Start Your Morning with the Early Access Tram Tour

Begin your day one hour before public hours with the Early Access Tram Tour, a limited-capacity experience designed for guests who want deeper access and fewer crowds. Led by a knowledgeable VIP Tour Guide, this 60-minute tour takes you through some of our most popular galleries and gives you priority boarding for the day’s first Astronaut Training Facility Tram Tour.

During your early-morning walk-through, you’ll explore remarkable exhibits such as the Starship Gallery, Lunar Samples Vault, Skylab Trainer, and Artemis — all while enjoying a quieter, more immersive environment. It’s an ideal option for photographers, families, and anyone looking to maximize their visit from the moment doors open.

Fuel Up at Breakfast with an Astronaut

After exploring the center, elevate your day even further with Breakfast with an Astronaut — a rare opportunity to share a meal and conversation with a real NASA space traveler. Held on Saturdays (and select Fridays), this morning event features a hot breakfast prepared by Wolfgang Puck Catering and an inspiring presentation from a veteran astronaut.

You’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories from training and mission life, get answers to your biggest spaceflight questions during a live Q&A, and receive a personalized photo to commemorate the experience. It’s interactive, engaging, and perfect for families, aspiring explorers, and anyone craving a deeper connection to human spaceflight!

If you’re looking to turn your Space Center Houston visit into something truly unforgettable, these two experiences are the perfect place to start.

Plan your visit with us today!

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Astronaut Days Weekend 

We launched Astronaut August with Astronaut Days hosted by public programs. This two-day event was packed with interactive space-related activities, astronaut presentations, a puzzle mural with brain teasers, radiation pop-up labs where you created your own bookmark, an interactive tech wall for all ages, and Lunar Outpost was present, raffling off exclusive Lego sets! This once-a-year weekend event was not just about fun, but also about learning firsthand about the incredible journey of living and working in space.   

Touch the Stars with José Hernández Weekend 

One of the most memorable weekends in August was our exclusive “Touch the Stars with José Hernández” event. We were honored to welcome former NASA astronaut José Hernández for a weekend packed with inspiration and meaningful engagement for members only. The weekend kicked off with a special screening of “A Million Miles Away,” followed by a live interview with José Hernández, moderated by our CEO, William T. Harris. Members. It was enthralling to hear José’s remarkable journey, from migrant farmworker to astronaut, during the interview, and his passion for inspiring an interest in STEM in communities everywhere. 

Members who attended our VIP experience that night enjoyed:

• Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cocktails
• A personal meet-and-greet with José Hernández
• A professional photo opportunity with José Hernández
• A personalized member gift bundle that included:
• A signed copy of one of his books
• A member-exclusive pin
• A commemorative lithograph
• A printed keepsake photo with José Hernández

Our general members’ reception was just as special, offering:

• Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar
• José Hernández book sales at our gift shop
• A commemorative lithograph
• autographs and photo opportunities with José Hernández

The following morning, the inspiration continued with Sunrise Social, a delicious all-you-can-eat brunch, where Hernández gave a special presentation, followed by more photo ops and meet-and-greets.

Following that, we wrapped up the weekend with two free readings of his children’s book by José Hernández, one in English and one in Spanish, followed by interactive Q&A and autograph sessions. Kids were treated to free Mini Melts ice cream and walked away beaming with inspiration. 

This entire weekend was deeply moving, humble, and greatly appreciated by our member community. We would like to offer more premium events like this in the future! 

New Member Thank You Party

We closed out Astronaut August with our biggest event yet: the New Member Thank You Party, which welcomed over 850 members!

Highlights of the evening included:

• Meet-and-greets with NASA astronauts Mike Baker, Jerry Ross, and Mike Foreman
• A planetarium experience
• Lunar Samples Vault tours with Paul Spana, our Director of Collections and Curator
• Independence Plaza tours with Irwin Stewart, our Senior Donor Engagement Assistant
• NASA Alumni League sharing personal stories of space exploration and artifacts

Members also enjoyed: 

• Free Mini Melts 
• Complimentary Member Crew swag 
• Free access to our Simulator and VR experiences 
• Tons of hands-on activities for all ages 

It was a spectacular way to conclude a month full of space, science, and community. 

Thank You, Members!  

Thank you to all our members who made Astronaut August such a success. Your participation and enthusiasm made Astronaut August a resounding experience. You make a difference here every day. We are deeply grateful for your support and look forward to many more inspiring events with you.  

Mark your calendars! 

Join us during these upcoming Member Events!  

Monthly Member Mornings 

• October 11 – Space Center Birthday Celebration 
  • Get a glimpse of our Explorer Camps and Overnight programs while celebrating our Opening Day of our center 
• November 8 – National STEM Day 
  • Highlighting our education programs as well as STEM activities 
• December 13 – Launch The Holidays 
  • Highlighting our Space U programs and the holiday season 

Membership Events 

Discovery Briefing│Far Ultraviolet Camera/Spectrograph – Friday, October 3 
Galaxy Lights Member Preview Night – Friday, November 14 
Space News and Brews – December 6^th at Saloon Door in Webster, TX 
Stars and STEM: Our Amazing Solar System – Sunday, December 7 

Our next big Member Month will be February 2026, with many exclusive events happening for Member Appreciation Month! We can’t wait to celebrate with you again. 

