Atlantis stands as a powerful symbol of human achievement and the spirit of exploration. Its legacy continues to inspire future generations to reach for the stars.