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Guide to Visiting Space Center Houston, Texas

Last updated: December 16, 2023 . Written by Laurence Norah - 8 Comments

If you are visiting Houston in Texas, one attraction we can highly recommend you spend some time at is the Space Center Houston.

Space Center Houston is the official visitor center of the NASA Johnson Space Center, which is the home of NASA’s Mission Control and where U.S. astronauts are trained. It’s also a Smithsonian affiliate museum.

There are two main parts to a visit to the Space Center. There’s the large self-guided Space Center museum itself, which is home to numerous exhibits on space exploration and space in general.

Then there’s the tram tour, which takes you onto the grounds of the NASA Johnson Space Center facility itself, where you can see actual working government facilities, as well as historic locations like the original Mission Control room.

In this post, we’re going to share everything you need to know to make the most out of your visit to Space Center Houston, from getting there, to what to see and do, to how to save money on your ticket.

Let’s get started.

A Guide to Visiting Space Center Houston

Where is space center houston.

Space Center Houston is at 1601 E NASA Parkway. This is found around 26 miles southeast of the city center, or approximately a 30-minute drive in light traffic.

How To Get to Space Center Houston?

From Houston, the easiest way to get to Space Center Houston is to drive. You can just follow the I-45 out of the city centre, and then take exit 24, following signs for NASA. It should take around half an hour, although of course traffic can slow you down. There is a large car-parking lot on site, with a reasonable daily fee of $5 per vehicle.

During the week it is also possible to take public transport to Space Center Houston, using Bus service 249. This takes around an hour and costs $3. You can see schedules and timetables on the Houston Metro site . Public transport is not available on the weekends.

There is a Hop-on Hop-off bus service in Houston , but it does not go to the Space Center.

You can also take a taxi or ride share service like Uber. Prices will vary, but will be in the region of $30 – $60 each way depending on traffic and time of day. You can also get these back from the Space Center.

Finally, it’s also possible to take a guided tour from the city centre out to Space Center Houston. As an example, this tour includes a tour of Houston, transport to and from Space Center Houston, as well as entry to the Space Center.

How Much Does it Cost to Visit Space Center Houston?

Standard entry to Space Center Houston for an adult (12+) is $29.95 – $34.95 depending on the day and time you visit. It’s $24.95 for children (aged 4-11) and $27.95 for seniors (65+). Prices are correct as of February 2023.

There are a variety of discounts available for active and retired military with I.D., AAA members with I.D., and groups. Children 3 and under are able to enter for free.

You can see all the details of the pricing and discount eligibility on the official site here . Note, tickets bought on the official site are non-refundable. You can also buy your ticket online in advance here for the same price , with the option of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance of your visit.

You can also buy tickets in person. The price is the same, but if you print your ticket at home or download it to your mobile device, then you can skip the ticket line and go straight to the entry turnstile. This can save you a bit of time on busy days.

Space Center Houston is also included on the Houston City PASS . This can save you significant money if you plan on visiting some of the other attractions that the pass covers – up to 50% savings in fact! We found the pass very useful for our trip to Houston.

The Houston City PASS includes entry to five of Houston’s most popular attractions, but you only need to visit two or three of them for it to start saving you money.

See what it covers and buy yours in advance here . You can also buy it here with the option to cancel up to 24 hours before your trip if you need the flexibility.

Note – the CityPASS includes the standard tram tours but not the Mission Control tram tour, which is a paid extra. Last time we checked in 2023, you can upgrade on site for $15, subject to availability.

Are there different ticket types and experiences at the Space Center?

There are a number of different ticket options for Space Center. These are:

the standard ticket
the standard ticket with Mission Control Tour
the Breakfast with an Astronaut Experience
the VIP tour

The difference between these tours is reflected in the experience you have as well as the price you pay. See below for more on what each of these tickets includes and the difference between them, as well ar pricing.

Ticket types for Space Center Houston

The standard entry ticket gets you access to all the exhibits in the Space Center as well as the tram tour of NASA Johnson Space Center. This is the ticket included on the Houston City PASS . This costs $29.95 – $34.95 for an adult.

The standard entry ticket with Mission control tour . This is the same as the standard entry ticket but it also includes the Mission control tram tour. This costs an extra $15 per ticket, so for adults it varies from $44.95 – $49.95.

The breakfast with an astronaut experience. This includes your standard entry, plus, as the name suggests, you get to have a meal with an astronaut. You’ll hear stories and anecdotes from an actual NASA astronaut, plus have the opportunity to take photos.

This is only available once or twice a week, and it depends on astronaut availability. This experience needs to be booked in advance, and you can find out more here about availability and what it includes. It currently costs $99.95.

Finally, the NASA VIP Space Center Houston tour is the ultimate VIP experience, for those who want a truly unique and special experience. The highlight of this experience is a 3 hour guided tour of the NASA Johnson Space Center, giving you much more access than the tram tour.

The VIP costs $199.95, and the includes your entry to Space Centre Houston, so you have plenty of time to see everything. The tour needs to be booked in advance, which you can do here . It is only available for those aged 14 and older. Tours run twice a day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. They actually visit different locations, so you could book both for the ultimate experience!

Experiences at Space Center Houston

As well as the different ticket options, Space Center Houston also offers a variety of educational programs geared to families and children’s organizations and groups (e.g., Boy Scouts, school groups).

For example, they offer a number of overnight experiences, including a family oriented overnight experience. This gives you the opportunity to actually stay overnight at the facility, either in your own tent outside, or inside amongst the artefacts.

You can see all the upcoming events and experiences on the events page here .

Space Center Houston International Space Station Gallery

What can you do at Space Center Houston?

There is a lot to do at Space Center Houston, with over 400 space artifacts, a number of permanent and temporary exhibitions, learning experiences, theaters, and more!

Here’s a quick overview of the major attractions and activities you can enjoy at Space Center Houston. It’s not absolutely everything, but it should give you an idea of the scope of what’s on offer!

The NASA Tram Tour at Space Center Houston

This tour of the NASA Johnson Space Center takes you to some of the highlights of the Johnson Space Center, and is one of the most popular parts of a visit to the Space Center.

The tour may change depending on what’s happening at the facility and security considerations with active missions and programmes, but it normally has the option to visit one or more of the following, depending on the time of year and tram tour chosen:

The Mission Operations Control Room 2, commonly known as Mission Control, which was where the Apollo missions were coordinated from.
The Space Vehicle Mockup Facility, where astronauts train on replicas of space vehicles like the ISS.
Rocket Park, home to a Saturn V rocket (the size has to be seen to be believed) as well as a number of other rockets from different stages of the space program.

We have more detail on the tram tour in the section dedicated to taking the tram tour elsewhere in this guide.

Independence Plaza

Independence Plaza is a large space outside the main Space Center building. It is home to an actual Boeing 747 aircraft, atop which is mounted a replica space shuttle.

The 747 in question was one of two Shuttle Carrier Aircraft developed by NASA to transport the space shuttle from it secondary landing site back to the main Shuttle Landing Facility at the Kennedy Space Center.

Often, bad weather would prevent the shuttle from landing at Kennedy, and so the 747 was developed to transport it back.

At Independence Plaza you can go all the way up into the replica shuttle, as well as through the length of the 747, where there are a variety of exhibits and interactive installations, telling the story of the vehicle.

Starship Gallery

Inside the main Space Center building, one of the most impressive galleries in our opinion is the Starship Gallery.

This is home to three actual spacecraft which have flown to space, the Mercury 9 capsule, the Gemini 5 capsule, and the Apollo 17 command module.

There’s also a lunar module test vehicle, a lunar rover test vehicle, a full-scale Skylab trainer and more.

Finally, the Starship Gallery is home to an actual piece of lunar rock, which is one of only eight in the world that you are allowed to touch. Yes, you can touch a piece of the moon in the Starship Gallery!

Mission Mars

One of the newest exhibits at the Space Center is Mission Mars. This exhibit focuses on NASA’s project to ultimately send manned space missions to Mars.

It covers the various challenges that need to be overcome for that to be successful, the vehicles that are being developed to take us there, and an overview of humanity’s relationship with the red planet.

There are also galleries explaining what life on Mars might be like when we finally send people there, including the habitats, clothing, and equipment that might be used.

This is a very interactive exhibit, with lots of touchscreens and hands on opportunities. You can also touch a Mars meteorite here.

Astronaut Gallery

The astronaut gallery is a display of astronaut clothing and spacesuits that have been on real-life missions.

Some of the highlights of this gallery include Pete Conrad’s Apollo 12 suit, Michael Collins’ Apollo 11 garment, and Wally Schrira’s Apollo 7 suit.

However, there are a great many wonderful exhibits here, spanning all of NASA’s space flight programmes. There is also the crew wall, which features portraits of every NASA astronaut who has flown in space, from Alan Shepherd and Neil Armstrong up to those currently in orbit on the International Space Station.

