A Visit to Space Center Houston

When you think of NASA, a city that most likely comes to mind is Houston. I’m sure you’ve heard it referenced in movies, tv shows, and there’s no doubt about its importance in America’s Space Program. This is because Johnson Space Center is where human spaceflight training, research, and flight control are conducted. Just next door is Space Center Houston, which is the official visitor center and gateway to the very famous Johnson Space Center. This nonprofit organization is one of Houston’s top attractions and has welcomed more than 18 million people since its opening in 1992.

With more than 400 space artifacts, attractions, and theaters, Space Center Houston is an excellent place to spend the day. The interactive games and displays make it very appealing to adults and children alike. It also has the world’s largest collection of moon rocks and lunar samples. Independence Plaza is a new landmark which features the shuttle replica Independence, mounted on top of the historic and original NASA 905 shuttle carrier aircraft. This is a highlight of the Space Center as visitors can enter and explore both the shuttle and giant plane.

The Starship Gallery is a must see and is home to a number of artifacts and multiple flown spacecraft including Gemini V, Faith 7 and Apollo 17. Walk through Astronaut Gallery to see the world’s most comprehensive collection of astronaut space suits and be sure to watch one of the thrilling films playing on one of the largest 4k theaters in Texas at the Space Center Theater.

Tram Tours from the Space Center Houston will take you over to Johnson Space Center. There, you can see Historic Mission Control, which is the same control room that provided communication to so many NASA missions. You can then take the tram to Rocket Park where you’ll see an actual Saturn V Rocket housed next to an excellent display of the Apollo missions.

I had a wonderful day at Space Center Houston! It was very informative and the exhibits are spectacular. Try to arrive early as there is much to see in this “out of this world” center. It’s an exciting place for people of all ages and watching kids interact and show interest in our Space Program brings hope to our future in Space.

Many thanks to Space Center Houston for allowing me to visit your incredible facility. All opinions, as always, are my own.