The NASA Space Center in Houston is one of the most popular science museums open in Texas. This is the official visitor center for NASA's Lyndon Johnson Space Center. Since 2014, it has been affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution.
History of creation
The Manned Space Flight Center was established in 1961. The decision to launch it in Houston is due to the fact that due to the mild climate it is possible to conduct testing here all year round. In the 1960s, the United States competed in space exploration with the Soviet Union. In addition to a suitable climate, Houston was attracted by the opportunity to buy large plots for construction, and had access to waterways.
The construction work of the NASA Space Center in Houston was carried out in 1963-1964. In the original version, the 3-storey center consisted of an administrative wing with offices and conference rooms, a wing for mission-related operations, where mission control rooms were located. In 1973, the institution was named after the 36th President of America, Lyndon Johnson, a native of Texas. The NASA center was opened to visitors in 1992, when it opened a room to support shuttle missions. In 1998, a room for operations with the space station was set up in the new wing of the NASA Space Center in Houston.
Short description
The organization is not owned by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and it does not have federal funding. But thanks to her, the whole world has learned the phrase: "Houston, we have a problem." The center managed the landing of astronauts on the Moon, the famous Apollo mission, space shuttle programs, and flights to the ISS.
The Independence Plaza exhibition complex, where an exact replica of the Space Shuttle is located, is open to visitors. The museum houses approximately 400 exhibits, including manned space capsules, including Apollo 17. Fragments of working spacecraft are displayed in the windows.
The NASA Space Center in Houston trains astronauts, develops spacecraft, and has a gallery on the International Space Station (ISS) where you can learn about research. The briefing center hosts presentations about current NASA missions.
How to get
The NASA Space Center in Houston is open every day from 10.00 to 17.00, in summer the opening hours are increased by an hour – from 10.00 to 18.00. Admission is free for up to 3 years old, and children receive a discount when buying tickets.
Bus No249 stops nearby, and you can book a guided tour from downtown Houston. It is also not uncommon for people to arrive at the NASA Space Center in Houston by taxi, private and rented cars. Please note that parking is paid in this area.
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