Space Center Houston

Johnson Space Center has run American crewed spaceflight operations since the 1960s, and this is its public front. The tram tour reaches the historic Apollo mission control room, restored between 2017 and 2019 to how it looked on 20 July 1969 - the consoles rebuilt, the correct period ashtrays and coffee cups replaced, the projection screens working - which is a more affecting room than most people expect. Rocket Park holds a Saturn V, one of three surviving flight-ready examples, now under a protective building after decades outdoors. A Shuttle Carrier Aircraft with a shuttle replica mounted on top can be walked through. Active operations mean parts of the site close without notice.

Highlights

• The restored Apollo mission control - as it stood in July 1969.
• A Saturn V - one of three flight-ready survivors, now under cover.
• A shuttle carrier aircraft - walk-through, with a replica orbiter on top.
• A working NASA centre - which restricts access at times.

When to go

October to April; summer is hot and humid. A full day.

What to expect

Tram tours are limited and queue heavily - go early. Mission control tours cost extra and sell out. Active operations close areas without warning. It is a long drive from central Houston.

Nearby

Kemah Boardwalk is east; Galveston is south.

Key facts