Aug. 24, 2023
RELEASE: J23-005
NASA’s Johnson Space Center will open its gates to the public Saturday, Oct. 14, celebrating NASA’s 65th anniversary, the International Space Station’s 25th anniversary and the upcoming Artemis missions to the Moon.
To help ensure an enjoyable visit for everyone when they drive through the center’s main gate from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. CDT, 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 most historic accomplishments, and the exciting work happening right now as NASA returns humans to the Moon and prepares for Mars. The incoming gate will close at 2:30 p.m. and visitors will be allowed to remain on site until 3 p.m.
A full list of activities and a map will be available here as the Open House date nears.
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, NASA’s Orion spacecraft and Gateway lunar space station. Guests also will have opportunities to meet astronauts and learn more about how human spaceflight missions are managed from Mission Control, Houston.
Guests may also take advantage of an exciting opportunity to view an annular eclipse — also known as a “ring of fire” eclipse — of the Sun.
In addition to facilities and exhibits, the center’s Teague Auditorium will feature programs and speakers from 9:30 a.m. through 3:00 p.m.
“As we celebrate NASA’s 65th 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 Vanessa Wyche, 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:
and
https://www.facebook.com/NASAJSC
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Kelly Humphries / Dylan Connell
Johnson Space Center, Houston
281-483-5111