Not a member yet? Now’s the perfect time to join and be part of our exciting community! Your membership supports our mission to educate and inspire, provides student and educator learning opportunities, and gives you year-round access to exclusive benefits and events. 

Join today and be part of something extraordinary. 

The post Member Exclusive: Astronaut August Recap appeared first on Space Center Houston.

This 60-minute guided tour is included with general admission and is open to all ages. It offers a unique opportunity to explore major attractions and NASA Johnson Space Center before the rush — including Starship Gallery, Lunar Vault, Skylab Trainer, Artemis, and a NASA Tram Tour to the Astronaut Training Facility. 

Stargazing Sites on Your Early Access Tour: 

• Starship Gallery: A journey through flown historical spacecrafts, including Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo artifacts. 
• Lunar Vault: This is the largest display of Moon rocks on public display in the world. And don’t forget to touch a piece of the Moon while you’re here!    
• Skylab’s High-Fidelity Trainer: Step into the life-size trainer used for America’s first space station missions and imagine life aboard Skylab. 
• Artemis: Journey back to the Moon through Artemis! Explore everything involved in returning to the lunar surface with NASA’s Artemis campaign. 
• NASA Tram Tour Astronaut Training Facility: To conclude, guests will board the first tram tour of the day to the Astronaut Training Facility. Walk an elevated “catwalk” where NASA astronauts train for current missions and where scientists and engineers develop the next generation of space exploration vehicles.  

The Early Access Tours are available one hour before Space Center Houston opens, requiring an advance ticket purchase. The tours are limited to 20 guests, and it is recommended to arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled tour.  

Visitors’ Note: When reserving an Early Access Tour, you may notice an option to book the NASA Tram Tour with Historic Mission Control Room. Please note that this is a separate upgrade from the standard Early Access Tour (which includes the Astronaut Training Facility). This upgraded tour has a VIP Tour Guide and lasts approximately 60 minutes. The tour schedule is subject to change.  

To learn more information about the Early Access Tour, visit Reserve your Early Access Tour.  

The post Now Boarding Your Early Access Tour at Space Center Houston  appeared first on Space Center Houston.

Space Center Houston recently came together to honor the incredible achievements of our crew during the Expanding Horizons All-Crew Awards Celebration. The evening was filled with pride, connection, and inspiration as we recognized those who bring our mission and values to life every day.

These awards are more than recognition; they reflect the heart of who we are: Space Enthusiasts, People-Driven, and Champions of Curiosity. Each honoree was selected because their actions advance our mission to reveal how science and humanity power space exploration, while strengthening our crew culture.

2025 Award Winners

Culture in Action Award
Celebrating the crew who bring our values to life
This award honors crew who help create a positive and connected workplace, encouraging others and sparking belonging. Their daily actions and energy reflect our mission and make Space Center Houston a stronger community.
Winners: Haley Muff, Tracina Land, Jared Williams

Champion of Curiosity Award
Recognizing crew who are constantly learning and growing
This award celebrates crew who embrace every opportunity to learn and apply that knowledge to strengthen performance and innovation. Their curiosity builds personal growth while uplifting their teams and advancing our shared goals.
Winners: Carter Renfro, Rochelle Pettaway, Andrew Vargas

People-Driven Award
Recognizing leaders who lift others up
This recognition honors leaders who place crew first, guiding with empathy and creating a culture of respect and trust. Through their actions, they elevate others and embody the people-driven values at the heart of Space Center Houston.
Winners: Alice Ho, Allison Focht, Jorge Portales, Demetres Boyd-Thompson

Rising Star Award
Recognizing the crew who step up and stand out
This award highlights newer crew members who are already making an impact with initiative, energy, and care. Their fresh perspective and dedication point to a strong future for themselves and our organization.
Winners: Aubrey Garmon, Joey Segura, Martha Hernandez

Space Enthusiast Award
Recognizing crew who ignite curiosity through passion and knowledge
This recognition honors the crew whose love for space exploration is authentic and contagious. By sharing their knowledge and excitement, they inspire guests and colleagues alike, deepening our connection to the mission.
Winners: Christopher Carlson, Irwin Stewart, Courtney Scherer

Group Achievement Award
Celebrating meaningful teamwork
Some of our greatest successes happen when teams join forces. This award recognizes groups whose collaboration and shared purpose led to achievements that made a clear, positive impact for Space Center Houston.
Winners: Guest Services Team, Training for Tomorrow Team, Events Team

Sunshine Award
Recognizing a crew member who shines bright
This award honors the crew who bring steady positivity, care, and reliability to others’ experiences. Their actions may be quiet, but their impact is deeply felt throughout our crew community.
Winners: Tracey Martinez, Eric Redeker, Jessica Carlson, Josh Steadman, Susann Glenn, David Cooley

