BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — For the first time since before the pandemic, astronauts are returning to Kennedy Space Center to meet guests.

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Guests can now kick back with a cocktail and enjoy a conversation with an astronaut through a series of “new and improved” astronaut experiences at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, the tourist destination announced Monday.

Guests now have the chance to meet face-to-face with space pioneers during the new Chat with an Astronaut experience. Guests will have the chance to sit down with the Astronaut of the Day in an intimate, small-group setting while the astronaut answers guests’ most pressing questions as they enjoy food and drink together.

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“Our programs, events and attractions at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex are designed to bring our guests as close to space as possible, without ever leaving Earth,” said Therrin Protze, chief operating officer of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. “Inviting astronauts to share their memorable and inspiring stories with our guests is one way we do that. There are so many experiences that are unique to us at the visitor complex, and one of the most special is the opportunity to engage directly with our national space heroes.”

The add-on experience includes a continental breakfast in the morning or a chef’s choice of culinary samplings in the afternoon. There will be one alcoholic drink per adult ticket plus more available for purchase, a commemorative gift and a signed portrait of the astronaut.

READ: Kennedy Space Center previews new attraction highlighting the future of space exploration

Tickets are $50 per adult and $35 per child. Social distancing practices will be in place. Astronauts will not pose for photos with guests for everyone’s health and safety.

Included with admission is the return of the beloved Astronaut Encounter. The 40-minute experience will provide guests with the rare opportunity to meet veteran NASA astronauts and learn about their experiences in space.

Click here for the schedule of astronauts of the day.

READ: NASA adds 3 more SpaceX crewed flights to International Space Station

IN-DEPTH: Crew-3 successfully blasts off from Kennedy Space Center following delays Crew-3 successfully lifted off from Kennedy Space Center Wednesday evening.

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