Space Center Houston Tram Tour Mission Control

International Space Station Gallery

The International Space Station (ISS) is one of mankind’s most impressive space achievements. This massive science laboratory, which orbits the earth at over 17,000 miles per hour, is the largest structure ever built in space. It is home to astronauts from all over the world.

The ISS gallery is designed to give you a sense of what life on the ISS is like, as well as to give an insight into the sort of research and experiments that take place on the ISS.

There’s also a live daily interactive show, Living in Space, which uses the latest projection mapping technology to explain what day to day life on the ISS is like. This usually takes place 3 – 4 times a day, and you can find out showtimes for the day of your visit from the Guest Services Desk on site.

There are two main theatres at the Space Center, the Destiny Theater and the Space Center Theatre.

The Destiny Theater shows the “Human Destiny” film, which uses NASA archival footage to tell the story of how NASA was formed, followed by the story of key NASA events and accomplishments. This is around 15 minutes in duration, and plays throughout the day continuously.

This theater is also home to the lectern used by US President John F. Kennedy when he gave his seminal speech announcing his intention to land an American on the moon.

The Space Center Theater is a state of the art 4K theater, and at time of writing, is the largest 4K theater in Texas. This plays a variety of space related films, documentaries, and animations.

The best way to see what is showing in the Space Center Theater when you visit is to download the official Space Center Houston app . You can also check with the Guest Services desk when you arrive for showtimes.

Entry to both theaters is included with your standard admission ticket.

Mission Briefing Center

If you want to know what’s happening in the world of space exploration right now, you’ll want to head to the Mission Briefing Center.

Here, there are daily presentations on current NASA missions, with real-time updates on progress and events, both in space and on earth.

This is a wonderful way to find out what’s happening right now in NASA, plus the live briefing finishes with a Q&A with the mission briefing officer, so you can ask your own questions and find out about the things that really interest you.

The content of the briefings changes, but they usually run three times a day and last for 30 minutes. Times for the briefings are displayed at the entrance to the Mission Briefing Center, as well as on the daily schedule in the map and guide you will receive. You can also ask at Guest Services for timings.

Ah yes, the gift shops! You definitely don’t want to leave the Space Center without picking up some sort of memorabilia of your trip, be that a t-shirt, a toy, or some astronaut ice cream.

There’s one major gift shop at the Space Center, as well as a smaller gift shop near the tram departure area. We noticed that these do carry slightly different items, so do check both of them.

One tip – don’t leave your shopping until the last minute. A lot of people do this, as we did, and there tends to be a mad rush for the tills right at the end of the day. So perhaps head over to the gift shop at least an hour before closing so you can browse and check out at a more leisurely pace.

That’s just some of what is on offer at the Space Center Houston. As well as all the above, there are also regularly changing and updated temporary exhibits. So you definitely won’t run out of fun things to see and do!

How Long do you Need at Space Center Houston?

As you can see from all the things to do at Space Center Houston, you could easily spend a full day here.

We would suggest spending a minimum of 3 – 4 hours here, which will give you time to see some of the highlights and take a tram tour.

However, ideally you would plan to spend the full day here so as to have time to see and do everything without feeling rushed.

There’s a huge amount to see and do, especially when you consider the tram tour, films, interactive exhibits, and so on, and you should make the most of your ticket.

Do you Need to do the Tram Tour at Space Center Houston?

The tram tour at Space Center Houston is not mandatory and you can spend your time just exploring the museum.

However, if you have not visited the Space Center before and taken the tram tour, we would definitely recommend doing it as it is one of the highlights of the experience.

There are three options for the tram tour, depending on your interest. Two of these are included on your entry ticket whilst the third requires an additional fee payable when you book.

The tram tours are as follows:

George W.S. Abbey Rocket Park Tour. Visits the Rocket Park where the Saturn V rocket can be found. Included on general admission, requires boarding pass (book on arrival with staff members at Guest Services Desk or with free app ).
Astronaut Training Facility Tour. As well as Rocket Park, this tour also visits the Astronaut Training Facility to see where NASA astronauts train. Included on general admission, requires boarding pass (book on arrival with staff members at Guest Services Desk or with free app ).
Historic Mission Control tour. This tour visit the actual mission control where NASA co-ordinated all the Apollo missions. It also includes Rocket Park. This tour has an additional fee and must be booked in advance when purchasing your general admission ticket. When you book you will choose a timeslot. If you are visiting with a CityPASS , you can pay $15 on site to upgrade to the Mission Control Tram Tour, subject to availability.

Of the tours, personally, I would pick the Mission Control tour as it’s such an iconic location. However, if you don’t want to pay the extra I would opt for the Astronaut Training Facility Tour as it includes Rocket Park.

Note that when we visited Mission Control it was being done up for the 50th anniversary of the Apollo landings, so this image isn’t representative of the experience you will have, however I did want to share it as I still though the consoles looked pretty cool – even in plastic wrap!

If you want, you can actually take multiple tram tours. However, as the tours last 90 minutes to 2 hours, this will use up a lot of the day.

Note also that the locations the trams visit can vary depending on operational schedules and other factors.

The Mission Control tour has pre-booked timed slots which you select when you book your admission ticket.

If you are not taking the Mission Control tram (or are visiting with a CityPASS and want to upgrade to the Mission Control tram), then we would suggest that you make booking your tram tour the first thing you do on arrival.

To take a tram tour, you need a timed boarding pass. You can either get this from the Guest Services desk at the entrance, or you can download the free Space Center Houston app and book that way.

Note that if you take the VIP tour, you have your own private minivan tour of the NASA Johnson Space Center.

Tram tours normally run from fifteen minutes after the Space Center opens, and run every 20 minutes, until 2 hours before closing. For example. if the Space Center closes at 5pm, the last tram will depart at 3pm.

We highly recommend checking times and booking your boarding pass for the tram as soon as you arrive, so you can be sure not to miss out.

Once you have booked the tram tour, you can explore the remainder of the museum at your own leisure until it is time to board.

What are the Highlights of Space Center Houston?

If you are visiting the Space Center for a limited amount of time, you might be wondering what the best way to make the most of your time would be.

If it was me, my priority would be to take the tram tour over anything else. That’s because this is a really unique experience that you can’t get anywhere else.

The museum and all the exhibits are also excellent. However, if we had to pick some favourites for your visit, we’s suggest you visit:

Independence Plaza, home to the world’s only shuttle replica, which is mounted on an actual shuttle carrying 747 aircraft
The original Apollo 17 Command Module, which has flown to the moon. This is in the Starship Gallery
The moon rock exhibit where you can actually touch a piece of moon rock. This is also in the Starship Gallery
The gift shop, because it’s awesome!

Ideally though you will be able to see and do a lot more than the above.

Is Food Available at Space Center Houston?

Yes, food is available for purchase at the Space Center. The dining area is called the Zero-G diner, and it has a range of food options from sandwiches and vegetarian options through to grilled food, burgers, and pizzas.

Food is not included on your entry ticket unless you have the lunch with an astronaut tour pre-booked, in which case you will have lunch served in a different location.

The Zero G diner does offer a 10% discount to Space Center Houston members, members of the U.S. military, and senior citizens. Be sure to present your I.D. before ordering to claim any discounts.

Is there an Audio Tour of Space Center Houston?

Space Center Houston offers the Space Center App for smartphones. This includes an audio tour, GPS maps of the location, AR experiences, and more.

This is available as a free download for both Android and Apple smartphones. You can find the correct link here .

We’d highly recommend getting this in advance of your visit, and remembering to bring a pair of headphones so you can take full advantage of it.

Up until 2018 there was a separate audio guide that was purchasable for a fee, however this is no longer offered as an option.

Is Space Center Houston Accessible?

Space Center Houston has made great efforts to provide a fully accessible experience across a range of accessibility needs.

In terms of general physical accessibility, all the exhibitions, theaters and tours are fully accessible to wheelchair users. There are also wheelchairs available on site on a first come first served basis.

Beyond physical accessibility, there are a number of other accessibility features, including events and programs for autism and sensory accessibility, deaf and hard of hearing accessibility and visual accessibility. Service animals, as defined by the ADA and Texas laws, are also permitted.

There’s an excellent page on the official Space Center website here , all about the various accessibility options and programmes available. We’d also recommend you reach our directly to the Space Center with any accessibility questions or needs you may have prior to your visit if you have any further queries.

Other Attractions near Space Center Houston

Space Center Houston is around 30 – 40 minutes drive south east of Houston, so you might be wondering if there are other attractions in the area.

The closest attraction which is popular with visitors to Houston, which is also covered on the Houston City PASS , is the Kemah Boardwalk . This is a large boardwalk which is home to a number of amusement rides, games, restaurants, and attractions. A great place for families.

