My brothers and some friends from Italy stayed a couple of days in Houston, and to show them the most important heritage of the city, I took them to the Houston Space Center. This is the visitor center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center and a gateway to the history of space exploration.
A short trip
Located 25 miles from downtown Houston, it offers a comprehensive look at human spaceflight and the ongoing missions. Opened in 1992, the facility features a range of exhibits, artifacts, and interactive experiences that showcase the legacy of NASA’s space missions, including the Apollo moon landing, the Space Shuttle program, and the International Space Station (ISS).
One of the most captivating attractions is the Saturn V rocket, one of the few remaining examples of its kind, preserved in its entirety inside a warehouse. Outside of the exhibit area, there is Independence Plaza, which contains the world’s only Space Shuttle replica installed atop one of the two original Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. The visitors can access both vehicles, but be prepared to wait; the line is generally long.
The museum
Visitors can also enjoy immersive exhibits that include simulations of space missions, allowing them to experience what it feels like to be an astronaut. The center hosts live presentations from astronauts and experts, providing personal insights into life in space and the challenges faced during missions.
The center’s proximity to the Johnson Space Center allows for exclusive behind-the-scenes tours, where guests can see mission control and astronaut training facilities, further deepening their understanding of the rigorous preparations that go into human spaceflight.
Tips
Here are some tips for planning your visit: you can save money if you buy the tickets online, but be sure to show up at the right time; the tickets are void after 15 minutes over the entrance time. The tour to the Mission Control Center is not included; you need a separate ticket and check the tram tour schedule ahead of time because it’s not available all day.
The most popular attraction inside the museum is the VR simulation of a space mission. Consider trying the experience as the last thing before leaving since the waiting time is long, and the rest of the museum is more interesting and worth the trip.
The gift shop has plenty of nice souvenirs, clothing, accessories, and gadgets; take your time to explore this room as well.
