Space Center Houston is a 250,000-square-foot facility with over 400 things to see and do. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to enjoy a visit to “Space City,” but a good guide wouldn’t hurt. Our Concierge Guide to Space Center Houston will introduce you to all the exhibits and experiences included with general admission and the exciting upgrades that will launch your visit to new heights.
Tiqets, the leading online ticketing platform, announced Space Center Houston as a regional winner for the seventh-annual Remarkable Venue Awards on September 18, 2023. The RVA is a prestigious award program that honors and celebrates excellence in museums, attractions, and experiences in eight countries. Other United States winners included SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, The Museum of Modern Art (NYC), and Zoo Miami.
Starship Gallery
The United States and the Soviet Union competed in “The Space Race” to achieve superior spaceflight capability. Spaceflight symbolized the ideology of the time and the pinnacle of human achievement. It brought pioneering launches of artificial satellites, robotic space probes to the Moon, Venus, and Mars, and human spaceflight in low Earth orbit and ultimately to the Moon.
Starship Gallery at Space Center Houston has authentic spacecraft and national treasures that trace the progression of human space exploration.
Spacesuit Collection
It’s one thing to put a rocket into space; it’s something else to put people in orbit. Even more spectacular is when astronauts leave their “tin can” and walk amongst the stars. Space Center Houston has a comprehensive collection of spacesuits, including the ejection suit that astronaut John Young wore on the first shuttle flight.
International Space Station Gallery
The International Space Center is an evolution from two superpowers competing to see who has the biggest rocket to a multi-national research station in outer space. The ISS is pioneering the spacecraft systems and equipment required for possible future long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars.
At the International Space Station Gallery, you’ll see interactive live shows and real-life artifacts returned to Earth from the ISS.
SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket Exhibit
Houston has one of only two SpaceX Falcon 9 boosters on display worldwide. Falcon 9 is a marvel of reusable space technology that is making space accessible and affordable.
Independence Plaza
There’s only one place in the world where you can see a Space Shuttle mounted on a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, and that’s Space Center Houston. You can enter and explore both and see how the shuttle program continued past Apollo to usher in the next generation of space exploration.
The Artemis Exhibit
The Artemis program will reestablish human presence on the Moon for the first time since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972. This program comprises the Space Launch System (SLS), the Orion spacecraft, the Lunar Gateway space station, and the commercial Human Landing Systems. The program’s long-term goal is to establish a permanent base on the Moon to facilitate human missions to Mars.
Mission Mars
Humans may be living on Mars within the next few decades. The Mission to Mars exhibit showcases the hardware required to reach the Red Planet and the remarkable technology to facilitate the first civilization on an extra-terrestrial world.
NASA Tram Tour
NASA Tram Tours are Space Center Houston’s most popular add-on experience. You’ll get a chance to go on-site at the 1,600 acre NASA Johnson Space Center and get an up-close look at the future of human space exploration.
Simulation Experiences
Space Center Houston offers two add-on simulator experiences that will give you an immersive perspective on space flight. The virtual reality experience guides you on a spacewalk experience aboard the International Space Station and lets you experience the view from low-earth orbit. The Motion simulator uses power hydraulics and hi-tech theater effects to let you feel what traveling in outer space is like.
Explorer Camps
Explorer Camps use hands-on activities to introduce children ages 4-11 to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). Programs range from single evening programs to up to four-day structured camps. Topics vary by age level, with a wide range of options available.
Explorer Camps are typically evening programs (5:30-9:30 p.m.) that do not include overnight stays.
Space Center U®
Space Center U® are multi-day programs where older children (11-18) participate in mission-based STEM programs. Programs run during the day. Lodging is the responsibility of the group or individual booking the tour.
Overnight Experiences
Overnight Experiences are your way to stay overnight at the Space Center Houston. A handful of dates are available throughout the year for Family Overnights, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and American Heritage Girls. You’ll have a chance to tour the museum, participate in STEM activities, and camp out at Space Center Houston.
What to Bring to Space Center Houston
As you tour the 183,000 Space Center Houston facility, you will walk a lot, so wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Also, you’ll be outdoors often, so make sure it’s weather-appropriate. Make sure you remember a camera to capture your memories and a bag for souvenirs you pick up during your visit.
What Not to Bring to Space Center Houston
Security officers will screen all bags prior to entry for your safety and the safety of others. They’re looking for drugs, weapons, and drones, of course, as well as large quantities of food. Also, luggage, coolers, and pets are not permitted inside the facility.
How To Book
Booking tickets for Space Center Houston is as easy as 3-2-1-GO! You can book on-line and skip the ticket windows by purchasing your tickets online and presenting your digital tickets at the concierge for admission to Space Center Houston
Step 1: Choose a date for entry and how many General Admission tickets you will need and add to cart.
Step 2: Selected an entry time. All tickets are time gated with a 30-minute entry window.
Step 3: Selected add-on experiences and prepare for liftoff. General admission tickets come with a complimentary Rocket Park Tram Tours, but the coveted Historic Mission Control Tram Tour should be scheduled in advance because slots are limited.
Are you looking for Space Center Houston discount tickets? You can purchase Space Center Houston: Skip The Line Tickets and upgraded experiences from Tiqets individually or as discounted combination packages that include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, Downtown Aquarium Huston, or the Houston Pass.
Concluding Space Center Houston
Houston is known as Space City because it’s home to Mission Control. This heritage and prestige has launched Space Center Houston as one of the premier space tourism destinations in the world. Whether you’re a space enthusiast or a parent who wants to find top-notch STEM activities for your children, Space Center Houston is for you!
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