You can either visit here yourself with a car, or you can take a tour from Houston that includes both the Space Center and Kemah Boardwalk like this .

For more inspiration on other things to do near the Space Center and in Houston in general, see our guide to things to do in Houston .

How Busy is Space Center Houston?

The Space Center is one of the most popular attractions in Houston, and as such it does get quite busy. The busiest times are on holidays, weekends, and during the summer.

If possible, we’d advise visiting outside of these times. During the busiest times, there can be long wait times for the tram tour in particular.

In addition, the Space Center is popular with school groups. These visit throughout the year, but the main months are March, April, and May.

These can definitely raise the volume level in the Space Center, and make it much busier, so bear this in mind if visiting during these months.

Space Center Houston Tram Tour infopoint

Opening Hours for Space Center Houston

Space Center Houston is open year round except on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Standard opening times are from 10am – 5pm, however during busy times they can open at 9am, and close at 6pm.

You can see a full day by day schedule of opening hours on the official website here . Note that opening hours are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, although this is rare.

Contact Information for Space Center Houston

If you want to contact the Space Center, you have a few options. First, most of your questions should be answered on their website, which you can see here .

If you still have questions about your visit, you can contact the Space Center by e-mail or phone.

Contact e-mail addresses are [email protected] or [email protected] . The phone number is +1 281-244-2100.

In my experience, e-mail was the fastest way to reach them for specific queries. The phone line has a number of automated response options with ticketing information and prices, but I wasn’t personally able to reach a human. E-mail responses on the other hand were fast and accurate.

Our Experience Visiting Space Center Houston

We visited Space Center Houston mid-week in late September, which turned out to be a great option as it was not too busy. The first thing we did was visit the tram tour info point, where we learnt the tram schedule for the day.

It was obvious when we visited the info point that there weren’t going to be major lines for the tram on the day of our visit.

This isn’t always the case of course, and at busy times the lines for the tram can be much longer – we were just lucky!

In addition, as we were lucky to be visiting on a quieter day, the tram was scheduled to visit all the highlights, so we didn’t have to pick a tram route.

We decided to come back to around 15 minutes in advance of a departure and spend some time exploring some of the exhibits. We visited the ISS display, the Starship Gallery, and the Mission to Mars exhibit.

Then, it was time for the tram ride. As previously mentioned, there are usually different tram routes to choose from, but the day we visited it was less busy and so they were running a combined tour. This means we got to visit Mission Control, the astronaut training center, and the Rocket Park, which was pretty awesome.

The tram ride took just under two hours, and was the definite highlight of our experience. Seeing the historic Mission Control room, which was home to so many important moments in the space programme, was really something special. And this was despite much of it being covered in wrapping due to refurbishment!

We also enjoyed seeing the huge astronaut training center, but I have to say, the Rocket Park was something else. There’s nothing quite like being up close to a Saturn V rocket to give you an idea of the scale of these vehicles.

We were lucky enough to visit the US Space and Rocket Center whilst attending Space Camp in Huntsville Alabama , which is home to two more Saturn V rockets, and they were just as impressive!

Finally, after the tram tour, we visited the remainder of the main sights we wanted to see. The Independence Plaza was definitely a highlight – being able to get up inside one of the actual 747 shuttle carrier aircraft was a real experience, and seeing the scale of the shuttle against the 747 was amazing.

Tours of Space Center Houston

If you are visiting Houston and would prefer to take a tour that includes the Space Center, we’ve found the following two options for you to consider. These both include entry to the Space Center, return transport, plus some time exploring Houston itself.

The first option is this 6 hour tour of Houston which also includes transport to and from Space Center Houston, as well as entry and a tour of the city
The second option is this longer full day tour which includes a 1.5 hour tour of Houston, as well as time at the Space Centre and the Kemah Boardwalk.

Hopefully one of those tours might work for you!

Where to stay near Space Center Houston

If you plan on spending a full day at Space Center Houston, as we recommend that you do, then you might prefer to stay near the Space Center. This means you can be first in the door when it opens, and maximise your time.

We’ve found a number of accommodation options near the Space Center, at a variety of price points.

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham – This well rated budget 2* hotel is the closest option to the Space Center – it’s less than ten minutes walk across to the Space Center. There’s free on-site parking, work desks in the rooms, private bathrooms, and continental breakfast is included.
Super 8 by Wyndham – Another well rated 2* property, this one is just a mile from Space Centre Houston. Rooms have private bathroom and coffee makers, there’s free parking, and continental breakfast is included.
Best Western Webster – Another highly rated budget 2* property (there’s no shortage of choice in this area). Found 10 minutes drive from the Space Center. Rooms have refrigerators and microwaves, as well as work space. Parking is free and breakfast is also included.
Springhill Suites Houston – A well rated 3* hotel around 6 minutes drive from the Space Center. Rooms are all suites with separate living areas as well as a refrigerator and microwave. Breakfast and parking are included, and laundry / gym services are offered.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott – Found 2 miles from the Space Center, this well-rated 3* property offers self-catering suites which include a microwave, oven, stove and refrigerator. There’s also a gym, pool, and jacuzzi. Breakfast and parking are also available on site.
Holiday Inn Kemah – If you want a hotel near the Kemah Boardwalk, this well rated 3* option would be our pick. It’s within walking distance from the boardwalk, and rooms feature microwaves, fridges, and tea/coffee making facilities. Free parking is included, and breakfast is optional.

Between these options we hope you will find something to suit your needs and budget.

There are 8 comments on this post

Please scroll to the end to leave a comment

Maryam Boone says

25th February 2023 at 2:34 am

Your information was EXCELLENT! I’ve lived in Houston for 2 years now but haven’t had a chance to visit the Space Center -even though I’ve driven past it going to Galveston several times. My daughter and son-in-law are coming to visit and we are going this weekend. I had viewed the Space Center’s website last month but still had a few questions. Your information answered all of my questions and was much, much better than the Space Center’s site! Thank you so much for giving such detailed and informative information. If this is the type of information you provide about other attractions you visit, then these attractions should pay you for the excellent information you provide!

Laurence Norah says

25th February 2023 at 6:07 am

Hey Maryam,

Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and let me know! It’s much appreciated 🙂 I hope you guys have an awesome visit to the Space Center! I’d love to hear how it goes, and if you notice anything there that isn’t quite right in my guide, feel free to let me know 🙂

Philip Baker says

12th March 2021 at 10:48 am

Hi, thinking of having a holiday in Texas march 22 if they let us fly from UK and was looking on Google maps for places to visit, two days later your site popped up on my phone, must say best travel site I have seen. Phil

12th March 2021 at 10:59 am

Thanks so much Phil, that’s very kind of you to take the time to let us know! I hope you are able to take advantage of our tips on a trip to Texas, and if you have any questions, just let me know 🙂

Kurt Peterson says

27th October 2019 at 1:24 am

Laurence and Jessica, Thank you for the great piece on The Space Center in Houston. My wife and I are looking forward to our visit in mid November. We have been privileged to have had the opportunity to visit both The Kennedy Space Center and the NASA facility in Huntsville. We are throughly excited about seeing the ‘real’ mission control room. Seeing the Saturn 5 rocket is always pretty amazing. Thanks again, Kurt and Veronica Peterson

27th October 2019 at 1:57 pm

Our pleasure Kurt! Have an amazing time, and do let us know how you enjoy it compared to the other locations you’ve visited 😀

Sesh Komanduri says

13th August 2019 at 11:43 am

Excellent write-up, Jessica and Laurence. I finally found the guide I was looking for!! One quick question. Is it easy to get a Uber/lyft on the way back from the Space Center to downtown? I want to use that option rather than a standard tour so that I have maximum time at the Center and return as per my convenience. But dont want to get stranded there without transport!!

13th August 2019 at 12:05 pm

So we’ve not personally done this ride with Uber or Lyft, but looking at what other travellers have said and checking the Uber app, it does look like it shouldn’t be a problem 🙂

Have a great time!

Space Center Houston Visitor Center of Johnson Space Center

Space Center Houston is the Official Visitors Center of NASA's Johnson Space Center, which is the home of astronaut training and Mission Control. SCH is the only place in the world where visitors can see astronauts train for missions, touch a real moon rock, land a shuttle, and take a behind-the-scenes tour of NASA.

Space Center Houston

NASA Johnson Space Center and Space Center Houston: The Complete Guide

NASA is determined to get another man—and the first woman—on the moon by 2024, and Johnson Space Center (JSC) is one of the places that’s making it happen. For more than half a century, this sprawling, 100-building research and development complex just outside Houston has led the nation in scientific, engineering, medical, and technical advances that have shaped space-related travel—and is jettisoning it into the future. The only way the public can visit the complex—including the newly restored Mission Control Center, appearing exactly as it did on July 20, 1969, when the first lunar landing was monitored from here—is via Space Center Houston, the center’s official visitor center. Here you’ll enjoy a state-of-the-art museum , arrange a tram tour, visit the replica space shuttle Independence , plus purchase tickets for special experiences.

