Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and Amazon host Hands-On Engineering Challenge

Students experienced a day of Space Exploration, Innovation, and STEM Learning.

Students from Endeavour Elementary School spent an unforgettable day exploring the past, present, and future of space exploration during a special engineering-focused field trip at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, presented in partnership with Amazon.

A highlight of the day was participation in the newly launched Engineering Challenge; an interactive program designed for students in grades 5–12. During this 1.5-hour experience, students learned how to design, cost out, fabricate, and test a space vehicle – such as a rover – under the guidance of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s educational space experts.

The hands-on challenge encouraged creativity, collaboration, and engineering skill-building, culminating in a test of each team’s prototype.

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“Amazon is proud to partner with Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to provide students with this incredible hands-on learning experience,” said Angelica Santibanez, Amazon Public Policy Community Engagement. “The Engineering Challenge program perfectly aligns with our commitment to inspiring the next generation of innovators and explorers. By giving students the opportunity to design, build, and test space vehicles while exploring the rich history of space exploration, we’re helping spark curiosity and passion for STEM careers.”

During their visit, students were immersed in an authentic, STEAM-rich learning environment, aligning with Amazon’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to science and engineering education. Through hands-on activities and direct exposure to NASA’s history and future missions, students engaged with real-world applications of problem-solving, design thinking, and teamwork.

Engineering Challenge: NEW for 2025

“This Engineering Challenge Field Trip reflects a shared vision between Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and Amazon: empowering young people with the tools and opportunities needed to explore STEM pathways,” said Howard Schwartz, vice president of guest engagement and operations, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

“Like Amazon, we believe in the transformative power of education to unlock the potential in children to inspire the next generation of explorers and innovators. Our new Engineering Challenge could be a complement to the work Amazon does to nurture underserved communities through the Amazon Future Engineer program. We are grateful to Amazon for helping bring this experience to students who may not otherwise have the opportunity to visit the birthplace of America’s space program. Experiences like this ignite curiosity and show students that their ideas, talents, and dreams belong in the future of space exploration.”

About Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Go beyond imagination and into something real at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Named the No. 1 U.S. Attraction by TripAdvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex gets visitors up close to real flight flown artifacts, meet a veteran NASA astronaut, feel the rumble of a rocket launch, and so much more.

Just 45 minutes from Orlando, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens daily at 9 am with closing times varying by season.

The popular two-day ticket, which can be used for up to six months from purchase and averages a cost of $45 per day, is now available for $91 per adult and $81 per child. Single-day admission is $77 per adult; $67 per child.

For more information, call 877-313-2610 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.

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