The Complete Couples Guide To Visiting Space Center Houston 2022
“Visiting Space Center Houston, NASA Johnson Space Center’s Visitor Center, and Houston’s only Smithsonian museum is an all-day adventure you don’t want to miss.
This complete guide for visiting Space Center Houston and NASA Johnson Space Center’s Visitor Center includes everything you need to know for a successful trip.”
Space Center Houston is a leading space exploration and science learning center. It is the home of NASA’s Mission Control, where the famous words “Houston, we have a problem” were heard.
Space Center Houston is also the official visitor center of NASA Johnson Space Center and a Smithsonian affiliate museum.
Johnson Space Center Houston (JSC) is NASA’s manned spacecraft center. JSC is a massive complex with over 100 buildings. Over 3000 workers are employed at JSC, and more than 100 are astronauts.
NASA Houston is where U.S. astronauts work and are trained for their mission, research is done, and ground control is conducted.
Fridays are exciting at Space Center Houston. For an additional cost, they offer a Lunch With An Astronaut Experience. Where you get to have breakfast with an astronaut and ask any questions about space travel you would like answered.
After lunch, occasionally, the astronauts will make public appearances. While at Space Center Houston, you may occasionally encounter astronauts. Many of them work or train at Space Center Houston. Unless you know your astronauts, you could be talking with one on your tour, and you won’t even recognize them.
Is there a difference between Space Center Houston and Johnson Space Center?
It is easy to get confused when talking about Space Center Houston and NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Many people use the names interchangeably.
NASA Johnson Space Center is where Mission Control and the astronauts’ training facilities are located.
Space Center Houston is the official Visitor Center and official museum of NASA’s Johnson Space Center.
Both are located on the same grounds, and NASA Johnson Space Center can be reached by tram from Space Center Houston.
Johnson Space Center Houston’s History
Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, was established in 1961. Houston was selected when the space program needed to house a task force that had been established to carry out President John F. Kennedy’s desire to put a man on the moon.
For Houston to be chosen as the location for the Space Center, it had to offer the following: Availability of water transport, an all-weather airport, proximity to a major telecommunications network, a constant water supply, a mild climate year-round for outdoor work, and an attractive community. Houston met all of these requirements.
Today Space Center Houston is the lead space center for all space missions involving astronauts.
A Guide To Visiting NASA Space Center Houston
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What Can You Do At Space Center Houston
There are many amazing, exciting, and educational things to enjoy at Space Center Houston. You will want to plan your day to include as many of these experiences as possible. You don’t want to miss anything.
NASA Tram Tour
The first thing you will want to do when you arrive at Space Center Houston is to pick up tickets to one of NASA’s Tram Tours. Tram tickets are free and are included with your admission ticket.
With a limited number of seats on each tram, you need timed tickets. The trams fill up fast. We recommend taking a tram tour immediately in the morning.
What Is The Tram Tour At Space Center Houston
The tram tour is one of NASA’s most popular activities at Johnson Space Center. It’s your chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at space exploration. Each tram tour will take you behind the scenes to one of Johnson Space Centers’ most iconic locations.
The Apollo Mission Control Center located at Johnson Space Center can only be visited by way of NASA’s open tram tour. The Mission Control room is where so many important moments in the space program have taken place.
The Astronaut Training Facility is where astronauts train for current space missions. You can walk on elevated paths through the training center.
The George W.S. Abbey Rocket Park is home to one of three Saturn V rockets on display worldwide. The Saturn V is the tallest and most powerful rocket ever launched. At Space Center Houston, you can get up close and personal with this iconic piece of space history.
You can enjoy one, two, or all three tram stops in a day. You will need to pick up tram tickets for each tour. Remember that each tour will last between ninety minutes and two hours. This could take up your entire day.
Independence Plaza
Space Center Houston inspires the youthful excitement and awe of going to Disney World as a child. Even entering the Space Center Houston complex on your way to Independence Plaza is exciting.
As you drive up the driveway to Independence Plaza, you will first see NASA jets mounted in flying formation and the Falcon 9 rocket booster.
The Falcon 9 is a towering 100-foot tall double-decked flying machine of the specially converted Bowing 747 jet airplane with the famous training replica of the multi-use space shuttle vessel Independence.
Independence Plaza houses the educational past, present, and future of NASA missions, including astronaut clothing, space suits, and a Lunar Rover Vehicle (LRV) trainer. The actual LRV used on the moon was left on the moon.
Independence Plaza also has a cafe, a coffee bar, a movie theater, tram tour connections, a virtual reality shuttle flight, and a gift shop.
