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Space Center Houston: Explore NASA's Johnson Space Center Visitor Center

Space Center Houston: Explore NASA s Johnson Space Center Visitor Center

Ever dreamed of stepping onto the moon? Get as close as possible at Space Center Houston, the official visitor center for NASA's Johnson Space Center. Interactive exhibits bring space exploration's past, present, and future to life, including exciting previews of upcoming Mars missions. Live stage shows with audience participation thrill kids and families alike. Join frequent 90-minute tram tours to witness iconic sites like Mission Control—famous for the historic ‘Houston, we have a problem’ transmission—the Astronaut Training Facility, and Rocket Park.

While launches for Apollo and shuttle missions occurred primarily at Florida's Kennedy Space Center, Johnson Space Center has been the hub for mission planning, control, and astronaut training since opening in 1963 after the early Mercury flights. This pivotal role elevated Houston's global profile and continues to draw millions of visitors annually.

During peak times, select from various tram tour routes across the expansive, retro 1960s-style campus. Mission Control stands out as the top choice, featuring multiple control rooms: the legendary Apollo-era room or the active one tracking the International Space Station in real time.

For an exclusive experience, book the Level 9 Tour (Monday-Friday, $180) in advance—a 4- to 5-hour VIP behind-the-scenes journey through NASA facilities.


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