Johnson Space Center
Spending a day at The Johnson Space Center being inspired to explore
USA
As we crossed Texas we made a stop at the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. This location is a hub of human spaceflight activity, where innovation and exploration come together.
Home to numerous facilities, we were excided to immerse ourselves in the fascinating world of space exploration. This visit allowed us to discover various exhibits and learn about the history and new groundbreaking work being done in space science and technology.
The facility has many interactive exhibits, space replica's as well as real space memorabilia that truly makes for a once in a lifetime experience.
As we travelled through the maze of hallways we made it outside to the replica space shuttle Independence. It was amazing that we were able to walk through this space shuttle that provides you with details about the technology behind the real ships flown to space.
From what we were told this is the only space shuttle on display in the world that visitors are able to walk through.
The facility is so large we needed to get shuttled around. Tram tours are limited so we booked with customer service when we entered the facility for a timed ticket.
When our timeslot approached we took a tram out to see the Saturn 5 rocket. Developed by NASA during the 1960s as part of the Apollo program, it was the launch vehicle that carried astronauts to the Moon, including the historic Apollo 11 mission in 1969.
Below is a video Janet put together of our Space center visit with some footage of Aliya playing with ferrofluids that are used in liquid fuel. It is made up of tiny magnetic particles suspended in water. Using a magnet, Aliya could move the particles around creating different size bubbles!
Keeping this massive historical artifact intact requires a lot of work and care. The Saturn V was nearly lost to the elements. A conservation project started in 1999 has ensured that the rocket will be preserved.
As we walked around the enormous hanger we found the size of this piece of history to be absolutely mind blowing.
When we arrived back at the main building we could walk the exterior courtyard known as Independence plaza. This is where you can see the Independence replica shuttle atop the retired shuttle carrier aircraft named NASA 905. As well as a falcon 9 full thrust booster rocket on display.
Back inside they had mockups of some equipment that has gone into space. It was very cool to see these types of equipment up close and personal.
We made memories we will never forget and are excited about the future of space exploration. This museum truly inspires everyone to get out and explore! Happy Exploring!
