Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex officials plan to build a 55,000-square-foot attraction facility featuring show and ride spaces on 2.9 acres immediately south of the space shuttle Atlantis building, permitting records show.
The mystery attraction is code-named Project Aero. On Feb. 17, NASA officials applied for stormwater permitting from the St. Johns River Water Management District, seeking authorization for construction to proceed.
To clear room for Project Aero, heavy equipment crews have demolished buildings at the aging administrative building complex just east of the tour bus loop.
“Details about the new experience — including its name, concept and opening timeline — will be shared as plans are finalized,” Shelby Stoeckman, visitor complex spokesperson, said in an email.
“While we can’t share details just yet, it will continue our mission to inspire guests through the past, present and future of space exploration,” Stoeckman said.
Visitor complex officials did not release further details. But per an April 2024 NASA final environmental assessment, this future “next big thing” experience is expected to increase the total number of visitors by 10% per year.
“The purpose of the new NBT experience would be to attract additional visitors and immerse them in a uniquely themed interactive environment of NASA’s historic past and future. The NBT would transform the KSC VC to a ‘must see’ attraction for guests who might interpret the complex as a museum instead of the space experience the VC is striving to provide,” the April 2024 NASA assessment said.
“The NBT would provide an additional experience to the complex to educate visitors about the NASA story while creating an environment where they can experience/feel space,” the assessment said.
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex previously secured SJRWMD permits to build major attractions and infrastructure:
In July 2025, the visitor complex opened The Gantry at LC-39, a four-level observation structure featuring a full-scale model of a rocket engine, as a new stop on the bus tour.
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Rick Neale is a Space Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY, where he has covered news since 2004. Contact Neale at Rneale@floridatoday.com. Twitter/X: @RickNeale1
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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex plans new ‘Project Aero’ attraction
Reporting by Rick Neale, Florida Today / Florida Today
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