It all started when John F. Kennedy stated to Congress in 1961: “We choose to go to the moon.” The Manned Spacecraft Center opened in 1963 (it was renamed in 1973 to honor the 36th president), kicking off a four-decades-old-and-counting legacy of “design, development, and operation of human space flight.”

JSC is where astronauts are selected and trained. This is where Gemini, Apollo, and Skylab were run, and where International Space Station missions are still being run. And this is where Orion—the new spacecraft to send humans to the moon and Mars—is operating. Today, the center remains one of NASA’s largest research and development facilities.

Space Center Houston opened in 1992 as the public arm of Johnson Space Center, a world-class, 250,000-square-foot space with exhibits, real-life space artifacts, and lunar models. Disney Imagineers helped design the concepts, ensuring an entertaining yet educational aspect. Since then, Space Center Houston has welcomed more than 20 million visitors.

What to See and Do

Space Center Houston is your starting point, where you’ll get your tickets, enjoy artifact-filled galleries, films, and live demonstrations, and hop on the popular NASA tram tour of the JSC complex. You could spend all day here—and should allocate at least six hours to do it justice. Your experience can be enhanced with add-ons, including a VIP NASA experience and lunch with an astronaut.

Your first stop at the museum should be Destiny Theater and the film, “Human Destiny,” which provides an overview of many of the artifacts that you’ll be seeing.

From here, seek out the Starship Gallery, where the chronology of U.S. space travel showcases the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo eras. Among the ships and vehicles on display are the Apollo 17 command module, the last Apollo mission to the moon; a lunar roving trainer, which astronauts used to practice driving a rover on the moon; and the lunar module LTA-8, which transported astronauts to and from the spacecraft to the lunar surface. Look for the Gene Kranz Apollo 17 Vest, worn by the iconic flight director known for wearing colorful vests handmade by his wife. Nearby in the Lunar Samples Vault, you can touch a real-life rock from the moon, one of only eight rocks in the world that are allowed to be touched.

Astronaut Gallery delves into the life of an astronaut, displaying different spacesuits and garments from the Gemini, Apollo, and Shuttle eras, including Sally Ride’s inflight coveralls, Michael Collins’ Apollo 11 garment, and John Young’s STS-1 suit. A portrait gallery on the wall memorializes every NASA astronaut who has flown in space.

Mars is on the forefront of NASA’s goals, and the Mission Mars Gallery explores the work that’s going on to make travel there happen. Here you climb into a replica Orion capsule, the vehicle that which will transport astronauts to the moon and beyond, and learn about the intricacies of travel to the red planet—and living there. You can also touch a real-life Mars rock.

In the International Space Station Gallery, showcasing the largest structure built in space (as long as a football field!), you’ll see real-life artifacts and interactive robotic exhibits that bring the International Space Station to life. You’ll also learn about the day-to-day life on this giant space laboratory.

At Independence Plaza, a replica of the Independence Space Shuttle sits atop the original NASA 905 shuttle carrier aircraft. And not only is it amazing to look at, but you can climb inside the shuttle, where exhibits delve into the history and future of space exploration. Here you’ll get a feel for what it was like to live in this very functional, gadget-filled space. Hint: It’s not very glamorous, but it’s technically astounding. You can also explore inside the original airplane.

The pièce de résistance, however, is the popular, one-hour NASA Tram Tour , which takes you on a behind-the-scenes look at the JSC campus. This is the actual working space of scientists, engineers, technicians, and astronauts who are imagining and striving for the next space journeys. You have two choices of tours, depending on what you want to see.

The Astronaut Training Facility Tour includes a visit to the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility in Building 9, where astronauts train and scientists and engineers work and invent; you’ll see ISS replicas, the Orion capsule, and other new NASA projects.
The Mission Control Center Tour takes you to the newly restored Apollo Mission Control Center, from which the Gemini and Apollo missions were managed—including the first famous moon walk.

On some weekends and holidays, another option is to visit the current Mission Control, where the International Space Station activities are monitored.

How to Visit

Johnson Space Center and Space Center Houston are located about 30 minutes from downtown Houston . Space Center Houston, Johnson Space Center’s visitor center, is open daily except Christmas. For specific hours, visit the website . One-day passes are $29.95 for adults, $24.95 for children (ages 4 to 11), and $27.95 for seniors (65+). There’s also a $5 fee for parking.

An audio option, narrated by astronauts, is available at the Information Desk for $36 for adults and $31 for children.

When you purchase your ticket, you will be given time slots for the NASA tram tour of the JSC and to visit Independence Plaza, both of which are included in your ticket price. These are your hard stops, when you must visit at your appointed times. In between those visits, stroll through the museum’s spacious galleries, enjoy films, see what lectures are going on, dine at Zero-G Diner, and take it all in.

Additional ticket options include the Level 9 VIP Tour, which provides behind-the-scenes access to the Johnson Space Center ($179.95; must be at least 14 to participate); and Lunch with an Astronaut ($69.95 for adults, $35.95 for children ages 4 to 11; includes admission to Space Center Houston), in which an astronaut shares a catered lunch while telling his or her stories and answering questions.

Tips for Visiting

You can skip the line by buying tickets online , ahead of your visit.
If you become a member, which costs just a few dollars more than the ticket price, you’ll get priority boarding on the NASA Tram Tour .
Most visitors come on weekends, holidays, and summer. If you want a more relaxed experience, visit off-season or arrive as early as possible during high season.
Space Center Houston is part of CityPass Houston ($59 for adults, $49 for children), which includes admission to four other city attractions.
Seasonal exhibits are often offered in the Main Plaza, in front Space Center Houston, and live shows take place on the outdoor Stellar Science Stage.

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U.S. News Insider Tip: Though not located near downtown Houston, this daytrip is worth the effort to rent a car, especially if you're staying in Houston for a few days. NASA fans should arrive early for the tram tour. – Catherine Parker, Contributor, Travel

"Houston, we've had a problem." Most Americans have heard of the infamous phrase uttered by the Apollo 13 crew when it encountered a spacecraft explosion mid-flight on its way to the moon (or the modified "Apollo 13" movie version, "Houston, we have a problem"). The astronauts were communicating with Mission Control at this NASA space center, about 25 miles southeast of downtown Houston.

Established in 1961, the Johnson Space Center is NASA's manned spacecraft center, the hub for the astronaut corps and the home to International Space Station Mission operations. The 1,700-acre complex has been an integral part of NASA operations since the Mercury program and still operates as one of the country's major space centers for personnel training, research and more. Travelers interested in learning a little more about NASA and the Johnson Space Center's history can check out the official NASA visitor center adjacent to the facility, Space Center Houston, one of the top things to do in Texas .

The sprawling 250,000-square-foot educational complex and space museum invites visitors to explore more than 400 space artifacts, including the world's largest collection of moon rocks. Visitors can explore Space Center Houston's interactive exhibits, as well as learn about the current human spaceflight program in "The Artemis Exhibit." Other attractions include the "Mission Mars" exhibit, which offers visitors the chance to touch a Mars rock. Other interactive elements include a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket booster; exhibits of spacesuits, Mission Control tours and the International Space Station Gallery. Visitors can also explore the interior of a replica space shuttle that's mounted on top of the original NASA 905 shuttle carrier aircraft. NASA enthusiasts will want to reserve a spot on the behind-the-scenes tram tour of the Johnson Space Center (included in admission, though tram space is limited).

Recent visitors raved about the most popular attraction, a narrated tram tour that explores some of the most interesting aspects of the space center and grounds. Several reviewers suggested reserving your tram ticket as soon as possible since spots fill up fast. Visitors say the facility is especially fun for families with older children; some reviewers reported restless toddlers and suggested waiting until your kids are old enough to understand the tours and informational films.

Located about 25 miles southeast of downtown Houston, Space Center Houston is generally open on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., but check the website for specific seasonal hours. The center provides detailed itineraries so guests can get the most of their visit. Those visiting several museums and attractions can save money on admission by purchasing Houston's CityPASS, otherwise, tickets cost $29.95 for adults (12 and older), $27.95 for seniors and $24.95 for children ages 4 to 11; kids 3 and younger can enter for free. Ample parking is available on-site and costs $10. VIP tours and a "breakfast with an astronaut" experience are available for additional fees.

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Things to do around space center houston.

Ignite your curiosity at Space Center Houston, the official visitor center of NASA Johnson Space Center. In the top experience, the NASA Tram Tour, discover NASA Johnson Space Center and get a behind-the-scenes look at human space exploration. Tour iconic locations like Mission Control, Rocket Park - home to the massive Saturn V rocket, and astronaut training facilities like the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility.

