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apollonaut. Built by People Who've Been

Journal / History

History, human spaceflight & heritage

Home of Mission Control.
A centre for visitors.

The story behind Space Center Houston, from NASA’s Manned Spacecraft Center to the shuttle on its carrier aircraft.

The Apollo-era Mission Operation Control Room 2 at the Johnson Space Center
The Apollo-era Mission Operation Control Room 2 at the Johnson Space Center.

The Manned Spacecraft Center

NASA’s Manned Spacecraft Center was formally established in Houston on 1 November 1961, and the site south-east of the city opened for work in September 1963. In June 1965 its Mission Control was fully operational for the Gemini 4 flight. On 19 February 1973 the centre was renamed the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center.

The Apollo 17 command module America on display, lit from inside
The main hall of Space Center Houston, with exhibits and a large screen

A centre for visitors

Space Center Houston opened on 16 October 1992 as the official visitor centre of the Johnson Space Center. It is run by a non-profit organisation, the Manned Space Flight Education Foundation, and became a Smithsonian Affiliate in 2014.

A shuttle on its carrier

In 2014 the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft NASA 905 was moved to the centre, and in August that year the full-size shuttle replica Independence was lifted onto its back. Independence Plaza opened to the public on 23 January 2016; visitors can go inside both.

The Space Shuttle replica Independence mounted on the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft NASA 905 at Independence Plaza

Continue exploring

The Space Shuttle replica Independence mounted on the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft NASA 905 at Independence PlazaIndependence PlazaA shuttle on a jumbo jet.The Saturn V rocket lying on its side inside the Rocket Park building at the Johnson Space CenterWhat to see at Space Center HoustonSpacecraft, tram tours and a Saturn V.Plan your visit

The Apollonaut collection

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