Overview
Space Center Houston offers a variety of interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations and real space artifacts. Admire authentic spacecraft such as the Space Shuttle Independence and the Apollo 17 Command Module, or marvel at the replica of the International Space Station (ISS) where you can get a glimpse of astronaut life in space.
One of the main attractions is the “Tram Tour” where visitors take a tour of the Johnson Space Center. This tour offers insight into Mission Control, where historic spaceflights were monitored, as well as the Astronaut Training Facilities and Rocket Park, where real rockets are on display.
The Space Center also offers a variety of live demonstrations and presentations where you can learn more about NASA’s current missions and the future development of space travel.
Independence Plaza
“Independence” is a real space shuttle orbiter that has previously been used in real space flights. What is special about the exhibition is that the space shuttle is presented on a specially constructed platform that allows you to get inside the shuttle and explore different areas.
The exhibit offers an impressive view of the space shuttle cockpit, where the astronauts sat during the space flights and conducted the missions. Visitors can also enter the cargo hold, which typically carried satellites, experiments, and other payloads.
Another highlight is the “Shuttle Carrier Aircraft”, a specially adapted aircraft that carried the Space Shuttle on its back. Visitors can explore the aircraft and learn more about the space shuttle’s engineering and transportation.
During your visit, you will have the opportunity to learn about the history of the space shuttle, its major missions and achievements, and gain a glimpse into the lives of astronauts.
Apollo 11 Control Center
Over half a billion people were glued to their TV sets on July 21, 1969, when Neil Armstrong took the first steps on the moon. Today, the Space Center features an impressive replica of the Apollo 11 Mission Control Center, allowing you to witness the Apollo 11 mission’s historic moon landing first-hand.
The replica Apollo 11 Control Center has been crafted with the greatest care and accuracy to faithfully reproduce the look and atmosphere of the historical event. The control rooms are outfitted with authentic consoles, monitors, switches and other equipment to give you the feeling of being part of the team that supported the moon landing over 50 years ago.
You will also have the opportunity to stand in the rooms where NASA scientists and engineers monitored the flight of Apollo 11 and communicated with the astronauts. Through interactive displays and multimedia presentations, you learn more about the challenging tasks faced by the Mission Control Team during the mission.
During the visit, you can also listen to historical audio recordings of communications between the control center and the Apollo 11 crew for a glimpse of the intense work and emotions of this historic mission.
