Space Center Houston

Overview

Space Center Houston is located at 1601 E NASA Parkway, Houston, TX 77058. It serves as the official visitor center for NASA's Johnson Space Center. Established in 1992, this expansive 250,000-square-foot museum offers an immersive experience into the history, present, and future of space exploration.

Exhibits and Experiences

The center features over 400 artifacts, including the Mercury 9, Gemini 5, and Apollo 17 space capsules. One notable attraction is Independence Plaza, which has a full-size replica of the Space Shuttle Independence mounted atop the original NASA 905 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft.

Visitors can explore both the shuttle and the aircraft, providing a unique insight into NASA's history. Another key exhibit is "Mission Mars," showcasing NASA's plans for future missions to the Red Planet.

• Touch a Mars rock
• See a full-size Orion research capsule
• View a Mars rover model

For an in-depth experience, NASA Tram Tours are offered. These tours provide behind-the-scenes access to astronaut training facilities and Mission Control. While most tours are included in general admission, some, like the Mission Control Tram Tour, may require an additional fee.

Educational Programs

Space Center Houston is dedicated to education through various programs designed to inspire and educate future scientists and explorers.

• Explorer Camps for children aged 4-11
• Space Center U for individuals and groups
• Space Exploration Educators Conference (SEEC) for educators worldwide

Visitor Information

The center is open daily, typically from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. Admission prices vary, with discounts for seniors, children, and groups.

Ample parking is available on-site for a fee. Visitors are advised to check current operating hours before planning their visit.

Locations

• Houston, TX, US
• Houston, TX, USA

Overall, Space Center Houston provides a comprehensive and engaging experience for visitors of all ages, highlighting achievements and future endeavors in space exploration.