But there’s a lot more to see and do in the 250,000-square-foot complex. Explore some of our favorite exhibits and experiences below.

Starship Gallery

Independence plaza, international space station gallery, mission mars, astronaut gallery, films and live presentations, special exhibits, events and experiences.

Starship Gallery at Space Center Houston is home to multiple flown spacecraft and national treasures. Get an up-close look at some of the most amazing artifacts that trace the progression of human space exploration. See the Apollo 17 Command Module from the last mission to the Moon, walk inside the Skylab-1G Trainer where astronauts first trained for extended life in space, touch a Moon rock and more.

Independence Plaza , presented by Boeing, is an international landmark offering an experience like nothing else in the world. Go inside the high-fidelity shuttle replica Independence, mounted on top of the historic and original NASA 905 shuttle carrier aircraft. Explore the shuttle era and its impact on current and future exploration through vibrant videos, displays and interactives.

The International Space Station Gallery at Space Center Houston provides a dynamic look inside the space station – from interactive live shows to a Robonaut and even actual flown space station artifacts. Celebrate the 20 th anniversary of continuous human habitation aboard the space station this year at Space Center Houston.

Discover what it takes to travel to Mars, what hardware will get us to the fourth planet in our solar system and how humans may live on the red planet in the next few decades in the interactive exhibit, Mission Mars . Launch a bottle rocket, experience an Orion spacecraft launch in a simulator, and touch a Mars meteorite.

Astronaut Gallery is home to one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of astronaut apparel and spacesuits. See a diverse collection of spacesuits used for everything from training flights to spacewalks on the Moon. See the spacesuit Pete Conrad wore on the Moon during the Apollo 12 mission, the isolation garment Michael Collins wore returning to Earth after the Apollo 11 mission, Sally Ride’s inflight coveralls, and more!

Hear NASA mission updates in the Mission Briefing Center, learn how astronauts live aboard the International Space Station in the Living in Space presentation, relive NASA's historic journey in Destiny Theater, and watch a space documentary on one of the largest screens in Texas.

There’s always something new at Space Center Houston. We bring in three traveling exhibits throughout the year to give guests new science and space learning opportunities. We also host special events and celebrations year round including SCH's ongoing Thought Leader Series, presented by UTMB.

Bonus: Galaxy Lights

If you happen to be visiting during the winter, you'll have an opportunity to experience Space Center Houston's holiday lights display, Galaxy Lights! 2019 was the first year for Galaxy Lights and we had the pleasure of taking a tour. Take a peek!

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How to Visit Nasa in Houston, Texas

Best things to explore in Houston is the Nasa Space Center, Texas USA. It is also the official visitor centre of Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Nasa Houston Opening Hours

Mon – Fri – 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sat – Sun – 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Parking facility is available right in the front of Johnson Space Center.

Visitors can either buy Nasa tickets online or right from the ticket window at the space center entrance. But it is advisable to buy tickets online as there are many other things which you can choose online from the comfort of your home.

What to Expect at Nasa Johnson Space Centre

After entering the space center you will see the guest service center where you will get all information regarding the visitor center and tram tickets.

According to Space Center Houston website the visitor center was opened in 1992.

This model of astronaut was looking so real as if we are up there in space.

The visitors here get to know about different space activities and also get to explore space exhibits and artifacts.

There are more than 400 space exhibits, artifacts and models which visitors can experience.

We ventured into the Star Ship Gallery first where we saw many varities of space suits which were wore by the astronauts in different missions.

We explored the shuttle orbitor crew seat as well as the flight ejection seat.

We saw special moon watches which were wore by the astronauts during their moon mission. After that we witnessed the Apolo Soyuz Docking Module Trainer.

After that we went to explore the Skylab 1-G Trainer exibit. tThis habitable spacecraft was designed to develop methods of living and working in space for long periods. It was also equipped with solar telescopes and served as a experiment station or laboratory to analyse how human body adapts to long duration exposure to a microgravity environment.

After seeing there living condition inside the spaceship It made me think that how difficult conditions were there in a spacecraft for the astronauts.

We also saw Mercury 9 Faith 7 spacecraft along with fuel cell which is a kind of battery in a spacecraft.

We explored the Lunar Rover Mission exibit which was too good and it feels like we were actually on the surface of the moon. The Lunar Rover was equipped with a TV camera, which recorded the astronauts’ exploration of the Moon.

There are many space activities in Nasa for not only children but for adults too. Visitors can check out minerals which are brought from moon and can also get to touch both moon and mars rock pieces. Also visitors can check their weight on mars too.

Nasa Tram Tours

The special feature of Houston Nasa Center is their Tram Tours. Visitors have to collect their Tram boarding pass from the guest center.

There are three types of Tram Tours at NASA Johnson Space Center Houston .

Historic Mission Control Tour
Astronaut Training Facility Tour
George W.S. Abbey Rocket Park Tour

The Historic Mission Control Tour is not included in general admission ticket. This tour can only be purchased as an add-on experience to your general admission tickets.

The Astronaut Training Facility Tour and George W.S. Abbey Rocket Park Tour is included in the cost of general admission.

The above tours can only be explored by the NASA Tram Tours only.

Since 1980, every NASA astronaut has walked the floors of the Astronaut Training Facility at NASA Johnson Space Center.

At Rocket Park we saw the Saturn V rocket which is the tallest, heaviest and most powerful rocket ever flown. From 1967 to 1973 Saturn V rocket have launched 26 astronauts into space with six successful missions landing men on the Moon.

After Tram Tour we visited the Independence Plaza.

Visitors can enter the shuttle replica Independence, mounted on top of the historic and original NASA 905 shuttle carrier aircraft, and then explore the giant plane. The weight of shuttle carrier aircraft NASA 905 is 159-ton

The shuttle independence weight is 80-ton which is mounted on the top of the boeing aircraft. You will find many activites inside the aircraft. The visitors can begin their journey through the shuttle era by taking the elevator to the top of Independence Plaza to explore the shuttle replica Independence.

After exploring the shuttle we went again to the main building and saw NASA crew portraits where we saw Indian origin Late Kalpana Chawla who was the part of the Columbia Mission which unfortunately broke up catastrophically over north-central Texas while it was returning from an orbital mission.

After that we explored the Mission Briefing Center where retired astronauts shred their space experiences. Visitors will also get to see Nasa Documentaries and other Space Technology movies in the Destiny Theatre which should not be missed.

Visitors can also explore virtual space rides but they are paid service.

After a long tour if you are feeling hungry then there is a food court available here. Visitors can order their food from koisk’s available there.

There are two gift centers here where you can purchase memorabilia, t-shirts, caps and other articles for you memories.

For more information do watch the Nasa Full Tour video below. And do subscribe our youtube channel.

Do check the Johnson Space Center website for ticket booking

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How To Visit Starbase

Perhaps the most watched place in the space industry, Starbase, is the home of SpaceX’s Starship development and testing. Ten of thousands have made the trek to the southern tip of Texas with one goal: seeing SpaceX’s massive Starship rocket in person from just a few feet away. However, even more have spent hours and days watching live-streams and looking at photos of Starbase dreaming of what it may be like there.

The purpose of this article, in companion to Everyday Astronaut’s video on YouTube, is to provide the most comprehensive rundown of Starbase; the “dos and don’ts”, the things that must be done, and tips and tricks on how to navigate Starbase safely and effectively. Here you will find all the information, but for those who prefer to read. It can also act as a quick reference when you arrive at Starbase one day.

Where And What Is Starbase?

Starbase, located very near to Boca Chica, can be found in the southern most part of the state of Texas, United States. Texas, which borders Mexico, is also home to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, but that is much further north.

Starbase is where SpaceX has done the development, testing, tweaking, and blowing up of their next rocket, Starship, the worlds largest and most powerful rocket. The town where Starbase is located was originally called Kennedy Shores. After a hurricane it was renamed Kopernik Shores, and most recently known as Boca Chica. Brownsville is the nearest city to Starbase at about 32 km (20 miles). Compared to the 187,000 people in Brownsville, only a few homes remain in Boca Chica on the barren wildlife refuge.

South Padre Island and Port Isabel are the closest inhabitable areas, but it would take nearly twice as long to get there than to Brownsville. This is because they are on barrier islands with limited access.

In 2014, SpaceX began purchasing land in the area for what was originally Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy testing. Despite some ground work, the next four years remained fairly uneventful. In 2018, a stainless steel water tower, or so people thought, emerged on the flat landscape. This water tower came to be Starhopper, a Raptor engine testing vehicle.

Since the first high altitude flights in late-2020 to mid-2021 which began with SN8, SpaceX has put an increased focus on booster and orbital ship development. Because of the increased cadence, more infrastructure such as bays and tents have seen the site grow exponentially.

