For an opportunity to get close to the history and potential future of space exploration, take a trip the Space Center Houston. This is home to the visitor’s center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center. There are hundreds of exhibits, presentations, and other hands-on activities for those wanting to get a glimpse of space exploration.

After you get a vehicle to rent in Houston, drive over to the NASA/Clear Lake area, off of NASA Parkway, approximately 25 miles south of downtown Houston. Once you arrive, you will need a ticket to get in. There are a few options for obtaining tickets.

One of the ways to save money on admission is to get tickets is by buying them online ahead of time. This will save you $5.00. At the door, the prices will be more money. There are discounts for children, seniors, and free admission for members.

Once you get inside, you will be overwhelmed with all of the things to see and do. The opportunities exist to see real astronauts train for space missions, displays of space suits and a simulated microgravity environment. In other places in the museum, there are exhibits that allow you to touch a real moon rock, and see portraits and crew photos of U.S. astronaut who have been in space.

There is also the opportunity to take a behind-the-scenes tour of NASA. At Johnson Space Center, visitors will get the chance to see the historic Mission Control Center, the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility or the current Mission Control Center.

Throughout the museum, there are many films, artifacts, and displays about space exploration. If you are a visitor to Houston, the Space Center is a place to learn all about the past, present, and future of space.