Space Center Houston is home to many remarkable pieces of original space history! Join us for a cosmic journey as we highlight five authentic artifacts that have left their mark on space history and propelled us to the stars.
An International Landmark | NASA 905 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft
As you arrive at Space Center Houston, you will see what can be considered our unofficial welcome sign in the form of the historic NASA 905 shuttle carrier aircraft. They say everything is bigger in Texas; this colossal Boeing 747 is a prime example. This remodeled aircraft is the largest intact artifact from the shuttle program. It played a vital role in the orbiter’s development, helping to usher in a new era of space exploration.
The Falcon Has Landed | SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket
Prepare to be amazed by the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, a true game-changer in space exploration. With its groundbreaking reusable design and cost efficiency, this rocket was pivotal in sending astronauts to the International Space Station. The burn marks and wear on the outside of this flown rocket serve as visible proof of its multiple journeys to space.
Vest of the Best | Gene Kranz Apollo 17 Vest
Would you swap your lucky four-leaf clover for a handmade vest? After learning about the remarkable career and successful track record of legendary flight director Gene Kranz, you might want to consider it. Behold the dazzling vest dawned by Kranz while he led the Apollo 17 mission. Marta, Kranz’s wife, handmade all his vests for good luck during his mission. She started making vests during the Gemini 4 era, which became a tradition.
Setting the Stage | John F. Kennedy Lectern
Take in the gravity of the John F. Kennedy lectern! The piece set the stage for several prominent historical figures, including presidents, vice presidents, and NASA administrators and was used to deliver the iconic “moonshot” speech at Rice University.
Fitting a Square Peg in a Round Hole | Apollo 13 Lithium Hydroxide Canister Prototype
See the puzzle piece that transformed the Apollo 13 mission from a failed moon landing into a demonstration of teamwork and a defining moment for NASA. The key was a lithium hydroxide canister, a product of ingenuity that NASA engineers created to adapt a square CO2 filter from the command module to fit the round system of the lunar module after an accident. This canister helped ensure the safe return of astronauts Jim Lovell, Jack Swigert, and Fred Haise.
These artifacts are only a few authentic pieces of space history that Space Center Houston offers to illustrate unique facets of our celestial journey. Visit us to see more genuine pieces of space history from NASA’s early days to the current era of commercial space exploration at spacecenter.org/tickets.