The location and ease of access to the Starbase surrounding area has enabled close watch of nearly every move SpaceX makes as they develop Starship. While SpaceX does not want to block access to Boca Chica Beach, there’s no guarantee how long the largely open and public access will last in light of safety concerns related to launches and landings. It’s safe to say that waiting might not be the best option.

boca chica beach, starbase, spacex, launch pad

Tour Of Starbase

There are three main locations around Starbase where the activity happens; the production site, the launch site, and the structural test site (formerly Massey’s Gun Range). The production site is where both the ship and booster are manufactured and produced. The launch site, as the name implies, is where rockets are launched in addition to where engine tests and some other tests are performed. The structural test site is where other testing occurs, however there is not much to see at the structural test site from the available viewing areas.

Production Site

As of publication, the production site has three distinguishable buildings that rise high above the rest. The Midbay, High Bay, and Mega Bay (Wide Bay), act as rocket houses. The High and Mega Bays both have cranes on the top that allow large pieces of the rockets to be lifted into place and stacked on top of one another. A new building is currently being built called “Starfactory”, which will replace the three temporary production tents.

Near to the Mega Bay is a group of rockets, either used and retired, or never flown. This area is commonly referred to as the “Rocket Garden”. The vehicles in the Rocket Garden change very frequently as they are retired, scrapped, or held until testing.

Also located in that area is an Air Separator Unit (ASU) that can generate oxygen, nitrogen, and argon. This is also where some large shipments are received and where some heavy lifting equipment lies. In front of all of this is the gigantic and iconic “S T A R B A S E” sign.

These approximately 2.5 m (8 ft) tall illuminated letters are the first thing visible from the side of the road. It is a very popular space to stop and take photos, especially at night when the sign is illuminated. You can easily park on the rocks in front of the sign to hop out and take a photo.

In addition to these are the buildings that have been there since the beginning. Originally built by the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Stargate, is now owned by SpaceX and acts as their launch control. The building is an office building with space for desks and computers, meeting rooms, and other spaces where an old Merlin and Raptor engine can be found.

Further down the road toward the ocean is the solar farm. Next to the solar farm are two tracking dishes that were purchased from NASA. Behind that is Boca Chica Village, which mostly includes houses owned by SpaceX to house employees.

On the corner, before the long road to the launch pad, is a private restaurant. The outside seating area is covered in flaps from the Mk 1 Starship prototype. Only employees are able to eat here and at the adjacent food trucks. Across the street is a large building known as the payload processing facility, which is currently used for Starlink, but could be used for other payloads in the future.

Launch Site

After traveling down the nearly three kilometer (two miles) barren stretch of road, the launch site quickly fills the landscape. The launch site consists of three launch pads, two suborbital pads and one orbital pad.

Before arriving at the launch site, pulling off the road before it curves gives the unique view of Suborbital Pad A, on the right, and Suborbital Pad B, on the left. The black and white tanks are the Suborbital Tank Farm and house the propellants for both pads.

Traveling further down the road leads to an up close view of Starhopper, the first vehicle to take flight in south Texas. It has now been repurposed to host radar equipment, cameras, and speakers to provide announcements at the pad. The main gate is shortly after that and provides a sometimes unobstructed view of the Orbital Launch Table. This is where nearly everything goes in and out of the launch site.

orbital launch pad, tank farm, mechazilla, orbital launch mount, starbase, spacex

The Orbital Launch Pad is the table and the very large 120 m (400 ft) tall tower with chopstick arms on it. This is where fully assembled and stacked Starship/SuperHeavy rockets will launch from. Next to the Orbital Launch Pad are eight cylinders which together make the Orbital Tank Farm. Some of these house water, while others house the propellants, oxygen and methane.

Where And Where NOT To Go At Starbase

The number one rule comes as an obvious one: wherever there is a sign indicating SpaceX property, don’t go past it. Roads are public and the land just off the road is generally public too. SpaceX property is almost always clearly indicated.

To play it safe, anytime you’re stopping to look, always park on the opposite side of the road from SpaceX property. For example, at the production site, park on the south side of the road and do not cross the road by foot. It’s important to remember that Highway 4 is a highway and has fast moving cars, so be careful pulling off, merging, and navigating the side of the roadway.

Remedios Ave gives the closest access to any rockets. By parking on Highway 4 and walking down to the Rocket Garden, you can get very close to whatever rockets may be there. As of publication, Remedios is still a public road. However, this may not last long, so be sure to check any signs before proceeding.

Any parking on SpaceX property and around the restaurant are not for public parking and reserved for employees. At the launch site, there is also a parking lot, but again for employees only. Pulling off on the side of the road opposite SpaceX property (the north side) is allowed.

However, areas near the beach can become hazardous very quickly. The sand level and depth can change daily leaving dozens of cars stuck. Only drive down the beach if your vehicle has all-wheel drive and tires that can handle deep sand. Another option is to park on the side of the road before the beach and walk up and down the beach to get new angles of the launch site.

On launch day, there is a large area around the entirety of Boca Chica Beach, Starbase, and Highway 4 called the exclusion zone or “keep out zone”. Nobody from the general public is allowed in this area during alunch preparations and activities. There are also designated spots on the water in the channel for mariners to watch the launch from.

spacex, starship, orbital test flight, exclusion zone

Rules, Tips, And What To Bring

In this case, it could be helpful to think of Starbase as a desert with very little to no amenities around. There are no public restrooms or gas stations to fill up on snacks and water. Before leaving for Starbase, take the time to stop at a gas station and get everything listed below.

Lots of water and food
Hat, Sunglasses

Hydration is key, but that does not mean just drinking water while at Starbase. Before heading out the day before, ensure you drink plenty of water to maintain hydration.

General Rules

While some rules may sound like common sense, others may come as a surprise. It’s important to follow these rules closely to stay out of trouble and make it so others can get this close to the worlds biggest and most powerful rocket too.

Don’t litter
No crossing the river into Mexico. Matamoros is dangerous.

Overall a simple list to follow, but serious consequences can result otherwise. Starbase can be a fun place when safety and health are put first. The rockets do not need sunscreen.

Watching A Launch

Unlike Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Starbase has only been around in recent history and has never seen an orbital launch. This means that the infrastructure for the public to watch launches from Starbase is largely non-existent. An important note is that Highway 4 is completely closed on the day of a launch, so no members of the public will be able to travel down on launch day.

The only exception to this is Rocket Ranch . Rocket Ranch has a ranch where guests can stay in little Airstreams or their own RVs. They have an outpost further down Highway 4 that provides the closest viewing possible, however they are currently sold out of these tickets for the first Orbital Flight Test.

The next closest place is Isla Blanca Park on the southern tip of South Padre Island. To enter, they charge $12 cash, exact change not necessary. This can and will get very crowded on launch day, so it’s best to arrive a little early. Only a certain number of cars are allowed per day, but there is public parking at the Visitors Center and other spots further north.

Port Isabel is another spot to watch from. It is located before crossing the bridge on South Padre Island. The bridge itself is NOT a viewing location. There are very few direct views of the pad from Port Isabel due to the private residences in gated communities.

However, on Highway 48, which is the road to Port Isabel/South Padre Island, there are a few pull off spots like the Jamie J Zapata boat ramp. A reminder, Mexico is not an option due to the dangerous nature of Matamoros.

What To Bring

In general, it’s smart to envision any of these viewing locations just like Starbase. It will be just as hot and humid and the same precautions still exist. Sunscreen is a must and an umbrella may be beneficial to provide shade will be beneficial. Bathrooms will generally be closer, but due to the number of people trying to see a launch, the lines can be long and you may be at risk of losing your viewing spot.

A camera with a telephoto lens or binoculars are also good items to help with viewing. Starship/SuperHeavy will not leave a contrail, so it will mainly be visible as a large silver tube flying through the sky. While binoculars are not necessary, they could help enhance your viewing experiance.

How To Get To Starbase

This section will discuss how to get to Starbase by ground. Flying is covered in the next section and can be more complicated than driving. The best, and nearly only, way to get to Starbase is in a personal vehicle, either a rental car or your own car. Utilization of a GPS would be helpful here; just typing in “Starbase”, “Boca Chica Beach”, or “Boca Chica” should result in the same path as there is only one way to get there.

A specific address would be 1 LBJ Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78521, which is the restaurant. Although it’s not open to the public, it is an address to navigate to. It is possible to use a rideshare option like Uber or Lyft, but drivers are scarce and, once out there, getting between the launch site and production site is difficult. Additionally, the cost of the long drive might end up costing more than renting a car.

Border Checkpoint

While trekking out to Starbase, shortly after leaving Brownsville city limits, is a border check point. Although there is no border crossing at the checkpoint, due to the proximity to the border and the shallow depth of the Rio Grande near the beach, the United States Border Patrol keeps a station there.

