Houston is responsible for playing a large part in space exploration. It is home to the Johnson Space Center’s Mission Control Center, which supports ongoing missions related to the International Space Station. Additionally, an astronaut training facility is in the city. The following are some fascinating attractions for space lovers.
- Space Center Houston
Space Center Houston is a complex that includes several attractions. Visitors can see over 400 different space artifacts, like one of the world’s largest collection of lunar rocks, or you can hop on a tram for a tour of the Mission Control Center, Rocket Park, and Blast-Off! Theater.
- Johnson Space Center
Johnson Space Center offers a four-hour guided tour that provides visitors with a behind-the-scenes look at how astronauts train. Space lovers can see how the Mission Control Center communicates with the International Space Station. Guests can visit the Orion Mission Control room and walk around the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility where engineers create space exploration vehicles.
- Space Shuttle Independence
Space Shuttle Independence is an experience like nothing else. Visitors can enter the shuttle replica that sits on an original shuttle carrier aircraft (SCA) and explore the inside. This is the only shuttle mounted on an SCA that is open to the public. Tourists may take an elevator to the top of Independence Plaza to the flight deck, and then head down to the living area on the mid-deck.
Space Center Houston and the Johnson Space Center combine several must-see attractions for space lovers.
Image via Flickr by Neuwieser
Connect with us
