Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex announces The Boeing Company as Title Sponsor for Heroes & Legends, featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla., June 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --  KENNEDY SPACE CENTER – Editor's Note: Click here to download Hi Def video of the event Therrin Protze, chief operating officer of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, today announced The Boeing Company as the title sponsor of the upcoming attraction Heroes & Legends, featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame^®. The news marks the first time in more than 50 years that the visitor complex has entered into an agreement with a corporate sponsor. 

"It is so fitting that the Heroes & Legends experience will bear The Boeing Company name," Protze said.  "As a leader in the human exploration of space, Boeing brings such a rich history and exciting future. Their team is as passionate as we are to share the stories of the heroic men and women who have sacrificed so much and inspired so many." 

During the morning ceremony, a ten-foot long silhouette of an X-15 rocket plane was raised to the top of the building. The X-15, which was manufactured by a legacy Boeing company, North American Aviation, flew for nearly a decade, achieving hypersonic speeds and exploring the upper edge of the Earth's atmosphere. Its technology contributed to the development of the historic Mercury, Gemini, Apollo and Space Shuttle Programs. A permanent replica is being designed and will appear to be launching toward space from the top of the building as a visual icon representing Boeing's contributions to the past, present and future of human spaceflight.

"Florida's Space Coast is the hallowed ground of all human launches from American soil. There are so many firsts here and we're pleased to be the first corporate sponsor of a major attraction at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex," said John Elbon, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space Exploration. "As Boeing celebrates its 100^th year, it's appropriate that we join the visitor complex and NASA to share the exciting journey ahead of human spaceflight with visitors from around the world."

Slated to open on November 11, 2016, and positioned just inside the entrance of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Heroes & Legends will set the stage for the guest experience by providing the emotional background and context for space exploration and the legendary men and women who pioneered and continue our journey into space. Through engaging storytelling, guests will embark on an awe-inspiring experience that begins with an immersive exhibit designed to spark thought and discussion about how society defines a hero. Then, through cutting-edge technology, interactive elements and engaging exhibits, guests will be introduced to the heroes of space.

For more information or to book a visit, go to www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.

About Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex brings to life the epic story of the U.S. space program, where NASA made history and where it's still being made. Experience a full day or more of fun and educational activities, including the Kennedy Space Center Tour featuring the Apollo/Saturn V Center with an actual Saturn V moon rocket, Space Shuttle Atlantis^®, Shuttle Launch Experience^®, IMAX^® A Beautiful Planet 3D and Journey To Space 3D films, Astronaut Encounter, Journey To Mars: Explorers Wanted, Science on a Sphere, Rocket Garden, the new Cosmic Quest and many other interactive exhibits. Opening Nov. 16, 2016, is Heroes & Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame^®. Only 45 minutes from Orlando, Fla., Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens daily at 9 a.m. with closing times varying by season.  Admission is $50 + tax for adults and $40 + tax for children ages 3-11. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers annual passes starting at $75 + tax for adults and $60 + tax for children ages 3-11. For more information, call 877-313-2610 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.

About The Boeing Company
In 2016, Boeing celebrates 100 years of pioneering aviation accomplishments and launches its second century as an innovative, customer-focused aerospace technology and capabilities provider, community partner and preferred employer. Through its Defense, Space & Security unit, Boeing is a global leader in this marketplace and is the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Defense, Space & Security is a $30 billion business with 50,000 employees wordwide. Follow Boeing on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

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