Space Center Houston is a must-visit destination for anyone with an interest in space exploration. Located in the city of Houston, Texas, this center is home to an array of exhibits and attractions that showcase the history, technology, and future of space exploration. In this article, we will take a closer look at Space Center Houston and why you should plan a visit.
Space Center Houston is the official visitor center of NASA’s Johnson Space Center. It opened in 1992, and since then, it has welcomed millions of visitors from all over the world. The center offers a variety of exhibits, attractions, and interactive displays that allow visitors to learn about space exploration and the work that NASA does.
One of the most popular attractions at Space Center Houston is the tram tour, which takes visitors behind the scenes at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. During the tour, visitors can see historic mission control rooms, training facilities, and astronaut living quarters. The tour also includes a stop at Rocket Park, where visitors can see an impressive collection of rockets and spacecraft.
Another popular attraction at Space Center Houston is the Independence Plaza, which features a replica of the space shuttle Independence mounted on top of a Boeing 747. Visitors can climb aboard the shuttle and explore the cockpit and living quarters. The plaza also includes a display of the original shuttle carrier aircraft, which was used to transport the shuttles from landing sites back to the launch site.
In addition to these attractions, Space Center Houston has a variety of exhibits that showcase the history of space exploration and the technology that makes it possible. The center’s Starship Gallery features a collection of spacesuits, moon rocks, and other artifacts from NASA’s missions. There are also interactive exhibits that allow visitors to experience what it’s like to live and work in space.
If you’re interested in learning about NASA’s current missions, be sure to visit the Mission Mars exhibit. This exhibit showcases NASA’s plans to send humans to Mars in the near future and includes a full-size replica of the Mars rover.
- The Space Center Houston is the only place in the world where visitors can see the historic mission control room used during the Apollo missions. This room was used to monitor the first manned mission to the Moon, and visitors can see it exactly as it looked during that time.
- The center has a unique partnership with SpaceX, which is working closely with NASA to develop new technologies for space exploration. Visitors can see SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft on display in the Space Center Houston’s Starship Gallery.
- Space Center Houston is home to the largest public collection of moon rocks in the world. Visitors can see actual moon rocks brought back by the Apollo astronauts, as well as touch a moon rock that is more than 3 billion years old.
- The center has a fascinating exhibit called “Living in Space,” which explores the challenges and realities of living and working in space. Visitors can see life-size models of the International Space Station (ISS) and learn about the everyday tasks astronauts perform while on board.
- Space Center Houston also offers a variety of educational programs and camps for students of all ages. These programs include hands-on activities, interactive exhibits, and behind-the-scenes tours of NASA’s facilities.
- The center is home to the historic Saturn V rocket, which was used during the Apollo missions to take astronauts to the Moon. This massive rocket stands 363 feet tall and is the largest rocket ever built.
- Visitors can also see a replica of the space shuttle Explorer, which was used for testing and training purposes. This shuttle is mounted on a full-size replica of the external tank and solid rocket boosters and is a stunning sight to see.
- Space Center Houston has an impressive collection of artifacts from the Soviet Union’s space program, including spacesuits worn by cosmonauts and a replica of the Sputnik satellite.
Finally, no visit to Space Center Houston is complete without seeing the Astronaut Gallery, which features the world’s largest collection of spacesuits and a tribute to the men and women who have explored space. Visitors can see artifacts from the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs, as well as from the space shuttle missions.
Space Center Houston is a must-visit destination for anyone with an interest in space exploration. With its array of exhibits, attractions, and interactive displays, visitors of all ages can learn about the history, technology, and future of space exploration. So, if you’re planning a trip to Texas, be sure to add Space Center Houston to your itinerary.
