My blog posts are delayed because Wi-Fi has not yet been fully set up where I am staying, so I am at the Livingston Public Library. This post is about my visit to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas on Sunday, June 6.
The Johnson Space Center is an affiliate of the Smithsonian, so many of the artifacts on display, like this Apollo Lunar Module, are on loan from the National Air & Space Museum.
We took the NASA Tram Tour to see the robots and giant spacecraft models at Astronaut Training Facilities, along with several rockets at Rocket Park.
The massive Saturn V rocket is housed in a shed alongside a timeline of NASA missions and a statue commemorating the astronauts of Apollo 13.
We also saw a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Unlike its predecessors, this rocket is reusable and can travel into space multiple times.
My favorite exhibit was the Space Shuttle on top of a Boeing 747 in Independence Plaza. This was the easiest way for NASA to transport the aircraft. Small, remote controlled models of the shuttle and plane were used to determine the correct angle to attach the shuttle and what maneuvers could be used while flying.
We also saw three films about space exploration: "Human Destiny", which uses NASA archival footage to give a history of American space exploration; "Down to Earth: An Astronaut's Perspective" with interviews of current and retired astronauts; and "Touch the Stars". an overview of NASA's robotic spacecraft and future plans to send humans to Mars. Additionally, we watched the live show, "New Perspectives", which explained daily life on the International Space Station (ISS).
Overall, the Johnson Space Center is a fun place to visit while in Houston, especially for people who enjoy learning about history and science. However, much of the indoor museum space is dimly lit, loud, and sometimes crowded. The films are played at a high volume. The space doesn't have a clear flow and can become overwhelming. When visiting the museum, make sure to have a plan of what you want to see and where you can meet up if your group becomes separated. Some people might want to use hearing protection or bring a small flashlight to improve their sensory experience.
Abby Epplett Rating System:
Experience: 8/10 | Accessibility: 5/10