A state-of-the-art education and entertainment complex that serves as the visitor center for NASA/Johnson Space Center (JSC). Billed as "The Closest Thing To Space On Earth," the Center provides an adventure into the past, present, and future of NASA's manned space flight program with interactive exhibits, a large-format film, and behind-the-scenes tram tours of JSC, home of America's astronauts. Original space hardware, such as a Mercury capsule, Gemini spacecraft, and Apollo 17 command module are displayed in simulated natural settings. Try on space helmets, touch a moon rock, operate computer simulators to practice landing a shuttle or retrieving a satellite, or participate in demonstrations of how astronauts eat, sleep, and handle routine tasks while living in space. Up-to-the-minute information about space flight and training activities provided through special monitors and presentations. Open Mon. - Fri. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (till 7 p.m. during summer); Sat., Sun., and holidays, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Located 20 miles southeast of downtown Houston, 3 miles east of I-45 on NASA Road 1. Admission.
