By Matthew Jorn
For much of the 1960's the very word 'Houston' meant 'NASA'. The crackling audio of a radio transmission from beyond the Earth's atmosphere to the Texas-based mission control are more than the stuff of history books; they are landmark statements of the unquenchable thirst of human curiosity.
The city of Houston's central importance to NASA continues today. The Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center still serves as Mission Control and monitors all manned NASA flights. In addition to the working environment, the Space Center also serves as a living museum and educational center for space enthusiasts of all ages. The Johnson Space Center is located about 20 miles southeast of downtown Houston near Clear Lake and the attached Space Center Houston is open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm (6pm on weekends).
The Space Center Theater is one of the first public IMAX theaters and shows a series of films documenting the birth and maturation of America's space program. The Blastoff Theater takes the IMAX experience to the next level by integrating the physical strains of a real space launch into the theater. If films of space exploration leave you wanting more, the NASA Tour is a guided tram ride through the actually working facilities of Johnson Space Center. Among the highlights of this tour is a stop at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory where guests can catch a glimpse of real astronauts training for upcoming missions in a weightless environment.
Hands-on learning is definitely a factor at the Johnson Space Center. The Astronaut Gallery has dozens of authentic spacesuits from several generations of space flight and has a fitting area where guests can try on real astronaut helmets and gloves. The Feel of Space exhibit illustrates the challenges of living on the International Space Station and provides 24 hands-on task trainers that simulate real astronaut tasks like servicing satellites in orbit or landing a spacecraft.
In addition to these amazing exhibits, Space Center Houston has several limited-time exhibits on display at any given time. Recently they opened a Star Wars: The Clone Wars themed exhibit area featuring gravity bikes, laser duels, and other fanciful fare. Also the Wacky Wednesday program brings in fresh entertainment for children with cartoon characters Ben 10, Scooby-Doo, and Spongebob Squarepants appearing recently.
Tickets for admission to Space Center Houston are very affordable and lots of discounts are offered for families, educational groups, military veterans, government employees, and those who purchase tickets in advance through their website.
Russell & Smith Ford Dealer Houston is proud of our city's role in manned space exploration and encourage all Houstonians to enjoy this valuable part of our civic heritage. This is one of a series of articles highlighting the cultural value of Houston and is sponsored by the Houston Ford Dealership in hopes that people from all over Texas can appreciate the rich nature of Houston's attractions.
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