NASA’s Glenn Research Center is having a free public open house at its Plum Brook Station in Sandusky, Ohio, on June 11 and 12 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The event begins at the Kalahari Convention Center, where attendees can view space exploration exhibits and talk to NASA scientists and engineers about Plum Brook’s role in the nation’s space exploration program. There will be hands-on activities for kids, and NASA astronaut Sunita Williams will make special guest appearances.
Buses will depart from Kalahari on a continuous schedule until 4 p.m. both days, taking guests on a guided bus tour of Plum Brook’s world-class test facilities.
Visitors should allow up to three hours for the tour, which includes two stops:
- Space Power Facility: Home of the world’s largest vacuum chamber, the Space Power Facility is testing parts of NASA’s new Orion spacecraft. Visitors can walk through this unique facility where scenes from Marvel’s “The Avengers” movie were filmed.
- B-2 Facility: The world’s largest space simulation facility, the B-2 is capable of full-scale rocket engine tests. Visitors can look down into the test chamber to see preparations under way to test a Mars lander prototype.
During the guided tour, the bus will drive by the Combined Effects Chamber, which is being developed to simulate conditions on the moon or Mars, and the Hypersonic Test Facility, a unique wind tunnel designed to test jet engines at up to seven times the speed of sound.
All visitors must park at the Kalahari Convention Center. Parking, admission and tours are free. Refreshments and souvenirs will be available for purchase. Visitors on social media are encouraged to use the hashtag #NASAglenn75.
All adults must present a government-issued photo ID to board the tour buses. The tours are open to U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents only. Lawful Permanent Residents need to bring two forms of ID, including a green card. Visitors needing mobility assistance should notify an attendant before parking.
This is Plum Brook’s first open house since 2008. It is one of several events planned throughout the year to celebrate NASA Glenn Research Center’s 75th anniversary. The center held an open house at its Lewis Field main campus in Cleveland on May 21 and 22.
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Jan Wittry
Media Relations Office
216–433–5466
Jan.M.Wittry-1@nasa.gov