Mission Mars
In June of 2022, Space Center Houston sponsored a festival called Moon2Mars. The festival created a place to share news of upcoming lunar missions and taking the next step to Mars.
The latest in astronaut fashion, food, and transportation are on display at Mission Mars. You’ll see the Lunar Output Rover, Astrolab’s FLEX Rover, Artemis Exhibit, NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS), and the main engine, RS-25.
The RS-25 is the most energy-efficient engine ever built and is needed to reach Mars.
At Mission Mars, you can enter the one-of-a-kind Orion capsule simulator to experience what the first astronauts to Mars will experience.
Star Ship Gallery
The Star Ship Gallery is home to national treasures and amazing artifacts that showcase space exploration. This ‘out of this world’ exhibit is home to several flown spacecraft, such as the Apollo 17 command module, Mercury 9, Faith 7, tethered spacewalks of Gemini V, and a full-size Skylab 1-G training module.
The Star Ship Gallery exhibit at the Space Center Houston Independence Plaza is one of the few places to see and feel unique artifacts such as a moon rock and so much more.
Booking.comSpace Suit Collection
The largest space suit collection is on display at Independence Plaza. On display are astronauts’ clothing that was worn on real space missions, including John Young’s STS-1 suit that was worn on the inaugural mission of the space shuttle program on April 12, 1981, and Sally Rides shuttle overalls. Sally Ride was the first American woman in space.
In this collection of spacesuits are several different kinds of spacewear.
Typically, when thinking of a space suit, we imagine the suit that is used for going outside the space vehicle. It is a white suit, like Buzz Lightyear, and the face shield has a mirrored finish.
That type of suit is called an Extravehicular Mobility Unit or EMU. n EMU has all the functions of a miniature spacecraft. It can be pressurized, has protection against extreme temperatures, drinking water, food, collection systems for waste, and electrical and communications systems. They can be resized and reused for different body builds.
Astronauts have different kinds of space wear. They have their casual wear suits for their duties inside the space vehicle called inflight coveralls. They also have flight suits, the Skylab cooling garment, and the Extravehicular Activity suits, which are all on display.
Artemis Exhibit
We are sending people back to the moon by 2024, and the mission is called Artemis. The plan is to return people to the moon, and this time a woman and the next man will walk the lunar surface.
The Artemis Program includes plans for multiple trips to and around the moon. First, sending only scientific equipment to the moon ahead of people.
Then they will send people, including the first woman and the next man. They will explore more of the moon and set things in place for survival and living on the moon.
The knowledge gained will help in planning and preparing for humans to travel to Mars. Thusly, Moon2Mars.
International Space Station Gallery
The International Space Station (ISS) Gallery gives people a glimpse of what the floating orbiting space station and living daily life in space are like. The scale model of the ISS at Space Center Houston hangs suspended amid its gallery.
The real ISS is a mega-size living quarters and scientific laboratory about 300 feet long, that’s compared to the length of a football field. That makes it the world’s largest space structure.
The ISS Gallery includes a real look inside the ISS. There are also real experimental artifacts on display in the gallery.
SpaceX Falcon 9 Booster Exhibit
When visiting NASA Space Center Houston, the first thing you see when you enter the parking lot is the Falcon 9 Rocket Booster on display. You will have access to the exhibit after you enter the main building.
SpaceX Falcon 9 is the first-ever rocket to launch two missions for NASA. SpaceX Falcon 9 was launched both times from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
SpaceX Falcon 9 was retired and delivered to Houston, Texas, where it was erected and positioned for display by some of the same engineers that serviced the rocket between launches.
When visiting NASA Space Center Houston, you can get up close, around, and even under this 156-foot-long space monument. Looking closely, you can still see the burn and scorch marks from its launches.
Space Center Houston Film and Live Presentation
Two separate theaters are located within NASA Space Center Houston.
Mission Briefing Center is where visitors can hear up-to-date information about the current NASA missions and activities. Experience a living-in-space presentation about what it’s like to be an astronaut living aboard the Internation Space Station.
Destiny Theater features a human destiny documentary that tells the story of how NASA was formed. The film plays daily every 15 minutes on one of the largest screens in Texas.
Do You Need to Do The Tram Tour At Space Center Houston
The tram tour at Space Center Houston is an add-on option at no extra cost. If you are interested in seeing the Saturn V Rocket, Mission Control Room, or the astronaut training center, you will need to do the tram tour.
