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EXHIBITS AND EXPERIENCES

Science Deck

All hands (and brains) on deck!

Location | Main Plaza, Second Floor

Included in general admission.

Ready to get hands-on with space science? Looking to inspire your future space explorer? Visit the Science Deck at Space Center Houston to participate in and perform real space science experiments with real-world impact. Learn why we do science experiments in space – and see how you can contribute!

New Environments Lead to New Discoveries

Space gives us a unique environment to ask questions and investigate solutions! In space, everything seems to be floating all the time. Liquids and other materials – even our bodies – act differently. On the International Space Station (ISS), scientists can study those differences and make new discoveries.

Over 3,000 experiments have been conducted so far on the ISS by astronauts, across several different scientific areas. The primary areas these experiments support are biological sciences, physical sciences, human research, earth observation and engineering.

Astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli works on the BioFabrication Facility, a biological printer that is testing the printing of organ-like tissues in microgravity.

Since the ISS has been in operation, over 3,000 science experiments have been conducted on it, across these areas:

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Biological Sciences

Engineers at Ball Aerospace test the Wavefront Sensing and Control testbed to ensure that the 18 primary mirror segments and one secondary mirror on JWST work as one. The test is performed on a 1/6 scale model of the JWST mirrors. 

Credit: NASA/Northrop Grumman/Ball Aerospace

To read more about the James Webb Space Telescope go to:  www.nasa.gov/topics/technology/features/partnerships.html

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center  is home to the nation's largest organization of combined scientists, engineers and technologists that build spacecraft, instruments and new technology to study the Earth, the sun, our solar system, and the universe.

Physical Sciences

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Human Research

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Earth Observation

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Engineering

Science Deck Experiments

Space gives us a unique environment to ask questions. The answers can benefit people on Earth, as well as in space!

Research on the International Space Station (ISS) leads to:

  • Cutting-edge discoveries in medicine
  • new kinds of technology
  • a better understanding of our planet

 

What questions do you want to explore?

Staff-Facilitated Experiments

If a staff member or special guest is leading an experiment, they have access to a wireless microphone and technology to easily facilitate a dynamic, lively environment. Strategically placed speakers make the instructions easy to hear and understand without bleeding sound into the plaza below. Newcomers are able to quickly understand the experiment and how to follow along or join in.

Self-Guided Experiments

Grab a chair at one of the lab tables for self-guided activities, choosing from a library of experiment options with the guidance of one of our friendly Space Center Houston crew members. Acting as a host and science concierge, this staffer can welcome people in warmly, answer any questions, and help suggest age-appropriate experiments for visitors.

Inspiring the next generation of space explorers

The Space Center Houston Science Deck is an innovative space for piloting ways to increase and deepen guests’ engagement with science and STEM programming.

Get hands-on with real science experiments

Enjoy this experience on the second floor of our Main Plaza.

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Moon 2 Mars Festival is back!

Tickets on sale now | March 13 - 16

The All-American Rejects are throwing Space Center Houston’s Moon 2 Mars Festival into hyperdrive. Amp up your Space City Spring Break with us!

Access to this all-ages festival is included in general admission.

WEATHER ALERT

Closed Jan. 21 & 22, 2025

For the safety of our guests and staff, Space Center Houston is closed on Tuesday, January 21 and Wednesday, January 22 due to forecasted inclement weather.

We apologize for the inconvenience and look forward to welcoming you soon! For questions or concerns, contact our Reservations team with your order number at 281.283.4755 or via email.