This fall discover how space inspires technological, cultural and social progress. Explore advancements in rocket launch and landing mechanics, get a glimpse into international collaboration aboard the Space Station, and see space robotics development and evolution.
Galaxy Frights
Launch your Halloween with a boo-m at our Galaxy Frights experience, presented by Reliant and supported by Repsol, every Saturday and Sunday in October. These spectacularly spooky (but not scary) space experiences will be socially distanced.
Galaxy Lights
This winter explore the most interactive and technologically advanced light display in Texas. Embark on a festive adventure and continue the Space City tradition this holiday season during Galaxy Lights, presented by Reliant.
Explore the solar system using technology designed to inspire the next generation of explorers in our interactive fall exhibit, Be the Astronaut, presented by Repsol. Control the action for a simulated rocket launch, pilot a spaceship, and have fun playing with hands-on technologies that make you think about the science behind deep space exploration.
SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket
Near Independence Plaza
The future of space travel is reusable rockets. Get an up-close look at that future for yourself. Our twice-flown Falcon 9 core, or first stage, B1035 is displayed horizontally and elevated 14 feet off the ground. It’s one of only two SpaceX Falcon 9 boosters on display. Walk underneath this marvel of reusable launch and landing technology.
Historic shuttle carrier aircraft
Independence Plaza
Engineers faced a dilemma with the Space Shuttle – it couldn’t fly under it’s own power. Through ingenuity and innovation, the shuttle carrier aircraft was born. This feat of aviation enabled orbiters’ travel on Earth. Go inside the historic shuttle carrier aircraft NASA 905 and learn more about this advancement in flight technology.
Space Vehicle Mockup Facility
NASA Tram Tour
This massive building is home to countless exploration rover prototypes and other robotics projects such as Valkyrie, NASA’s next generation of humanoid robot. When touring this ever-evolving facility, you will see scientists and engineers working on robotic prototypes for future space exploration missions.
Lunar Test Article 8
Main Plaza
NASA created the lunar module for Apollo astronauts to travel from the command module to the lunar surface. Our Lunar Test Article 8 was the the first production, crew-rated lunar module. This craft was in a space simulation environment for 161 hours and was crewed for 48 hours. It proved the craft was crew-rated, an essential step in Apollo Program and spacecraft design.
Kennedy Podium
Starship Gallery
In a time beset by civil strife and international crises, President John F. Kennedy turned a nation’s eyes to the sky. He gave a nation hope with a simple mission: put a man on the Moon. The spirit of hope and exploration from his historic speech continues to drive our deep space exploration as we reach for the next milestone in our human destiny.
Robonaut 2
International Space Station Gallery
The research conducted aboard the International Space Station (ISS) progresses everything from robotics to medicine. These international advances benefit more than future space missions. New developments on the ISS lead to benefits here on Earth. Explore life on the ISS and learn about the technology and research conducted on this floating laboratory.
Overnight Experiences September – December
Campout under our twice-flown SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket or our historic shuttle carrier aircraft NASA 905 at our overnight experiences. Navigating through a space exploration journey, you will engage in science, technology and engineering related activities. Build your own rocket. Learn about spacewalks, and perform tasks and tests conducted by astronauts.
Space Center University November – December
Train like an astronaut in Space Center U, our ultimate education experience, for ages 11-18. Discover areas such as robotics, rocketry, thermal protection systems and space habitats. Participants will be inspired as they engineer solutions to space related challenges, collaborate to find solutions and go behind-the-scenes at NASA Johnson Space Center.