Things to keep in mind; The tram is an open-air tram. Be prepared for the weather, come dressed appropriately, and plan for possible weather changes.
Mission Control tour may not be available on weekends. This is still a working mission control room and may be in use.
You can do all three tours. You will need to get your time slot from the customer service desk.
Where Is Space Center Houston Located
NASA Space Center Houston is located at 1601 E NASA Parkway, Houston, Texas. This is in the southeast corner of Houston and is about a 30-minute drive from the center of Houston or a 15-minute drive from Kemah, Texas.
It is conveniently located and easy to access from Houston. The easiest way is I-45 S from Houston by car, taking exit 24.
Parking is available at NASA for $5.
If you would rather not drive, you can use the Houston Metro during the week. It is not available on the weekends.
There is a 6-hour Houston Day Trip that includes NASA. You will need to purchase advanced tickets for the tour. This tour starts at the Houston City Tours Visitors Center and consists of a tour of Houston, transportation to and from NASA Space Center Houston, and admission to the Space Center.
This is our Amazing Kemah, Texas trip. Including a visit to the Kemah Boardwalk.
What Are The Best Days To Visit Space Center Houston
Weekdays are the best times to visit Space Center Houston. Weekends, non-school days, and holidays can be very busy. If you do need to visit on the weekend, we suggest you go on Sunday rather than Saturday.
Plan to arrive at Space Center Houston as early in the day as possible. You should first sign up for the tram tour when you arrive. Later in the day, there could be a very long wait for the tram tour.
Plan for a few extra minutes to go through security at the entrance. One thing we found that was not allowed was a selfie stick or anything that could reach or poke an exhibit. Backpacks and purses will be checked.
How Much Does It Cost To Visit Space Center Houston
Adult (12+) ticket prices to NASA Space Center are $29.95
Children (4-11) are $24.95. (Current at the time of publishing)
There are a variety of discounts available, and you can see them on the Space Centers’ official site. Please keep in mind when purchasing the tickets through the Space Center they will be timed and are non-refundable.
Admission tickets to NASA Space Center Houston can also be purchased at Get your Guide for a slight discount, and you can cancel your tickets up to twenty-four hours before your timed tickets.
How Long Does It Take To Go Through Space Center Houston
How much time should you plan to experience Space Center Houston? Plan at least a full day to allow time to enjoy all the exhibits.
Arriving when the doors open and getting through security might take some time. Plan for a lot of walking, but there are also a few things to do seated and places to sit, such as the benches or the dining/coffee area.
There are elevators available to get to the exhibits on the upper floors. Plan time for one or more tram tours.
You can choose the most popular tour, which is the Mission Control Tour, which takes 90 minutes, or the Astronaut Training Center Tour.
The majority of the things at Space Center Houston are ginormous so getting to them and walking through and or around them takes time.
The smaller things usually have an informational plaque to read, which takes time. here are some interactive things too that you can test your skills and just have fun.
What Are The Hours For Space Center Houston
NASA Houston hours vary depending on the season and if special events are taking place. Hours are listed by day on the main site.
Is There A Gift Shop At Space Center Houston
There are several gift shops located throughout Space Center Houston.
A large gift shop is located near the entrance, where you can grab those last-minute souvenirs to remind you of your visit.
There are a few smaller gift shops located throughout Space Center Houston. You may want to stop at the smaller gift shops and pick up those small items as you come across them.
Keep in mind that, just like you, everyone will want to visit the large gift shop at the entrance when closing time is approaching. Shop earlier to avoid the crowd.
Is Food Available At Space Center Houston
Food is available for purchase at any of the eateries in the Food Lab Market and Eatery. A wide variety of specialty options are located in the Food Lab.
- Ground Control offers visitors a full coffee bar that features local and regional roasters. Pastries are served all day long to complement your coffee or take an edge off that sweet tooth.
- Outer Crust has a wide selection of pizza and flatbreads.
- Velocity Grill serves up classic grilled dishes as well as healthier dining options.
- Deep Space Deli has a variety of fresh sandwiches which can be served cold or hot pressed. They also have grab-n-go packaged salads, sandwiches, and hot entrees.
- Galaxy Greens is a salad bar featuring micro-herbs grown on-site.
FYI: Outside food is not allowed at Space Center Houston, except for infant food. Alcoholic beverages are not served anywhere on the grounds.
Extra’s To Enhance Your Space Center Houston Experience
NASA Space Center Houston offers numerous behind-the-scenes extras that you can purchase to take your visit to a higher level.
Astronaut Experience
NASA offers two separate Astronaut experiences. Each experience gives you an opportunity to hear firsthand from a NASA astronaut.
