Florida’s Kennedy Space Center has broken ground on its next big visitor attraction – Heroes and Legends – which will include the US Astronaut Hall of Fame.

Operated by Delaware North – the company which runs the Kennedy Space Center’s visitor complex – Heroes and Legends will bring to life the stories of the US astronauts, using hi-tech elements, such as augmented reality and advanced hologram technology, to immerse visitors on the stories coming to life in front of them.

Falcon’s Treehouse is behind the new development, with services being supplied by the design firm including concept design, schematics, design development, media production and executive production. Aviation and aerospace specialists BRHP are also working on the expansion, with the designers working across the Kennedy Space Center to repurpose old buildings for new purposes. Electrosonic will be supplying audio visual systems and Orlando-based The Nassal Company will look at theming elements. Finally, Florida-based construction firm HW Davis have been named as construction engineers.

The highlight of the visitor attraction will be a 3D omnidirectional theatre, designed to make guests feel as though they are floating in space. Imagery shot in outer space will envelope them as Hall of Fame astronauts, including Alan Shepard, John Glenn, Jim Lovell and Neil Armstrong, will join them in their virtual journey into the vast unknown.

The attraction will culminate with the US Astronaut Hall of Fame. The addition will allow guests to look at the nearly 100 astronauts inducted to date, with space for additions as more are honoured.

“Today, we take the dream that was first conceived by America’s space pioneers, and give it a new life, a new incarnation, befitting the service and sacrifice of all those who dared to follow in their footsteps,” said Therrin Protze, COO of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. “I know I speak for all of those involved when I say, we could not be more proud to create this attraction in these astronauts' honour.”