Space Center Houston

Space Center Houston is 25 mi. s.e. via I-45, then 3 mi. e. to 1601 E. NASA Pkwy. The official visitor center of NASA's Johnson Space Center tells the story of America's human space flight program through some 400 historic artifacts, exhibits, live shows and behind-the-scenes tours. If you would like to hear about space exploration first-hand, for an additional fee, you can have breakfast with an Astronaut.

Visitors can experience the interactive Artemis exhibit about the return to the moon, and see a flown SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on permanent display to learn about the growing commercial space industry. In Independence Plaza guests can climb aboard Independence, a replica shuttle mounted on top of the original NASA 905 shuttle carrier aircraft. Other highlights here include an orbiter access arm and a photo gallery chronicling the creation of the plaza and how they moved the massive shuttle from Florida to Houston.

Starship Gallery is home to multiple spacecraft including Mercury, Gemini and the Apollo 17 Command Module; a full-size Skylab Training Module; a Lunar Module; and even a Moon rock visitors can touch. The Spacesuit Collection features astronaut garments from every era of space exploration. The International Space Station Gallery provides a look inside an actual space station, complete with interactive robotic exhibits and such artifacts as astronaut food and clothing.

The NASA Tram Tour takes visitors to NASA Johnson Space Center to see the Apollo Saturn V rocket at George W.S. Abbey Rocket Park, Mission Control and the astronaut training facilities. Films and live presentations are offered throughout the complex.

Guided tours are available. Food is available. Time: Allow 5 hours minimum.