NASA’s Johnson Space Center will open its gates to the public Saturday, Oct. 27, for the first time in years, celebrating NASA’s 60th anniversary and the International Space Station’s 20th anniversary.
To help ensure an enjoyable visit for everyone when they drive through the center’s main gate from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, the center is asking visitors to abide by a few simple guidelines:
- No Pets (unless certified service dog)
- No firearms, weapons or ammunition (includes license to carry)
- No coolers, food or beverages (including alcohol)
- Motorcycle helmets are required on NASA property
During the open house, visitors will get a free, behind-the-scenes look at some of the agency’s historic accomplishments, as well as the exciting work currently going on as NASA prepares to return to the Moon and travel to Mars. While the incoming gate will close at 1:30 p.m., visitors will be allowed to remain on site until 2 p.m.
See a full list of what will be open and a map that includes parking, at:
Visitors will have access to a variety of exhibits and hardware, ranging from moon rocks collected during the Apollo missions, to full-size mockups of the International Space Station, the Orion spacecraft and Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner
In addition to facilities and exhibits, the center’s Teague Auditorium will feature programs and speakers:
- 10:30 a.m.: Welcome from the Center Director
- 11 a.m.: Exploration Integration Sciences Directorate
- 11:30 a.m.: Curating Ices and Organics
- Noon: NASA Astronaut
- 12:30 p.m.: International Space Station Program
- 1 p.m.: Commercial Crew Program
- 1:30 p.m.: Orion Spacecraft
“As we celebrate NASA’s 60th anniversary, Johnson Space Center has played a key role in leading human space exploration and has been a part of the vibrant Houston community for nearly six decades,” said Mark Geyer, director of Johnson Space Center. “While the past 60 years represent the best of our country and the height of American ingenuity, the talented, dedicated and diverse team here in ‘space city’ Houston is excited about the next chapter in spaceflight as we work to launch humans farther into the solar system.”
NASA opened for business Oct. 1, 1958, following the signing of the agency’s founding legislation on July 29, 1958. After four decades that saw dozens of short-duration missions to the moon and low-Earth orbit, NASA and its international partners launched the first element of the International Space Station on Nov. 20, 1998, setting the stage for continuous human presence in space, which began in 2000.
Visitors are welcomed year-round through Johnson’s official visitor center, Space Center Houston, which provides tram tours and visits inside a number of key facilities. However, this open house will allow visitors to have access to several locations not accessible during visitor center tours.
Connect with Johnson Space Center on social media at:
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Kelly Humphries
Johnson Space Center, Houston
281-483-5111
kelly.o.humphries@nasa.gov