Welcome to our Jersey Gypsy column, where our resident travel reporter, Valentina, roams the globe in pursuit of stories. Currently, she’s making her way through the Lone Star State, visiting the Space Center in Houston.
I’m a big astronomy nerd – Newton, Hawking, and Star Wars have provided endless hours of entertainment over my life. As you can imagine, I’ve always been fascinated by planets, stars, and galaxies.
Naturally, when visiting Texas, I could not afford to miss out on going to the Space Center in Houston.
It was a short visit, but with so many exhibits and authentic space exploration artifacts, I was left with unforgettable memories.
How I Planned My Space Center Trip
Houston’s Space Center had been on my bucket list for years. I knew deep down that I was destined to visit one day, but other plans kept pulling me in different directions.
One day, while obsessing over space with my childhood best friend, I decided it was time to check this dream off my list.
Booking online only took about 15 minutes. General admission costs around $30, which I opted for, but there’s also a pricier option at $45 that includes the Historic Mission Control tram tour.
Houston’s Space Center Highlights
The Space Center is about a 45-minute car ride from where I stayed—easy and hassle-free. I arrived when it opened at 10 a.m., eager to dive in.
Independence Plaza
My first stop was the Independence Plaza, located on the center’s external grounds. As I walked up, I was immediately struck by the massive replica of NASA 905 – a shuttle carrier aircraft.
It looks like a regular Boeing plane but with a literal space shuttle sitting on top of it! My trip had only just begun, yet I was already mesmerized. I had to remind myself that I’m a travel journalist, not just a starry-eyed space nerd.
The Lobby
Next, I explored the Space Center’s lobby, which immediately set the mood for a cosmic adventure.
The centerpiece – a “hanging” artificial satellite – instantly grabbed my attention. Surrounded by props designed to resemble a space lab, the immersive setup makes you feel like you’ve just stepped into orbit.
The Main Building
The main building houses most of the Space Center’s treasures: space artifacts, memorabilia, and interactive displays.
One standout exhibit is dedicated to the International Space Station (ISS). I had a blast with the ISS docking simulation, where you try to maneuver a crewed spacecraft to dock properly. At first, I thought it would be easy, but it turned out to be a tricky and somewhat stressful challenge. Still, it was an unforgettable experience!
Another highlight was the collection of spacesuits worn by real astronauts. On display were suits from legends like Wally Schirra (Apollo 7), John Young (Space Shuttle Columbia), and Sally Ride (the first American woman in space).
They looked incredible, though I can only imagine how uncomfortable it must have been to wear them for days at a time.
Starship Gallery
This was, hands down, my favorite part of the visit!
The Starship Gallery allows visitors to get up close with remarkable artifacts from space exploration. I spent most of my time wandering through this awe-inspiring exhibit. Here are some of the gallery’s standout attractions:
Explorer 1: A replica of the first American space satellite, launched in response to the Soviet Union’s Sputnik 1 and 2.
Apollo 17 Command Module: Seeing an actual command module used to send astronauts to the moon left me speechless. The controls and design offer a glimpse into the intense engineering behind the mission.
Skylab: A reproduction of America’s first space station from the 1970s and the ISS’s predecessor.
Visitors can step inside Skylab to check out its internal systems, complete with astronaut mannequins demonstrating how the crew ate and showered aboard.
Apollo 17 Lunar Diorama: This diorama recreates the iconic scene of the American flag “waving” on the moon’s surface. Of course, the flag isn’t actually waving – there’s no wind on the moon! Instead, astronauts Eugene Cernan and Jack Schmitt cleverly attached a horizontal bar to give the illusion of movement.
Gemini V Spacecraft: The actual spacecraft piloted by Pete Conrad in 1965, Gemini V set a spaceflight record of eight days, surpassing its predecessor Gemini IV.
Moon Rocks: The gallery’s lunar vault houses several moon rocks preserved in pure nitrogen to prevent disintegration. Visitors can admire these extraordinary samples – and even touch them!
The Tram Tour
The tram tour is one of the most sought-after attractions at the space center. It takes visitors to several NASA buildings outside the museum. Based on my research before the trip, I knew the tram filled up fast, so I made sure to book it as soon as I reached the lobby.
There are two options for the tram tour – one to the Astronaut Training Facility (ATF) and Rocket Park (which is free) and one to the Mission Control Center (which has an additional cost). I opted for the latter. The tram ride feels like a gentle stroll in a park, except that there’s plenty of cool architecture around the NASA complex to look at.
The ATF seems like a mock-up of the International Space Station, with many pieces of equipment and technology used for space exploration. But the most special part for me was seeing a humanoid robot being developed by NASA scientists and a newly rolled-out space rover we got to meet before we left the facility.
The next stop was Rocket Park. Inside its facility, I geeked out over the Saturn V rocket, which was used in the ’60s and ’70s for several moon missions. There are two more rockets outside – Little Joe II and Mercury-Redstone, both used in the early ’60s.
Tips and Recommendations when Visiting the Space Center
Here are some of my recommendations for those who plan to visit the space center.
Try the Mission Control Tram Tour: I regret not taking this option, as I’ve heard it lets visitors witness actual engineering projects by NASA scientists. So, when you visit the space center, don’t miss this tour!
Eat Before the Trip: Snacks and drinks are overpriced, so be sure to fill your stomach before you go to save money. There’s a McDonald’s (with an astronaut) near the space center, but it might take a while to reach it.
Go Early in the Day: If possible, visit as early as 10 AM so you won’t miss out on a seat in the tram tour. It can get hot outside during noon, so arriving earlier is definitely the best option.
If you want more of my travel content, check out this page about my exploration of the best speakeasy bars in Australia.
My Take on Visiting a Space Center in Houston
My entire trip to Houston’s space center lasted around five hours.
I wish I could have stayed longer, as there’s so much to discover and explore. Astronomy fans like me will undoubtedly enjoy seeing pieces of their science books come to life. The center also offers plenty of interactive displays, making it a perfect experience for curious children and the young at heart.
Houston Space Center is truly a must-see destination, and I highly recommend it. I hope to visit it again if time permits.
Houston’s Space Center – FAQs
What is the Best Time to Visit Houston’s Space Center?
I visited the space center on a weekend, so there were plenty of guests around. If you don’t mind mingling with a crowd, weekends are a good choice for visiting with family or friends.
However, holidays and summer tend to be especially busy, making it harder to book tickets. I recommend booking in advance if you plan to visit during these peak periods.
Are There Any Discounts Offered at the Houston’s Space Center?
I didn’t use any discounts when I booked my visit since there weren’t any offers available for me. However, the space center provides discounts for members, active or retired U.S. military personnel, and groups of at least 20 people.
What are Houston’s Space Center Operating Hours?
The space center opens daily at 10 AM, and the main attractions are open until around 5 PM. Additionally, a Galaxy Lights exhibit is open from 6 PM to 10 PM in the evening.
