Space Center Houston: Tickets

Space Center Houston FAQs

• Do I need to book tickets in advance for Space Center Houston?
• We always suggest booking online in advance, yes. Queues can form at the ticket office, so booking ahead helps you to avoid them.
• Is Space Center Houston Wheelchair accessible?
• Yes, Space Center Houston is wheelchair accessible.
• Is Space Center Houston a family friendly day out?
• Yes, Space Center Houston is a family friendly day out.
• What is Space Center Houston?
• Space Center Houston is the official visitor center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center. It offers exhibits, artifacts, and interactive experiences related to space exploration. It’s a great place to visit for all ages but especially for families!
• Can I see a real spacecraft at Space Center Houston?
• Yes! You can see the Apollo 17 Command Module. There is also a full-scale shuttle replica (Independence) mounted on a Boeing 747, and actual Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo-era spacecraft.
• Is Space Center Houston the same as NASA’s Johnson Space Center?
• No, but they are connected. Space Center Houston is the visitor center, while Johnson Space Center is an active NASA facility where astronauts train.
• Can I meet an astronaut at Space Center Houston?
• Yes! They have ‘Astronaut Encounter’ events where you can meet real astronauts, hear stories, and even get autographs!
• Is the NASA Tram Tour included with admission to Space Center Houston?
• Yes! The NASA Tram Tour is included in your ticket and takes you behind the scenes at Johnson Space Center, including Mission Control and the astronaut training facility.
• How long does it take to visit Space Center Houston?
• A typical visit is around 4-6 hours, but a full day is ideal to explore all exhibits, the tram tour, and interactive experiences!
• Is Space Center Houston indoors or outdoors?
• Most exhibits are indoors, but some attractions like Rocket Park, the NASA Tram Tour, and Independence Plaza are outdoors.
• What’s the best time to visit Space Center Houston?
• Weekdays, especially Tuesday to Thursday, are generally less crowded. Mornings are ideal for shorter wait times on the tram tour.

Space Center Houston Fun Facts

• Space Ship: The Shuttle Independence which is on display is mounted on a real NASA 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, making it the only one of its kind in the world!
• Saturn V: The Saturn V rocket at Rocket Park is one of only three remaining complete Saturn V rockets in existence!
• Presidential Podium: You can see the actual podium from which President John F. Kennedy delivered his famous “We choose to go to the Moon” speech in 1962!
• Aircraft: Space Center Houston is home to more than 400 space artifacts which include spacesuits, moon rocks, and flown spacecraft!
• Apollo 11: The Apollo 11 mission patch is embedded in the floor of the Star-ship Gallery which honours the first moon landing.
• Skylab 1-G Trainer: You can walk inside the original Skylab 1-G Trainer which was used to prepare astronauts for America’s first space station!
• ‍Real Meteorite: It has a real Martian meteorite that you can touch, making it one of the few places in the world where you can touch a piece of Mars!