Photos: NASA's Space Shuttle Atlantis on Display at KSC

Space Shuttle Simulators

Visitors to the Shuttle Atlantis exhibition can try their hand at simulators modeling space shuttle dockings, robotic arm operations, and landings. The simulators were built to closely resemble the machines astronauts use to train for missions.

Flight Deck Model

Visitors can also sit in the commander's chair in a mock-up of a space shuttle flight deck, where the pilot and commander guide the vehicle.

Prepping for Interview

Stephanie Abrams, a meteorologist with The Weather Channel, prepares for a live interview with Ed Mango, manager of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, or CCP, in front of the Atlantis display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. This image was released June 17, 2013.

Space Shuttle Twin Solid Rocket Boosters

At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, construction of the 90,000-square-foot "Space Shuttle Atlantis" facility is nearing completion. At the entrance is a full-scale set of space shuttle twin solid rocket boosters and external fuel tank. Guests will be able to walk beneath the 184-foot-tall boosters and tank as they enter the facility. This image was released June 21, 2013.

Up-close Look at Space Shuttle Atlantis

At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Camp Kennedy Space Center participants get an up-close look at the space shuttle Atlantis during a weeklong summer activity for students entering second through ninth grades. Their tour took place just as final preparations were underway for the opening of the "Space Shuttle Atlantis" facility. This image was released June 21 2013.

Fuel Tank and Rocket Booster Entrance

At Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, replica external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters mark the entrance to the new Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit. The new $100 million facility includes interactive exhibits that tell the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlight the future of space exploration. This image was released June 25, 2013.

Tour Gets Up Close to Shuttle

At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, guests participate in an early viewing of the Space Shuttle Atlantis and other exhibits inside the 90,000-square-foot facility. This image was released June 27, 2013.

Full-Scale Replica of Hubble Telescope

At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, a display inside the "Space Shuttle Atlantis" facility features a 43-feet-tall full-scale replica of the Hubble telescope hung through an opening in the second floor. This image was released June 27, 2013.

Space Suit and Jet Pack

This image shows a display inside the "Space Shuttle Atlantis" facility an extravehicular activity mobility unit—the space suit worn by spacewalking astronauts during the shuttle program. Attached to the back is a Manned Maneuvering Unit jet pack worn by astronauts during untethered spacewalks on STS-41B and STS-41C. This image was released June 27, 2013.

Viewing Shuttle Atlantis

Guests participate in an early viewing of the Space Shuttle Atlantis and other exhibits inside the 90,000-square-foot facility. This image was released June 27, 2013.