Going out to Starbase, a stop will not be necessary. However, when returning to Brownsville from Starbase every vehicle will be stopped and questioned. The questions are generally very simple, “Are you a U.S. citizen?” and “Is there anyone else in the vehicle?” Answer these honestly and you will be sent on your way without problem. If there is a shift change at Starbase, the line will get very backed up. So in the morning and afternoon, keep this in mind.

For U.S. citizens, a drivers license will act as a form of ID. International travelers should have travel documents and their passport. The border patrol officers do not always ask for documentation, but will on occasion.

Flying To Starbase

There are three main airports that all provide good options for flying into south Texas and then driving to Brownsville. Some are easier and cheaper to get to than others, but may be further away.

BRO, or Brownsville, is the closest option and is relatively near to Starbase given it’s location on the outskirts of Brownsville. As of publication, you must either first fly to Dallas or Houston and get a connecting flight to Brownsville. In May of 2023, Avelo Airlines will offer direct flights to Brownsville from Orlando and Los Angeles.

HRL, or Valley International Airport in Harlingen, Texas, is also a good option, but requires a bit more of a drive, about an hour to Starbase. Depending on demand, HRL can be cheaper and have more rental car options.

MFE, or McAllen International Airport in McAllen, Texas, is about to an hour and a half from Starbase. Generally, MFE shares similar options and availability to HRL, but it’s an option nonetheless.

Flying from oversees might mean spending more time in Texas. In this case, it may be possible to save money and drive from a city like Austin, San Antonio, or Houston. Houston, of course, is where Johnson Space Center is located. Visitors can spend a day at Space Center Houston, which has interactive activities and a great museum.

Do not rely on rental cars being available at Brownsville or some of the airports in the Rio Grande Valley, so check carefully, especially around times of peak travel.

Where To Stay

There are numerous options for places to stay depending on the type of traveler you are. Some types include campers, luxury, adventure seekers, budget, and families. During times of peak travel and lots of activity, some options may be more available than others.

South Padre Island/Port Isabel

South Padre Island, or SPI, has a host of good options for those who want to see rockets, but also make a vacation in south Texas. SPI is host to a variety of restaurants, hotel options, and adventure experiences like dolphin tours. The dolphin tours are a good way to see the launch site from a unique perspective.

dolphin tour spi, starbase, spacex, staship

Margaritaville, formerly known as “The Pearl”, is a good option to have a pool, beach access, and a potential view of the rocket. The rooms are spacious and can accommodate a family easily. In order to have a good view of launch, getting a room on the south side about five floors up or higher is best. This is where Tim Dodd, the Everyday Astronaut, livestreamed SN8 and SN9 from!

SN8 livestream, everyday astronaut, margaritaville hotel, starbase

Holiday Inn is a similar option to Margaritaville in terms of rooms and amenities, but does not offer balconies to view the pad from. Its proximity to the bridge enables easy access to the mainland and avoids a lot of the northern island congestion.

Hilton Garden Inn is located much further up north on the island and also does not have a good view of the launch pad. However, it offers great amenities and was recently renovated.

Lighthouse Cafe and Hotel in downtown Port Isabel is also a good option. It avoids the bridge, which means less traffic. The hotel also offers gelato and snacks and is within good walking distance from local and chain restaurants.

Casa Rosa Inn is another option in the Port Isabel area. Alternatives to this are AirBnBs and other spots for rent, so keep looking if these hotel options don’t suit you perfectly.

Those who enjoy camping can try and secure a spot at Isla Blanca Park on the southern tip of SPI.

Brownsville

Brownsville is home to most major hotel brands, but a lot of them are located on the highway and too far to walk to restaurants. They are, however, closer to Starbase by about 20 to 30 minutes. Generally, these hotels are cheaper than what can be found on SPI.

Rocket Ranch

Rocket Ranch is about as close as possible for anyone from the public to stay. There are small campers for individuals and they also offer spots for people with RVs to park and stay. Above all, the community at Rocket Ranch is full of more rocket loving people and will be a great welcome to south Texas. So far, they have hosted thousands of people and even more have booked stays.

In addition to a place to stay, they also offer bus tours to Starbase. These tours have been operating for a while, and will provide rich knowledge and history of Starbase.

When To Book Your Trip

Timing is everything and timing with a rocket test program is nearly impossible. Even SpaceX sometimes does not know when they will launch until just a week before. Generally, trying to book as close to a launch as possible is best.

Sometimes, booking less than five days in advance will yield the best results, but sometimes that is not possible. Oftentimes these launches will see many delays before actually flying, so it might be best to book for a week and be prepared to stay longer if that’s possible.

There is no exact answer for when to book, but it’s best to wait until as late as possible and be prepared to change dates. Read hotel and flight cancellation policies closely before booking.

Indicators of a launch could be FAA and FCC Licensing, road closures, beach closures, Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), maritime notices, and of course, an official statement from SpaceX. All of the latest can be found in Everyday Astronaut’s live updates article .

Where To Eat

South Padre Island and Port Isable have a variety of eating options from fresh sea food, to vegetarian, to acai, and even Starbase themed resturants. Each recommendation below is linked to their site which has more information.

Ceviche Ceviche
Russo’s Pizza
Berry Divine on SPI and Beach Bowls on Port Isabel
Hopper Haus

russo's pizzeria, kohnami, south padre island

The proximity to Mexico means that there is an abundance of tacos. There are many local restaurants in Brownsville that sell local taco styles, like street tacos. Additionally, like SPI, there are nmerous types of resturants with different price points. There are also typical fast food chains on every corner, so if you are looking for something familiar, it is there.

Ultima Taco
La Villa Taqueria y Yogufrut
Veggie Del Sol
Terra’s Urban Kitchen
Dodici Pizza

What Else Besides Starbase?

Before Starbase, South Padre Island was a popular vacation spot. The beach that runs along the island is great for typical beach activities, especially surfing. For surfing lessons, South Padre Surf Company has a local staff that are great instructors. Different parts of the island have different severity of waves, which makes it appealing to all skill levels.

Additionally, there are dolphin tours on both SPI and Port Isabel that will venture out into the channel and ocean to see dolphins leap from the water.

Also on the island is Gravity Park , an amusement part that features Go-Karts and other rides. Fishing and bird watch tours and boats are very common and leave from Port Isabel/SPI.

STARSociety hosts many stargazing events and STEM events for kids.

The Art Lounge on SPI has space themed art including a piece from Inspiration 4 Astronaut Dr. Sian Proctor .

Located in Brownsville is Gladys Porter Zoo , which has bike trails and coffee.

Overall, this article gives the most comprehensive overview of Starbase, how to visit, how to get there, and what to do there. Bookmark this tab so you can reference it when you make it down there! If you have any questions, leave them in the comments or email the author.

spacex, starbase, launch site, south padre island

Great content, thanks Tim!

Boca Chica Starbase looks rather haphazardly designed, without much forethought of master planning. Thats sad and very inefficient, since poor design always has much higher costs and greater redundancy. Even the Starship design looks overly simplistic and wastes on functionality minimalist design approach. Maybe this is just prioritized stuff to get the buzz lighted.

Great job perfect timing thank you!

do u like taylor swift?

Thanks Tim. You provide a valuable service to both novice and expert alike. Good luck on your upcoming adventure.

Awesome overview Tim! I called Rocket Ranch, and they have 11 acres for camping, so that seems to be always available if you bring your own tent. And they have beer and restrooms 🙂

Hay Tim, you didn’t mention phone or internet coverage about Starbase and SPI, how is that??

A great topic for a deep dive would be safety of SH/ST launch to the public. You mentioned some viewing zones at about 5 miles from the launch pad, the size of the exclusion zone radius. Interview someone not from from SpaceX with expertise on rocket launch exclusion zones on the safety of the SH/ST launch. Five miles is likely not to be adequate if there is an explosion.

Also, the Mexican border is inside this safety zone. If Mexican citizens are injured by a SH/ST explosion SpaceX could create an international incident.

Robert Clark

Please remove if not allowed, but my husband and I rent a condo on SPI -> https://www.vrbo.com/1406811 It’s centrally located close to restaurants, bars and fun activities. It’s a 10 minute drive to Channel View Rd to see the launchpad from the bottom of SPI!

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Johnson Celebrates New Opportunities for Space Industry in Texas

NASA’s Johnson Space Center was recently involved in two major announcements with important implications for the future of space exploration and the aerospace industry.

On Feb. 29, 2024, NASA announced that the American Center for Manufacturing and Innovation (ACMI) signed an agreement to become a tenant at Johnson’s 240-acre Exploration Park. ACMI will lease a portion of the underutilized land to develop a Space Systems Campus that enables commercial and defense space manufacturing. The campus will incorporate an applied research facility partnered with multiple stakeholders across academia, state and local government, the Department of Defense, and regional economic development organizations.

NASA signed a separate lease with the Texas A&M University System earlier this year. Both agreements represent key achievements for Johnson’s Dare | Unite | Explore , with commitments focused on maintaining the center’s position as the hub of human spaceflight, developing strategic partnerships, and paving the way for a thriving space economy.

