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his year’s NEC Spouse and Guest program will give you an insider’s view of the world renowned Kennedy Space Center where you will discover what it takes to launch the space shuttle - from preparation to liftoff on the NASA Up Close tour. The Kennedy Space Center hosts millions of guests from around the world and has been operational for more than 30 years. Telling the story of how the United States designed and built a space program that launched men to the Moon, orbited satellites that have improved our lives, and sent probes into distant space to solve the mysteries of the cosmos, the Kennedy Space Center will be an unforgettable journey.

Your day begins with a hearty continental breakfast at the Gaylord Palms Resort. After breakfast we will depart on a private, luxury coach for a 45 minute transfer to the Kennedy Space Center.  Upon arrival, guided tour specialists will escort you throughout the Space Center facility on a private tour for a first-hand look at the magnificent structures comprising the world’s largest space vehicle launch facility. After touring the coastal launch pads that unleashed the power to put man on the moon to sending the multitude of space shuttles to the International Space Station, the tour will culminate at the Apollo/Saturn V Center, home of the largest rocket ever built – a 363-foot long moon rocket.  Bring your cameras for once-in-a-lifetime photos of U.S. space dominance.

The afternoon continues with an exclusive, one-of-a-kind luncheon experience with a veteran member of NASA’s Astronaut Corps. While enjoying a delicious lunch you will view pictures of their actual experiences in space and listen to the captivating stories they have to share about our mysterious universe.

The remainder of this exclusive NASA experience will involve free time for you to explore the Space Center facility through your choice of the IMAX NASA feature film, the Space Shuttle Simulator where you can experience the actual feeling of being in space, or simply strolling around to view additional hands-on exhibits.

As the day concludes, you will transfer back to the Gaylord Palms Resort via our luxury coach with refreshments and gourmet treats.

Don’t let this memorable, out-of-this-world experience pass you by. We look forward to seeing you in Orlando. 

$190.00 (Fee includes bus transportation, breakfast, lunch, refreshments, and all admission fees. The fee also includes admission to the National Ethanol Conference receptions on Monday and Tuesday evenings).

Cancellations received in writing by January 27, 2010 will receive a full refund. No refunds will be granted after January 27, 2010.