Russell & Smith Ford

Nov 15, 2019

The Space Center Houston is the mission control center of all NASA missions. It is the place where all training, experiments, and simulations for future missions take place. Although it is a working area, it is open to visitors most days of the year and is an exciting place to learn about space exploration and what it’s like to be an astronaut. Although there are many different activities and exhibitions at the Space Center Houston, there are some favorites that you definitely will not want to miss.

The Blast-off Theater

The Blast-off Theater at the Space Center Houston is not just a playhouse but also where you can feel the thrill of traveling in a space shuttle. It’s the only place in the world where you can physically experience how rockets and space shuttles are launched into space.

Visitors also receive authentic updates about current missions and expert-level details about Mars exploration. So if you are bored with what you watch on TV, visit the Blast-off Theater at the Space Center Houston for a genuine sensation of how it feels to be an astronaut.

The Astronaut Gallery

The Astronaut Gallery is an important place to visit at the Space Center Houston to learn about space exploration throughout the years. This building is home an outstanding collection of spacesuits and other artifacts used in real space missions.  Don’t pass up the chance to see historic uniforms of notable astronauts like John Young’s ejection suit, Judy Resnik’s T-38 flight suit, Sally Ride’s in-flight coveralls, and other equipment used by the brave men and women that have ventured into space.

The walls of the gallery are filled with portraits of astronauts from every space mission that originated from the U.S., from the very first adventure to the most recent missions. Revisit our impressive history and learn more about human space exploration.

NASA Tram Tours

The NASA tram tour at the Space Center Houston provides you with the opportunity to visit the working areas of the Johnson Space Center and learn about what happens behind the scenes during space exploration missions. See the historic Mission Control Center, the Saturn V Complex at Rocket Park, the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility, the current mission control center, and other working areas at the Johnson Space Center.

During limited times, visitors are allowed to view the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory and Sonny Carter Training Facility where they can witness astronauts training for upcoming space exploration missions.

The Starship Gallery

The Starship Gallery at the Space Center Houston gives you a true sense of what it feels like to be in space. This room displays authentic artifacts and hardware that traces the evolvement of the United States’ manned spaceflight.

Among the collection displayed at the Starship Gallery is the Gemini V spacecraft, a lunar revolving vehicle trainer, Apollo 17 command module, Apollo Soyuz trainer, the original model of the Goddard Rocket, and a rock from the moon that you can touch.

If space exploration thrills you, Space Center Houston is one place you don’t want to miss. It combines both history and real-time exploration with activities that are both enlightening and exciting. Plan a visit for a unique experience that you will remember for a lifetime.

Image via Pixabay