Features and Highlights of Space Center Houston

Pepsi's Kids Space Place: Children who have always dreamed of commanding the space shuttle, walking on the moon or living in the space station can have their dreams come true at Kids Space Place, a $1.2 million attraction area providing kids of all ages a place to explore the different aspects of space exploration and the manned space flight program.

Within 17 different interactive play areas, guests can ride across the moon's surface on the Lunar Rover, direct the space shuttle, space station or Apollo capsule from Mission Kidtrol, build a rocket and test its "blast-off" ability, and feel what it's like to "jump" on the moon in the lunar jumper.

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Mission Status Center: The space program truly comes alive for guests in Mission Status Center, where Mission Briefing Officers provide live updates on current space flights and astronaut training activities. Guests also have the opportunity to listen in on communications between Mission Control and astronaut crews aboard the space shuttle. With live video, visitors can get a behind-the-scenes look at what is going on at Johnson Space Center, watch astronauts train for missions, or see a shuttle launch via satellite link from Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

The Feel of Space: This hands-on area features 24 interactive computer simulators, where guests can test their skills at landing the shuttle or retrieving a satellite ( utilizing technology similar to what the astronauts use in training. In space, the Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU) gives astronauts free movement outside the shuttle. At Space Center Houston, the MMU trainer simulates the same free movement using an air-bearing floor, while a volunteer "repairs" a satellite.

The Living in Space module takes guests inside astronaut quarters to show what it would be like to eat, work and live in space. A Mission Briefing Officer gets help from an audience participant to demonstrate how the astronauts handle routine activities - like showering, exercising, sleeping and preparing meals - in space.

Starship Gallery: The Journey into Starship Gallery begins in Destiny Theater, where the 13-minute riveting feature film, On Human Destiny, shows highlights of great moments in space exploration. From Destiny Theater, guests can explore Starship Gallery, which takes them back to the early days of space exploration.

Artifacts and hardware on display include an original model of the Goddard Rocket, the actual MA-9 "Faith-7" Mercury Capsule, the Gemini 5 Spacecraft, a Lunar Module Trainer and the giant Skylab Trainer. Visitors also can touch a moon rock in the Lunar Samples Vault, which is the largest exhibit of moon rocks on earth.

IMAX® Theater: This 580-seat theater features a huge, five-story screen where visitors can see exciting IMAX® films free!

Astronaut Gallery: Located outside Space Center Theater, Astronaut Gallery showcases spacesuits dating back to the first American trip into space. Spacesuits from every era of manned space exploration can be seen, including Pete Conrad's suit from his Apollo 12 mission to the moon and Dick Covey's Hawaiian shirt worn on STS-26.

Chevron NASA Tram Tour: This 90-minute tour takes guests on a guided, behind-the-scenes trip to NASA/Johnson Space Center. Tour stops include several NASA facilities, including Mission Control, the Vacuum Chamber, the X-38 Development Building, the Mock-up and Integration Laboratory, the Space Environment Simulation Facility and Rocket Park. Guests also can tour the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, where astronauts train for space shuttle and ISS missions in a 6.5-million gallon "pool."

It's a place most people can only imagine and where few humans have ever explored...space. But there's one place on Earth that can take anyone on an amazing journey, where they can experience the majestic adventures of space - Space Center Houston.

Space Center Houston brings to life the awesome achievements of American's space program, from its dramatic history to its compelling future. So put on your space helmet and blast off to the most exciting, fun adventure in this galaxy, which includes live shows and presentations, interactive exhibits and attractions, Texas' largest IMAX ® theater, behind-the-scenes tours to NASA's Johnson Space Center and much more.

You enter the facility through Space Center Plaza, a breathtaking, enormous five-story atrium. Located in the Plaza is a full-size mock-up of the space shuttle, where guests can take an up-close look at the mid-deck and flight deck of America's modern day spacecraft. Suspended from the ceiling is an actual Lunar Excursion Module Trainer used to train Apollo astronauts for their historic landings on the moon. All the Center's other major attractions open up into the Plaza. In addition to its permanent attractions and artifacts, Space Center Houston also hosts new exhibits in the Plaza throughout the year, offering guests new adventures with every visit.

The Permanent Attractions:

Visitor Information: Space Center Houston is located adjacent to Johnson Space Center, approximately 20 miles south of downtown Houston via I-45. Admission is $13.95 for adults and $9.95 for children 4 to 11 years of age. Children under 4 are admitted free. The price for senior citizens age 65 and over is $12.95. Groups of 15 or more may receive a discount by calling in advance. Qualifying school groups also can obtain special rates.

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Space Center Houston is open seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Winter hours (Labor Day to Memorial Day) are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends. Holiday hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Center is closed only on Christmas day.

Membership Program: Guests can enjoy Space Center Houston for an entire year with a membership. As part of the Center's membership program, the Individual level is available for $29.95, and the Family level is $59.95. For more information on the membership program and its benefits, call (281)283-7774.