NASA Max Power at Kennedy Space Center
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announces MAX POWER at Kennedy Space Center’s historic Shuttle Landing Facility on August 14, 2026. Photo: NASA/Kim Shiflett
On August 14, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stood at Kennedy Space Center’s historic Shuttle Landing Facility to formally announce MAX POWER, a major celebration of American air and space innovation coming to Kennedy Space Center November 7-8 as the nation commemorates its 250th anniversary.
The setting carried significance of its own. The announcement took place at the runway where Space Shuttles returned from missions in orbit and at the heart of Kennedy Space Center, a place synonymous with some of America’s greatest achievements in exploration. This November, that historic site will open to the public as part of an extraordinary gathering celebrating aviation, spaceflight, technology and the people shaping what comes next.
A SIGNATURE 250TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT
Administrator Isaacman was joined for the announcement by Kennedy Space Center Director Brian Hughes and NASA Aeronautics Director Laurie Grindle, along with prominent elected leaders who addressed the gathering.
U.S. Senator Ashley Moody
U.S. Senator Ashley Moody spoke about Kennedy Space Center’s historic importance and Florida’s central role in American space exploration, calling Florida “the launchpad of American space innovation” and highlighting the engineers and scientists developing the systems that will return Americans to the Moon and take the nation beyond.
Congressman Byron Donalds
Congressman Byron Donalds also took the stage, speaking about American leadership in aviation and aerospace and the importance of continuing to push the boundaries of what the nation can achieve.
Congressman Mike Haridopolos
Congressman Mike Haridopolos, whose district includes Kennedy Space Center and much of Florida’s Space Coast, also delivered remarks. As the local member of Congress representing the community where generations of America’s most consequential spaceflight achievements have taken place, his participation reinforced the importance of bringing this national celebration to Kennedy.
The presence of NASA’s Administrator, senior agency leadership, a United States Senator and members of Congress reflected the significance of the announcement. This was more than the introduction of a new aerospace event. MAX POWER was unveiled as a celebration of American leadership, ingenuity and exploration during a defining moment in the nation’s history.
“For 250 years, America has advanced by building what did not exist, flying higher, moving faster, and reaching toward the near-impossible.”
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman
That connection between America’s extraordinary aerospace legacy and what comes next is at the heart of MAX POWER. NASA describes the event as bringing together the public, innovators, pilots, astronauts, engineers and companies while showcasing next-generation aircraft, spacecraft, autonomous systems and technologies that will help define the future of transportation in air and space.
MAX POWER will also highlight NASA’s work to return Americans to the lunar surface through Artemis and the technologies strengthening America’s aerospace industrial base.
SALUTE TO AMERICA IN SPACE
As part of MAX POWER, Salute to America in Space will bring the spectacle of American aviation to the skies above Kennedy Space Center’s historic Shuttle Landing Facility on November 7-8.
The aerial program will feature NASA aircraft, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and aerial demonstrations representing multiple branches of the U.S. military, while the event on the ground will give guests an up-close opportunity to experience aircraft, aerospace technology and the people behind America’s continuing leadership in air and space.
There could be no more fitting place for this celebration. In the year America marks its 250th anniversary, one of the most storied locations in the history of exploration will become the stage for a look at where we have been, what America is building today and how far we intend to go next.
MAX POWER
November 7-8, 2026
NASA Kennedy Space Center
Created in honor of America’s 250th anniversary, MAX POWER celebrates the past, present and future of American leadership in aviation and space exploration.
Salute to America in Space
Experience NASA aircraft, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, military aerial demonstrations, spaceflight hardware and more at the historic Shuttle Landing Facility.
WATCH NASA ADMINISTRATOR JARED ISAACMAN INTRODUCE MAX POWER
Hear directly from NASA leadership about the vision behind MAX POWER and why Kennedy Space Center is the place to experience this historic celebration.
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