NASA Tram Tour

Have you always wanted to see where the Astronauts work? Now’s your chance. No, it’s not outer space, but it is NASA’s Johnson Space Center! Go behind the scenes on the NASA Tram Tour and you will have the opportunity to get an up close look at real NASA facilities! Home of the Astronauts and Mission Control, NASA’s Johnson Space Center is sure to show you an out of this world experience. Who knows, maybe you’ll even work there one day! Trams are available on a first-come, first-served basis, seat 100 people per tram, and are wheelchair accessible. Tours take approximately 90 minutes to complete and depart approximately every 20-60 minutes. (Check the tram schedule on the day of your visit).

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Starship Gallery

Come touch the moon! Did you know that Space Center Houston is one of only 3 places in the entire world where you can touch a real live moon rock! Well, I guess the rock’s not alive, but it is real and over 3.8 billion years old! Start your journey through the history of manned space flight with “On Human Destiny”, a 15-minute film highlighting the great moments of the space program. After the film, enter Starship Gallery where you can see real space craft, touch that cool moon rock, and walk through America’s first space station, Skylab. This attraction is a must-see for any visit. Starship Gallery is rated a #1 attraction and will surely be a highlight of your field trip! Film shows every 30 minutes beginning at 10:15. Allow approximately 30-45 minutes for this attraction.

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Living in Space

Have you ever wondered how the Astronauts go the bathroom in space? How can Astronauts sleep on the ceiling? Living in Space will answer these questions and more! This live presentation demonstrates what daily life is like on the International Space Station. At Living in Space you will learn all about how the Astronauts live, eat, work, exercise, sleep, and even go to the bathroom in space! Shows are every hour on the half-hour starting at 11:30. Allow approximately 25 minutes for this attraction.

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Blast Off! Theater

3-2-1 Blast off! Experience the sight, sound, and feel of a real shuttle launch! This multi-sensory experience gives you just a hint of what a shuttle launch is truly like. Following your blast off experience, get caught up on your space knowledge and learn what those Astronauts are doing up there. A live Mission Briefing Officer will brief you on the current Mars, Space Shuttle and Space Station missions. Bring your questions because our Mission Briefing Officers are a wealth of space information and would be glad to answer your questions! Shows start every hour on the half hour most days beginning at 11:00. Allow approximately 30 minutes for this attraction.

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Northrop Grumman Theater

WOW! Did you know that this is the largest screen theater in Texas? At five-stories high, this theater brings you into the middle of the action! Featuring our signature film To Be an Astronaut and Inside the International Space Station, this theater is sure to give your students a thrill. To Be an Astronaut is all about…you guessed it…how to be an Astronaut! This film explores the experience of being an Astronaut from selection all the way to flying in space. Inside the International Space Station explores this international collaboration in space, which is truly a wonder of modern technology and space construction that orbits Earth at 17,500 miles per hour 200 miles above the surface of Earth! To Be an Astronaut shows daily at 10:30, 12:30, 2:30, and 4:30 and lasts 25 minutes. International Space Station shows daily at 11:30, 1:30, and 3:30 and last 50 minutes.

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Kids Space Place & Martian Matrix

Kids Space Place was designed for children of all ages who have always dreamed of experiencing the same things Astronauts do in space. This attraction offers 14 exciting areas with 31 interactive hands-on exhibits! Experience what it’s like to operate robots on Mars from the ISS! Become a planetary weight lifter or a rocket scientist! Your students will have fun here and they won’t even know they’re (shhh…) learning. For the safety of all visitors, students measuring above 56” in height are not allowed inside the Martian Matrix, but are welcome to enjoy the Kids Space Place section. No specific show time. Open continuously under normal conditions.

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Space Shuttle Mock-up

Have you ever wondered what it looks like inside the Space Shuttle? Climb aboard to get a close-up look at the flight deck and mid-deck of the space shuttle. The Space Shuttle high-fidelity mock-up was designed by Astronaut Charles Bolden and provides you an opportunity to see where and how the Astronauts live and work while in space. Students get the feel of what it would be like to be on board an actual shuttle. While you’re in the Shuttle, try to imagine what it would be like to spend 2 weeks in there with 6 of your students! Better choose wisely! Also, try to see if you can figure out which tire is real! Teachers: this is also the home of the Educator Resource Center! Allow 10-15 minutes to complete. No specific show time. Open continuously under normal operating conditions.

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Manned Maneuvering Unit Trainer (MMU)

Experience the feel of working in a frictionless environment as you attempt to retrieve and repair a satellite while maneuvering on an air-bearing floor. Race against time as you attempt to perform the necessary commands and re-dock before you run out of fuel and are lost in space forever! Astronauts use this same method to train for their Extra Vehicular Activities (EVA). Get ready to train like the Astronauts! Allow approximately 5 minutes per person. No specific show time. Open continuously under normal conditions.

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Astronaut Gallery

This unparalleled exhibit outside Northrop Grumman Theater features the world’s best collection of space suits. Look for your favorite Astronaut on the wall of fame at the back of Astronaut Gallery. This wall contains portraits and crew photos of every US Astronaut who has ever flown in space!

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Partial Task Trainers

Think you can land the shuttle? It’s not as easy as it looks and these PTT’s will put you to the test. Land the shuttle via simulation, learn about orbital mechanics and rendezvous with the ISS. NASA Spin-offs booths also catch you up on all the great things that have come from the space program and benefit life on Earth every day. Allow 5-10 minutes per trainer. No specific show time. Open continuously under normal conditions.

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Plaza Exhibits

Don't miss the exciting and interactive plaza exhibits that are sure to add fun to your visit. These exhibits provide hands-on activities for students and teachers alike. Plaza exhibits make each visit to Space Center Houston unique. Plaza exhibits change 3 times a year. Summer 2008: "Daredevil Island" exhibit May 24th - September 1st. Check the "What's New" page for the latest exhibit information.

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Morphis Simulator Ride and Lunar Lander 2020

Did you know we are going back to the moon? Let’s send your students there! Get them ready with the Lunar Lander 2020. You can also check out the Morphis Simulator Ride, which changes its films out seasonally. These attractions are available for an additional charge of $4 per person.

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International Space Station Exhibit

Students can go on a tour of the International Space Station by highlighting different parts of the space station at this interactive exhibit. Students will also have the opportunity to complete different activities in the Space Station Simulation Exhibit.

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