Things to do Around Space Center Houston

Ignite your curiosity at Space Center Houston, the official visitor center of NASA Johnson Space Center. In the top experience, the NASA Tram Tour, discover NASA Johnson Space Center and get a behind-the-scenes look at human space exploration. Tour iconic locations like Mission Control, Rocket Park - home to the massive Saturn V rocket, and astronaut training facilities like the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility. 

But there’s a lot more to see and do in the 250,000-square-foot complex. Explore some of our favorite exhibits and experiences below. 

Independence Plaza

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Independence Plaza, presented by Boeing, is an international landmark offering an experience like nothing else in the world. Go inside the high-fidelity shuttle replica Independence, mounted on top of the historic and original NASA 905 shuttle carrier aircraft. Explore the shuttle era and its impact on current and future exploration through vibrant videos, displays and interactives.

Mission Mars

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Space Center Houston

Discover what it takes to travel to Mars, what hardware will get us to the fourth planet in our solar system and how humans may live on the red planet in the next few decades in the interactive exhibit, Mission Mars. Launch a bottle rocket, experience an Orion spacecraft launch in a simulator, and touch a Mars meteorite.

Films and live presentations

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Hear NASA mission updates in the Mission Briefing Center, learn how astronauts live aboard the International Space Station in the Living in Space presentation, relive NASA's historic journey in Destiny Theater, and watch a space documentary on one of the largest screens in Texas.

Special exhibits, events and experiences

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Space Center Houston

There’s always something new at Space Center Houston. We bring in three traveling exhibits throughout the year to give guests new science and space learning opportunities. We also host special events and celebrations year round including SCH's ongoing Thought Leader Series, presented by UTMB.

Bonus: Galaxy Lights

If you happen to be visiting during the winter, you'll have an opportunity to experience Space Center Houston's holiday lights display, Galaxy Lights! 2019 was the first year for Galaxy Lights and we had the pleasure of taking a tour. Take a peek!

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