Space Center Houston is the renowned visitor's center of the iconic NASA Johnson Space Center, which serves as Mission Control for actual astronaut missions. Here, you'll be able to explore the rich history of space exploration, learn about our prospects for venturing into space in the future, and get valuable insights into humanity's final frontier. Not only can you see what astronauts have to go through for training here, but this space center shows off actual relics from space.
The whole family can find fun at Space Center Houston with attractions suitable for adults and kids alike. There's something inherently alluring and fascinating about space that tends to appeal to a wide audience. Most people spend about 2 or 3 hours here, but if you want to see everything the space center has to offer, you'll be spending closer to 4 hours during your visit.
Space Center Houston - one of the highlights of 10 Best Things to Do in Houston and 10 Best Things to Do with Your Family in Houston (Read all about Houston here)
What are the highlights of Space Center Houston?
Space Center Houston is packed full of exciting things to see. You can view several iconic spacecraft here that aren't replicas but rather the actual crafts that made it to space and back, including Apollo XVII and Mercury VII among others. Similarly, you'll be able to find preserved space suits on display, so you can get an idea of what astronauts had to wear during their adventures.
One of the most important aspects of Space Center Houston is the Mars exhibit. The first planet in Earth's solar system has been an astronomical goal for a while now, and this exhibit showcases everything necessary to travel to Mars and potentially set up a future community there suitable for human life. Additionally, you can check out an exhibit dedicated to the International Space Station where you'll discover what life is like for modern astronauts in orbit.
photo by Romain2k (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified
A brief history of Space Center Houston
The Space Center Houston is part of the Johnson Space Center, which dates back to 1961 when it was established as the Manned Spacecraft Center. This is the space center that served as mission control for Neil Armstrong's legendary trip to the moon just 8 years later. Ever since, this has been the heart of the space flight program, including Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, and others.
In addition to controlling missions, Space Center Houston became a training ground for astronauts, honing in on the best and brightest to send to the stars. Spacecraft tests are conducted here to ensure that flights are successful and safe. The visitor's center was created to support the training and development and also to educate everyday people about the wonders of space flight and the fascinating future it can offer our species.
photo by Leijurv (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified
What else is good to know about Space Center Houston
Space Center Houston is an incredible place to visit, but there are some factors to keep in mind before you make the trip. Photography is welcome at the space center exhibits, but not at the theater attractions. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as the massive 183,000-square foot facility calls for a lot of walking.
When you visit Space Center Houston, you'll find yourself close to quite a few other attractions you may be interested in. It's located around League City in southeast Houston, so you're basically already halfway to Galveston from Houston's downtown area. Even closer is the Armand Bayou Nature Center just a short distance to the northeast. Several restaurants and even an escape room are located within walking distance of the space center as well.
Space Center Houston
Location: 1601 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058, USA
Open: Monday–Friday from 10 am to 5 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm
Phone: +1 281-244-2100
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