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Johnson Center Director Vanessa Wyche shared the news at the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership’s aerospace advisory committee meeting on March 6, emphasizing the agreement’s value to NASA, the State of Texas, and the nation. “At JSC, we have a vision to dare to expand frontiers and unite with our partners to explore for the benefit of all humanity. Today’s announcement is a significant component of bringing that vision to fruition,” she said. “The future of Texas’ legacy in aerospace is bright as Exploration Park will create an unparalleled aerospace, economic, business development, research and innovation region across the state.”

Texas’ role in space exploration and aerospace development was also highlighted during Governor Greg Abbott’s visit to Johnson on March 26. Abbott toured the Mission Control Center and spoke to native Texan and NASA astronaut Loral O’Hara aboard the International Space Station before joining Wyche and other state leaders to announce the launch of the Texas Space Commission and the Texas Aerospace Research and Space Economy Consortium. Speaking to media in Johnson’s Space Vehicle Mockup Facility, Abbott said that these new entities will promote innovation in the fields of space exploration and commercial aerospace, including by identifying research and development opportunities.

A white man with gray hair, wearing a blue suit, and sitting in a wheelchair receives a framed honorarium from a Black woman wearing a black suit and white button-down shirt.

“We are so excited for what the Texas Space Commission will bring to the state of Texas and the flourishing aerospace industry here,” said Wyche. “With continued investment in the region, the Texas economy will benefit significantly from the ancillary job creation and growth resulting from new aerospace companies in the state.”

Several former NASA employees were named to the Commission’s inaugural board of directors and the Consortium’s first executive committee. They include Kathy Lueders, John Shannon, Kirk Shireman, Matt Ondler, Robert Ambrose, Brian Freedman, and former astronauts Nancy Currie-Gregg and Jack “2fish” Fischer.

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A new NASA mission is testing a new way to navigate our solar system by hoisting its sail into space – not to catch the wind, but the propulsive power of sunlight.

NASA’s Advanced Composite Solar Sail System is led by the agency’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley. The microwave oven-sized CubeSat is scheduled to launch aboard a Rocket Lab Electron rocket from the company’s Launch Complex 1 on the Mahia Peninsula of New Zealand. The launch window opens at 3 p.m. PDT on Tuesday, April 23 (10 p.m. UTC). Successful deployment and operation of the solar sail’s lightweight composite booms will prove the capability and open the door to larger scale missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

Once it arrives in its orbit, roughly 600 miles above Earth, the CubeSat will deploy a lightweight sunlight-powered composite solar sail system that measures more than 800 square feet. Much like a sailboat uses wind to traverse the ocean, the solar sail technology will use the pressure of sunlight to travel through space and perform a series of maneuvers to demonstrate orbit raising and lowering. Throughout the demonstration, the spacecraft may be visible to the naked eye in the night sky.

Media interested in scheduling an interview with one of the NASA Ames engineers involved with the development of the CubeSat should email the NASA Ames Office of Communications at [email protected] .

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1601 E NASA Parkway, Houston, TX 77058. OPERATING HOURS. GET TICKETS. FIND A HOTEL. Space Center Houston, NASA Johnson Space Center's Visitor Center and Houston's only Smithsonian Affiliate museum, inspires wonder in space exploration.
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Visit Space Center Houston and immerse yourself in the past, present and future of space exploration. ... OSIRIS-REx Sample. Immerse yourself in the story of this miraculous and meticulous NASA mission! See the sample NASA plucked from the 4.5 billion-year-old asteroid Bennu and delivered to Earth in 2023. ... Dive into the Texas musical ...
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Jennifer Scott Williams is the Assistant to the Center Director for Technical Integration. She began her NASA career in 2001 working as a Space Shuttle flight controller in the Instrumentation and Communications Group. She went on to work in the Minority University Research and Education Program, the International Space Station Program.
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Space Center Houston, the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center, is Houston's No. 1 attraction for international visitors and the first Smithsonian Affiliate in the greater Houston area. Discover the exciting future and remarkable past of America's human spaceflight program set among the largest collection of space artifacts in the southwestern United States.
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How to Visit. Johnson Space Center and Space Center Houston are located about 30 minutes from downtown Houston. Space Center Houston, Johnson Space Center's visitor center, is open daily except Christmas. For specific hours, visit the website. One-day passes are $29.95 for adults, $24.95 for children (ages 4 to 11), and $27.95 for seniors (65+).
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The Apollo 17 command module America is on exhibit at the Space Center. Space Center Houston is a science museum that serves as the official visitor center of NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. It was designated a Smithsonian Affiliate museum in 2014. The organization is owned by NASA, and operated under a contract by the nonprofit Manned Spaceflight Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3 ...
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It's hard to top what you'll see at Space Center Houston. Its home to the international landmark Independence Plaza, where visitors enter both the original NASA 905 shuttle carrier aircraft and a shuttle replica mounted on top. Enter Starship Gallery to see the Apollo 17 capsule used in the last lunar landing, spacesuits, moon rocks and more.
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Space Center Houston, the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center, is Houston's No. 1 attraction for international visitors and the first Smithsonian Affiliate in the greater Houston area. Discover the exciting future and remarkable past of America's human spaceflight program set among the largest collection of space artifacts in the southwestern United States.
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Closed now. 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Write a review. About. Located in the heart of NASA's spaceflight program, Space Center Houston is a must-visit for fans of space exploration. With more than 400 space-related artefacts and numerous interactive exhibitions, you can easily spend a whole day learning about NASA's history and current work.
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NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston will host a Tuesday, March 26, visit by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who will make a major announcement on the future of the space industry in Texas. Media are invited to document the governor's tour of NASA's Mission Control Center when he speaks with native Texan and NASA astronaut Loral O'Hara ...
How To Visit Starbase
When visiting Starbase, make sure that whenever you stop you do so on the opposite side of SpaceX property. (Credit: Everyday Astronaut) Remedios Ave gives the closest access to any rockets. By parking on Highway 4 and walking down to the Rocket Garden, you can get very close to whatever rockets may be there.
Johnson Celebrates New Opportunities for Space Industry in Texas
"The future of Texas' legacy in aerospace is bright as Exploration Park will create an unparalleled aerospace, economic, business development, research and innovation region across the state." Texas' role in space exploration and aerospace development was also highlighted during Governor Greg Abbott's visit to Johnson on March 26.
About Us
The cornerstone of its education mission is Space Center Houston, a leading science and space exploration learning center. It is one of Houston's top attractions, the area's No. 1 attraction for international visitors, the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center and a Smithsonian Affiliate. Since opening in 1992, Space Center ...
The Crackdown on Student Protesters
The Crackdown on Student Protesters. Columbia University is at the center of a growing showdown over the war in Gaza and the limits of free speech. April 25, 2024, 6:00 a.m. ET. Share full article ...
NASA Centers and Facilities
Centers and Facilities. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is America's civil space program and the global leader in space exploration. Located across the U.S., the agency has a diverse workforce of just under 18,000 civil servants, and works with many more U.S. contractors, academia, and international and commercial partners ...
NASA Invites Media to Learn About New Tech Mission Powered by the Sun
Rachel Hoover. Ames Research Center, Silicon Valley, Calif. 650-604-4789. [email protected]. A new NASA mission is testing a new way to navigate our solar system by hoisting its sail into space - not to catch the wind, but the propulsive power of.

Guide to Visiting Space Center Houston, Texas

A Guide to Visiting Space Center Houston

How To Get to Space Center Houston?

How Much Does it Cost to Visit Space Center Houston?

Are there different ticket types and experiences at the Space Center?

Ticket types for Space Center Houston

Experiences at Space Center Houston

What can you do at Space Center Houston?

The NASA Tram Tour at Space Center Houston

Independence Plaza

Starship Gallery

Mission Mars

Astronaut Gallery

International Space Station Gallery

Mission Briefing Center

How Long do you Need at Space Center Houston?

Do you Need to do the Tram Tour at Space Center Houston?

What are the Highlights of Space Center Houston?

Is Food Available at Space Center Houston?

Is there an Audio Tour of Space Center Houston?

Is Space Center Houston Accessible?

Other Attractions near Space Center Houston

How Busy is Space Center Houston?

Opening Hours for Space Center Houston

Contact Information for Space Center Houston

Our Experience Visiting Space Center Houston

Tours of Space Center Houston

Where to stay near Space Center Houston

Further Reading

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Space Center Houston Visitor Center of Johnson Space Center

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Starlink Group 6-52 | Falcon 9 Block 5

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How To Visit Starbase

Where And What Is Starbase?

Tour Of Starbase

Production Site

Launch Site

Where And Where NOT To Go At Starbase

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General Rules

Watching A Launch