Space Center Houston
Texas
Space Center Houston is a premier science museum and the official visitor center of NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Opened in 1992, it spans 250,000 square feet and houses over 400 space artifacts, including flown capsules from the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo missions. Notably, it features the only space shuttle that visitors can enter, displayed atop its original Shuttle Carrier Aircraft in Independence Plaza. The center offers access to NASA facilities through tram tours, including Mission Control and astronaut training sites. Exhibits such as the Starship Gallery showcase flown spacecraft and lunar samples, while Rocket Park displays a restored Saturn V rocket composed of flight-intended segments. Space Center Houston serves as an educational hub, providing immersive experiences narrated by notable figures and programs for all ages, emphasizing STEM education and space exploration history. Its strong partnership with NASA allows unique public access to key spaceflight heritage and current missions, making it a must-visit destination for space enthusiasts and families alike.
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Consiglio: For the best experience, visit on weekdays to avoid crowds and consider purchasing tickets online in advance to skip lines. Take the included tram tour early in your visit to access NASA facilities like Mission Control. Check the center's event calendar for special astronaut talks and educational programs. Membership offers free admission and parking for a year along with discounts on special experiences. Plan at least 2-3 hours to explore the exhibits and tours thoroughly.
Fatti interessanti
- •Space Center Houston houses flown capsules from Mercury 9, Gemini 5, and Apollo 17 missions.
- •The Independence Plaza features the only high-fidelity Space Shuttle replica mounted on its original Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, which visitors can enter.
- •The Saturn V rocket displayed here is composed of flight-intended segments originally meant for cancelled Apollo missions 18, 19, and 20.
- •The center offers tram tours that include stops at NASA Johnson Space Center facilities like Mission Control and the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility.
- •A Falcon 9 booster used in two ISS cargo missions is on display since 2020.
Storia
Space Center Houston opened in 1992 as the official visitor center for NASA's Johnson Space Center, replacing the previous visitor center housed in Building 2.
It was designated a Smithsonian Affiliate museum in 2014, reflecting its significance and partnership with NASA.
The center was developed by the nonprofit Manned Space Flight Education Foundation and has continuously expanded its exhibits and educational programs.
Key milestones include the installation of Independence Plaza in 2014, featuring the high-fidelity Space Shuttle replica mounted on its original carrier aircraft, and the addition of a Falcon 9 booster displayed since 2020.
Over the decades, the center has become a cornerstone for public engagement with America's space exploration history and future.
Guida del luogo
Starship Gallery
This gallery displays three flown spacecraft including the Mercury 9 capsule 'Faith 7', Gemini 5 capsule, and Apollo 17 Command Module 'America', along with lunar samples and training modules.
Independence Plaza2014
Home to the only high-fidelity Space Shuttle replica 'Independence' mounted on the retired Shuttle Carrier Aircraft NASA 905. Visitors can enter both the shuttle and the aircraft, experiencing spaceflight history firsthand.
Rocket Park
An open-air exhibit featuring a restored Saturn V rocket assembled from flight-intended segments originally intended for cancelled Apollo missions, along with the Apollo Command/Service Module CSM-115a.
Tram Tour
A guided tram tour through NASA Johnson Space Center grounds with stops at the Historic Mission Operations Control Room 2, Christopher C. Kraft Jr. Mission Control Center, Space Vehicle Mockup Facility, and Rocket Park.
Contatto
Telefono: (281) 244-2100