The Space Center in Houston, Texas, is the official visitor center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center. It is the perfect place to learn about missions and programs from the past and present. If you are visiting the Houston area or live here, there are many excellent ways to experience this impressive center while learning all about space exploration. A scenic drive along the coastal bend is a must if you want to see some of the most beautiful places in Texas. There are many things to see; outstanding natural beauty and fun activities await you at these scenic drives near Houston.
1. Visit the Space Center Houston
The first on our list of scenic drives near Houston is the Space Center Houston. One of the most popular destinations near the city, this is the place to be if you are passionate about space exploration. Several excellent exhibitions are open to the public. Take advantage of the traveling exhibitions available for a limited time. Make sure to check their website for upcoming exhibits. Visitors can also go on behind-the-scenes tours to see the Mission Control, the Space Shuttle Simulator, and the Quarantine Facility. There is also a Children’s Space Discovery Center where kids can experience space exploration while they climb, crawl, and build. You can also see the world’s most extensive collection of moon rocks.
2. Take a ride on the clear Vision II
While visiting the Space Center, you should ride on the Clear Vision II. It is a zero-gravity aircraft that simulates light conditions for 30 seconds. For people who are afraid of flying or are new to it, this ride is a great experience. This ride is open to all ages and is a great experience for families. Four different packages are available for this ride. You can book the Clear Vision II Ride, the Flight Training Experience, the Astronaut Encounter, or the Private Full Flight Experience. What makes this place different from the other scenic drives near Houston is that this is a unique experience. You can’t find this ride in any other part of the world.
3. Go to the Dining Hall and Cafeteria
If you are interested in knowing more about the astronauts, you should go to the dining hall and cafeteria at the Space Center. The restaurant and dining hall are where astronauts and staff members have their meals. This is also a great place to look at the pictures on the wall. There is a photo gallery that shows the different groups of astronauts and groups of people who have worked at NASA. These pictures and posters make for fascinating reading and offer a glimpse into the lives of these people who made a difference by going to space.
4. Walk through the U.S. Space Walk of Fame
If you want a glimpse of famous astronauts and their achievements, you should go to the U.S. Space Walk of Fame. You will find plaques and photos of astronauts who have been to space and others who have contributed to the space program. There is also a shuttle mural that shows the shuttle program’s history. You can also find a piece of the Space Shuttle Challenger that broke apart 73 seconds after its launch in 1986.
5. Watch an IMAX movie
There are two IMAX movies that you can watch while visiting the Space Center. One is the Hubble Space Telescope: The IMAX Experience and the other is Beyond the Horizon: The Future of Space Exploration. Both movies are about space exploration, and you can learn much from them. If you love watching space documentaries, you should go to the Space Center. You will learn about the program’s history, how missions are coordinated, and the people who have contributed to this field.
6. See a show in The Theatre in the Dark
Visiting the Theatre in the Dark will give you an insight into what it is like to live and work in space. You will see what it is like to be weightless and even experience a few moments of zero gravity. You can see different shows at the Theatre in the Dark. The performances are daily and are scheduled according to the schedules and the seasons. There are also special events at the Theatre in the Dark, like the Halloween Bash.
7. Experience virtual reality and games at Mission Control
It is not just about seeing things; you can also experience them at Mission Control. You can play games and experience what it is like to be an astronaut. There are many ways you can experience virtual reality at Mission Control. You can go on a simulated space shuttle mission, fly an F-15 fighter jet, or even travel back in time. You can also play video games like the “Asteroids” arcade game or the “Minecraft” game. You can also explore the International Space Station through virtual reality.
8. Take a stroll through Rocket Park & see exhibits on display
You can see a few rockets that are on display at Rocket Park. These are some of the most powerful rockets used in space exploration. There are also other exhibits that you can see at Rocket Park. Some of them are the Hubble Space Telescope, the Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle, and the Orion Spaceship. There are many things to do and see at the Space Center. You will be able to learn a lot about space exploration while visiting this place. You can visit the museum, go on behind-the-scenes tours, and see flight vehicles used for space missions. You can also see astronauts and cosmonauts who have been in space.
9. Conclusion
The Space Center in Houston, Texas, is the perfect place to learn about missions and programs from the past and present. If you are visiting the Houston area or live here, there are many excellent ways to experience this impressive center while learning all about space exploration. There are many things to do and see at the Space Center. You can visit the museum, go on behind-the-scenes tours, and see flight vehicles used for space missions. Some astronauts and cosmonauts have been in space, as you can see at the Space Center in Houston.
