The visitor center opened in 2014 and has been in operation for twelve years. In 2020, it was expanded with additional installations, including an exhibition and an escape room. Ketil Olsen, CEO of Andøya Space, said the decision was not easy.
"The visitor center has been an important part of our work to create enthusiasm for space travel among people of all ages," he stated. Olsen noted that the center has hosted several real astronauts on board the spaceship Aurora. Andøya Space concluded that sustainable operation of the center is not possible without significant investments, according to Olsen.
The specific investments needed have not been disclosed, nor has the annual visitor count or the fate of the center's installations and staff.