Merritt Island in Brevard County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
We Are “Go” For Launch
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, June 24, 2021
1. We Are “Go” For Launch Marker
This countdown clock from Kennedy Space Center’s Press Site is considered one of the most-viewed timekeepers in the world, second only to London’s Big Ben Clock. Built in 1969 during the Apollo program, the clock counted down launches for the Apollo, Skylab and all the Space Shuttle missions.
The clock was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2000 and retired in 2014. In its new home at Kennedy Space Visitor Complex, the clock counts down daily opening and the John F. Kennedy fountain show. In addition, the iconic timepiece counts down all Florida launches.
Clock Data: Not including base
Height – 6 ft. (1.8 m)
Length – 26 ft. (7.9 m)
Depth – 3 ft. (1 m)Lighted Numbers
Height: 4 ft. (1.2 m)
Length – 2 ft. (.6 m)
Bulbs: Total - 349
Bulbs: 40 Watts
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Exploration • War, Cold. A significant historical year for this entry is 1969.
Location. 28° 31.337′ N, 80° 40.92′ W. Marker is on Merritt Island, Florida, in Brevard County. Marker can be reached from Space Commerce Way, 1.2 miles south of NASA Parkway West, on the left when traveling east. Located at the entrance to Kennedy Space Center
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Aiming at the Heavens (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Learning to Drive (about 500 feet away); The Sun Rides a Workhorse (about 500 feet away); Swords Into Plowshares (about 600 feet away); Global Television Arrives (about 600 feet away); Chasing the Russian Bear (about 600 feet away); Shooting the Moon, Dreaming of Stars (about 600 feet away); 1957: Cold War Cooperation (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Merritt Island.
Also see . . .
1. The History of NASA's Iconic Countdown Clock (And a Look at the New One). Gizmodo website entry (Submitted on October 2, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Wikipedia (Submitted on June 30, 2021, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
3. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. NASA website (Submitted on July 1, 2021.)
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, June 24, 2021
2. We Are “Go” For Launch Marker
courtesy NASA/Jim Grossmann
3. NASA Launch Clock
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, June 24, 2021
4. NASA Logo Sign
Located within the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 30, 2021, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 277 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 30, 2021, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
