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NASA Policies Regarding Visitors

Glenn Research Center hangar as viewed from the front
The aircraft hangar at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland.
Credits: NASA

NASA is committed to maintaining the security of our personnel, property and information, as well as our visitors. The following policies have been established for your protection. Visiting NASA’s Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field and the Neil Armstrong Test Facility for tours or events requires advanced registration and/or advanced sponsorship by a NASA employee for access. The NASA Glenn Visitor Center at the Great Lakes Science Center located in downtown Cleveland, Ohio is open to the public without sponsorship.

Identification

All visitors age 18 and over (including bus drivers) are required to present one form of current government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. Visitors should check with their sponsor prior to arrival to ensure they have proper identification.

Foreign National Visitors

A foreign national is any person who is not a U.S. citizen. Scheduled public tours are only open to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, also known as “green card holders.”  Foreign nationals scheduled to visit NASA shall work with their NASA sponsor prior to arrival for approval through the International Visit Coordinator and for visiting instructions.

Inspection Notice

All vehicles entering NASA are subject to vehicle inspection, which can be conducted at any entry or exit point, or during continued presence on both Lewis Field and the Neil Armstrong Test Facility. If a driver refuses to consent or chooses to terminate the inspection, the driver will be advised he or she cannot re-enter NASA without a vehicle inspection.

Prohibited Items

Items prohibited at NASA Glenn Research Center include any item prohibited by any applicable federal, state, local and tribal law and/or ordinance; as well as firearms, dangerous weapons, explosives or other destructive devices (including their individual parts or components) designed, redesigned, used, intended for use or readily converted to cause injury, death or property damage. This list applies to all facility occupants, contractors, and the visiting public.  Visitors and employees are responsible for knowing the contents of their vehicle when driving on federal property.

Under federal law, 18 United States Code Section 930, it is illegal to have a firearm in a building or part of a building owned or leased by the federal government where federal employees are regularly present to  perform their duties. Therefore, Concealed Carry permits cannot be honored.

Traffic and Parking

Visitors are required to comply with State of Ohio traffic laws and NASA traffic and parking laws and regulations. Due to safety concerns, regulations and speed limits are strictly enforced. The center director has the authority to permanently revoke driving privileges on center.

The use of all hand-held wireless communication devices are prohibited while driving on NASA property. This includes cell phones (talking and texting), UHF radios, and other hand-held wireless communication devices. The only exception is for emergency vehicles during official operations.

Animals

Service animals are welcome at NASA. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, a service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability.  The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person’s disability.

Non-service animals are prohibited from being brought on to NASA Glenn property for anything other than official purposes. Vehicles transporting animals will be denied access, regardless of the use of cages or other carriers.

Photo and Video Restrictions

Visitors should check with their sponsors before taking any photos or videos at the center. Photography of certain areas is restricted. 

Commercial Delivery

Commercial deliveries must be sponsored by a NASA employee in advance of the delivery. Deliveries can take place both during and after business hours. For after-hours deliveries, a Delivery Request Form must be submitted by a NASA sponsor or the delivery will be denied.

All deliveries should be made between 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon-Fri in order to process through the Commercial Vehicle Inspection Station at Lewis Field or the Main Gate at Neil Armstrong Test Facility.

Delivery vehicles are not permitted to park at the Commercial Vehicle Inspection Station while waiting for  facilities to open. If a delivery driver arrives before 7 a.m., he or she will be directed off the center.

All visitors age 18 and over (including bus drivers) are required to present one form of current government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. Commercial deliveries are subject to inspection. An inspecting security officer will direct all vehicle occupants to exit the vehicle. Vehicle inspections are conducted to ensure vehicles entering NASA Glenn are safe and free of prohibited items. Any vehicle occupant who cannot provide valid government-issued photo identification shall be denied access to the center.