KENNEDY SPACE CENTER — A chance to meet Artemis and Apollo-era astronauts, along with performances from the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds squadron and a possible rocket launch, are a few items planned for an aerospace festival at NASA later this year. Attendees can tour NASA aircraft, participate in interactive mission simulators, drive moon rovers and experience the newest aerospace technology.
“If we do this right, a child walking through the Kennedy Space Center that weekend will see something that maybe changes the trajectory of his or her life,” said Jared Isaacman, NASA’s Administrator, during an appearance at the space center Friday. “They will put down their phone, look up to sky and decide that they want to become an engineer, scientist, pilot or astronaut and contribute to humanity’s absolute greatest adventure.”
The two-day, ticketed festival, called MAX POWER, will be held Nov. 7 and Nov. 8 at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, located an hour and 20 minutes north of Indian River County. The event will have separate ticketing for three different park experiences, with attendees having the option to attend one, two or all three.
Isaacman, along with Congressman Mike Haridopolos, spoke during a news conference touting the event that could draw thousands to the space center.
Congressman Mike Haridopolos SCREENSHOT
“This airshow is a tremendous opportunity to showcase Florida’s leadership in aviation, aerospace, and tourism while bringing visitors and economic activity to our entire region,” Rep. Haridopolos, who plans to attend the event, told VeroNews after the conference.
“Events like this put our community in the national spotlight, support local businesses, and give families an opportunity to experience the incredible aviation aerospace capabilities that make Florida such as special place.”
The family-friendly festival is being held to honor America’s 250th birthday. As America continues to embark on moon missions during the golden age of exploration, more space industries are moving to the Space and Treasure coasts.
Haridopolos said Florida has established itself as the nation’s premier destination for space and aerospace innovation.
“Indian River County is well positioned to benefit from that growth,” said Haridopolos, who serves as chairman of the space and aeronautics subcommittee in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“As more aerospace and space companies invest in central Florida, we can expect new jobs, investment, and opportunities for local businesses. Just as importantly, this growth can help attract highly skilled workers and strengthen the region’s workforce for generations to come.”
Isaacman, who was appointed by President Trump in 2025 to lead NASA, said the agency plans to return astronauts to the moon in early 2028 with Artemis IV.
The rocket for Artemis III, which is slated to launch mid-to-late 2027 from the Kennedy Space Center, was being assembled at NASA’s Vehicle Assembly Building, Isaacman said. Artemis III astronauts will launch to low-Earth orbit and conduct docking capabilities with American commercial human landing systems developed by Blue Origin and SpaceX.
The Artemis III crew includes NASA astronauts Commander Randy Bresnik, Mission Specialist Andre Douglas, mission specialist Frank Rubio, along with European Space Agency Astronaut Luca Parmitano, who will serve as the pilot.
The four-member Artemis II crew made history in April when they launched around the moon and back. The crew includes NASA astronauts Pilot Victor Glover, Commander Reid Wiseman, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Jeremy Hansen, who also served as a mission specialist.
MAX POWER Aerospace Festival
Events:
- An air show featuring NASA aircraft, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, and aerial demonstrations by multiple branches of the Department of War
- Guest speaker series featuring NASA experts and Apollo and Artemis astronauts
- Special exhibits and displays showcasing technology demonstrations, historic and current NASA hardware aircraft, commercial aviation displays, next-generation air mobility, and more
- Behind-the-gates bus tours of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, including the Gantry, Apollo Saturn V Center, and Vehicle Assembly Building
Three-Park Experience:
More information on the MAX POWER fest can be found on NASA’s website.