Breakfast with an astronaut will enhance your Space Center experience by giving you access to a NASA astronaut. The astronaut will provide you with a glimpse into the space program from his or her perspective while you enjoy breakfast catered by Wolfgang Puck.
Following breakfast, the astronaut will do a Q & A session, answering all of your space questions.
As a memento of your visit, you will receive a personalized photograph from your guest astronaut. Breakfast with an Astronaut occurs on select Fridays and every Saturday 8:30-9:30 a.m. in The Food Lab.
Guest astronaut varies depending on astronaut availability. Advanced Breakfast with an astronaut tickets are required and can be purchased online.
Admission to Space Center Houston is included with Breakfast with an Astronaut.
Adult (12+) breakfast tickets are $99.95
Child (ages 4-11) tickets are $79.95.
Prices are current as of November 2022
Astronaut Mission Memories take place on Fridays and Saturdays at Space Center Houston. Select NASA astronauts share some of their memories with visitors about their space missions.
The Astronaut Mission Memories experience does not include breakfast and is included with the purchase of your weekend tickets.
If you are visiting NASA Space Center Houston on Friday or Saturday, plan on joining a NASA astronaut for a 30-minute journey of memories.
NASA Education Programs
Space Center Houston is all about education. Their programs meet national standards and are geared towards science.
NASA Space Center Houston offers a variety of age-appropriate and immersive educational experiences. Build rockets, program robots, design space habitats, or learn to code.
Programs such as explorer camp offer camper space-themed interactive experiences and challenges.
An overnight experience is available to families and scouting troops. Campers spending the night at Space Center Houston can choose to sleep in tents indoors or pitch a tent under the SpaceX rocket or NASA 905 shuttle aircraft carrier.
Educational experiences are planned throughout the evening. Supper and breakfast are included with your overnight adventure.
Ticket prices are $79.95 per person (at the time of publishing)
NASA VIP Tour
The Level 9 VIP Tour gets you into places that the average tourist does not get to see. Depending on your budget, it may be a little pricey. However, the cost of the Level 9 VIP Tour does include your general admittance to Space Center Houston.
This VIP tour is only available at Space Center Houston. The tour includes six stops, including a stop at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, an astronaut training facility, and the spacesuit testing facility.
The tour is divided into two three-hour tours. Online reservations need to be made online at least 24 hours in advance All tour participants must be over 14 years of age.
The cost for the upgraded VIP experience is $199.95
Other Attractions Near Space Center Houston
NASA Space Center Houston is located only 7 miles from Kemah Boardwalk, located in Kemah, Texas.
Kemah Boardwalk is a large 60-acre boardwalk with an amusement park on the gulf coast. It is home to several restaurants and attractions, including carnival games, amusement rides, and a train to transport you around the park to your favorite place. Kemah Boardwalk is a great place for a couples weekend.
In addition to NASA Space Center Houston, the Kemah Boardwalk is included on the Houston City Pass.
Where To Stay When Visiting Space Center Houston
The NASA Space Center area is home to several well-known hotel chains. Visitors have numerous choices for accommodations. Homewood Suites on Bay Area Blvd is about 2 miles away from NASA. Hilton Houston NASA Clear Lake and Tower Plaza Suites Marriots Houston are also great choices.
Some of the best hotel deals can be found below.
Booking.comOur Highlights When Visiting Space Center Houston
Although difficult to narrow down which exhibits were our favorite, we would say the 747 shuttle carrier and the space shuttle itself were impressive. They are two separate vehicles and together make a supersized singular amazing exhibit.
Taking the tram to see the Saturn V rocket and seeing just how large it is gives you a different perspective on what it takes to launch something of that size into space.
Absolutely incredible what can be done with a clear goal and vision. We want to go back and visit again soon!
If you enjoyed our couples adventure at NASA Space Center Houston, you wouldn’t want to miss some of our other romantic Texas finds.
Fun and Romance in Galveston
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Fun and Romantic Things to do in Waco, Texas
Is NASA Space Center Houston Worth Visiting?
This article is hardly even a scratch of the great things we can say about the NASA Space Center Houston and the Johnson Space Center, not to mention things around Houston, including the nearby Kemah, Texas, and Galveston, Texas, which is where we spent a romantic Christmas week.
A visit to NASA is the ideal addition to a couple’s trip. Exploring and learning together is so much fun. We would highly recommend a visit to NASA!
We loved visiting, and the bonus was that we were together That is always the best part of anything we do.
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