Onsite Programs

Onsite in-person programs are available to school, community and cultural groups Tuesday through Friday with prior reservation. Groups must have a minimum of eight people and should not exceed 40 people. To schedule an onsite field trip, or if you need assistance, email GSFC-VisitorCenter@mail.nasa.gov or call 301-286-3978.

Current program options are as follows:

• Living and Working in Space, Kindergarten – 4th Grade
  People are living and working in space right now! Participants will discover many of the different ways that scientists, engineers and astronauts have developed to help humans live in space. They will also learn about the parts of an astronaut’s spacesuit and then look at actual food items sent to the International Space Station. 
  This program includes a short Goddard Intro theater presentation and a live interactive presentation with a question-and-answer session. Time can be made either before or after (schedule depending) to explore exhibits.
• Engineering Satellites, 5th – 8th Grade
  Building a satellite takes many steps, requires help from a team, and needs creativity and innovation to make things work. Participants will explore the engineering design process and how scientists and engineers at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center use it to solve problems. They will also talk about tools and components of a satellite with demonstrations focusing on infrared light. 
  This program includes a short Goddard Intro theater presentation and a live interactive presentation with a question-and-answer session. Time can be made either before or after (schedule depending) to explore exhibits.

Custom programs may be offered based on availability.

Onsite programs are available Tuesdays and Wednesdays with an advance reservation. Weekend tours and programs are not available.

Facility Tours

Update December 2024: Tours are currently fully booked through May 2025. Groups may enquire about being added to the waitlist, or may request notification when summer bookings open in early 2025.

Depending on which areas are available that day, facility tours visit satellite construction, testing and operations areas.

• Tours are 2 hours long and begin with a guided presentation at the Visitor Center
• Tours are offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. Weekend and evening tours are not available.
• Tours are only available to school, non profit, and civic groups.
• Participants must be at least 10 years old or in the 5th grade.
• Minimum group size is 8 people, recommended maximum is 25
  • Occasionally tours of up to 50 people can be accommodated for a modified tour with only one tour stop
• Tour groups are responsible for providing tour transportation consisting of a single vehicle (usually a bus or van) that can accommodate the entire tour group plus the visitor center tour guide.
• Tour groups must follow all security procedures including providing a full name list in advance of the tour.

Tours must be scheduled at least 4 weeks in advance, security regulations do not permit “drop-in” facility tours by the public. To inquire about a facility tour email GSFC-VisitorCenter@mail.nasa.gov or call 301-286-3978. Please include the name of your group, the city & state, the number, age range and citizenship of the tour participants, and the approximate date and time you would like to visit.

Other

Families and small groups wishing to visit the visitor center and explore the exhibit gallery and rocket garden on their own do not need to make reservations.

Foreign nationals from most countries can participate in a facility tour. Security regulations require that the full names, dates of birth, country of origin, passport numbers and passport expiration dates for each foreign national in your group be submitted at least two weeks prior to your scheduled visit. Foreign nationals who do not provide this information in advance will not be permitted on the tour.

The visitor center has no cafeteria, but guests are welcome to bring their own food and eat at any of the picnic tables on the visitor center grounds. There are several restaurants and other food options nearby on Greenbelt Road. Guests may not bring alcohol onto visitor center grounds. Please note that there is no food or drink permitted inside the visitor center.