File:KSC-04-S-00378 (ksc 112904 why kennedy).webm

English: For over half a century, Kennedy Space Center has been the crown jewel of American spaceflight. From the first flights of experimental rockets to the mighty roar of today's Space Shuttle, this NASA Center remains a national landmark and global launch leader. Kennedy Space Center is part of the 'Cape Canaveral Spaceport', which also includes the adjacent Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Launches from the facility first began with the flight of a modified V-2 rocket on July 24, 1950. Thirteen years later, the John F. Kennedy Space Center was created in honor of the late President and his quest to reach the moon. On July 16 1969, the President's vision was realized as Apollo 11 lifted off from launch pad 39A and landed on the Moon only four days later. Today, Kennedy Space Center continues to be NASA's primary launch center, earning itself the rightful title of 'America's Spaceport.' Whether sending robotic rovers to Mars or hauling modules to the International Space Station, Kennedy is the point of departure for many of NASA's greatest missions. Most of NASA's spacecraft leave aboard traditional rockets launched from the facilitie's shores. From launch pads scattered around the Spaceport, Delta and Atlas rockets leap from their gantries, carrying innovative spacecraft into orbit and beyond. The Center is also the final stop for modules and equipment bound for the International Space Station. Prior to their trips into orbit, Space Station components are checked-out and prepared for launch at the Center's Space Station Processing Facility. Once ready for flight, the modules are carried to the Space Station aboard the famed Space Shuttles. The Center's flagship launch vehicle, the Space Shuttle is the world's first and only reusable spacecraft. Kennedy Space Center is the home base for the Shuttle fleet and responsible for launching, landing and maintaining these technological marvels. For as long as human's have been reaching into space, Kennedy Space Center has been at the forefront of the cosmic frontier. Leondardo DaVinci said, 'Once you have flown, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, there you long to return.' Building on it's historic past, Kennedy Space Center continues this march into the heavens, launching our most ambitious missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond.