Among other happenings, it was announced this week that veteran astronauts Thomas D. Jones and Scott D. Altman will be the latest inductees to the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame.

From being honored by a prominent national publication, to announcing a prestigious award for two  astronauts, to delighting 25 local students — Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex continues to soar to new heights.

The visitor complex, which Delaware North operates for NASA, placed in the top 10 of USA TODAY’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Florida Attraction, designating it as a winner. The finalists were selected by USA TODAY travel experts, and winners were chosen through an online vote.

“Space remains the final frontier and fascination for young and old. This Titusville attraction is home to the greats of NASA’s programs, past and present. Visitors can climb into actual capsules, tour (and experience ‘launch’) in Space Shuttles, meet actual astronauts — all within minutes of the shimmering Atlantic beach,” USA TODAY said.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex also announced this week the newest inductees to the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame: veteran astronauts Thomas D. Jones and Scott D. Altman. Upon their induction in a April 21 ceremony at the visitor complex, they will become two of only 97 people to receive the esteemed honor. The announcement was released in a video featuring Therrin Protze, chief operating officer of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Delaware North also recently received 25 thank-you letters from sixth-graders at Viera Charter School in Melbourne, Fla., after the company sponsored the students’ recent field trip to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Wrote one student: “My favorite part was seeing the real Atlantis. After seeing the movies about the people working so hard on this spaceship and not giving up, it inspired me and told me that dreams are never impossible. …I loved and it gave me inspiration that anything is achievable, so thank you, this was the best field trip ever.”

“Visitors can climb into actual capsules, tour (and experience ‘launch’) in Space Shuttles, meet actual astronauts — all within minutes of the shimmering Atlantic beach.” USA TODAY