While You Were Sleeping Award
Honoring the crew who keep Space Center Houston moving while the rest of us rest
This recognition celebrates the overnight custodial and security crew whose dedication ensures our facilities are safe, clean, and mission-ready each day. Their behind-the-scenes work reflects pride, consistency, and care.
Winners: Timothy Edwards (Security), Robert Riddle (Custodial)

Distinguished Service Award
Recognizing legacy and commitment
The highest honor at Space Center Houston, this award recognizes crew with 20 or more years of service who have made lasting contributions to our mission and culture. Their commitment and legacy will inspire generations to come.
Winners: Crystal Garza, Brenda Boykins, Angela Case

As we reflect on the celebration, we also look ahead with pride. Each nominee and winner reminds us that together, we are expanding horizons and focused on our shared purpose: bringing people and space closer every day.

The post Celebrating Our Crew: 2025 All-Crew Awards appeared first on Space Center Houston.

Accessible Space Exploration for All Ages 

Whether your explorer is fascinated by the stars or curious about rockets and rovers, our sensory-friendly events offer a calmer way to explore it all. These programs create a sensory-supportive environment with adjusted lighting, lowered sound effects and limited attendance so guests can enjoy a more comfortable visit without the stress of large crowds. 

Here’s what you can expect: 

• Smaller crowds: These exclusive events offer limited tickets for a more open and easygoing atmosphere. 

• Modified settings: We adjust lights, music and sound effects to reduce overstimulation. 

• Engaging activities: Participate in educational programs run by instructors trained to accommodate sensory needs. 

• Designated quiet room: Need a break? A calm, quiet space is always available for anyone who needs to recharge. 

Choose Your Sensory Friendly Event

Our sensory friendly events happen year-round, each with a unique space-themed focus that sparks imagination while honoring sensory boundaries. You can choose the date and theme that work best for your family and explore space and science your way. 

Upcoming Dates & Themes: 

• Friday, Aug. 29, 2025 | 6–9 p.m. 
  Roving Around – Discover how scientists use rovers to explore our solar system and beyond. 

• Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025 | 8–10 a.m. 
  May the Forces Be With You – Engage with the forces of the universe through fun, tactile activities. 

• Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 | 8–10 a.m. 
  To the Moon and Beyond – Explore the Moon, Artemis-style, with calm, curiosity, and cosmic wonder. 

To make these events as accessible as possible, tickets are just $15.95 per person and children three and under get in free. Space Center Houston members also receive free admission (just be sure to reserve your spot in advance). 

Tickets are limited and go quickly so reserve yours today to experience accessible space exploration in a comfortable, sensory-friendly setting made for explorers of all ages at Space Center Houston. 

The post Explore Space at Your Own Pace with Sensory Friendly Events appeared first on Space Center Houston.

Lovell’s contributions to the U.S. space program are monumental. Selected by NASA as an astronaut in 1962, he served on four pivotal space missions and played a key role in shaping the future of human spaceflight. He was a backup pilot for Gemini 4, a backup commander for Gemini 9, and a backup commander to Neil Armstrong for the historic Apollo 11 lunar landing. 

On December 4, 1965, Lovell and Frank Borman launched aboard Gemini 7, completing a 330-hour mission that included the first successful rendezvous of two manned, maneuverable spacecraft in orbit, a milestone that helped make future Moon missions possible. He later served as Command Module Pilot and navigator on Apollo 8, the first human spaceflight to leave Earth orbit, reach the Moon, and return safely. That six-day journey in December 1968 gave the world its first view of Earth from deep space and remains one of the most profound achievements in exploration. 

As commander of Apollo 13, Lovell led his crew through a life-threatening in-flight emergency with steady resolve, ingenuity, and teamwork. His calm leadership under pressure became a global symbol of resilience and problem-solving, reminding us that even in the face of near disaster, human determination and science can prevail. 

Beyond the missions, Lovell’s legacy lives on in how he inspired generations to look up, dream big, and explore further. His story continues to be a powerful touchpoint at Space Center Houston, where more than one million visitors learn about the challenges and triumphs of human spaceflight. 

We are deeply grateful for his service, courage, and commitment to advancing our understanding of space. Captain Jim Lovell brought people and space closer together, and for that, we salute him. 

The post Honoring the Legacy of Jim Lovell Commander of Apollo 13 and Spaceflight Pioneer  appeared first on Space Center Houston.

Believing we can accomplish hard things is our NASA legacy and a core message to those we serve— whether you’re four years old or eighty-four, whether you come for the day or a week-long program, whether you attend school in Houston, or live on another continent and participate in one of our global science challenges. 

Every year, our message reaches nearly 300,000 students and teachers—because of people like you. Your support can make a difference in the lives of students, helping them believe in themselves and fostering their confidence in pursuing STEM fields. 

Around the world, STEM Identity — a measure of whether an individual feels STEM is “for them” — is used by researchers looking to empower a more prepared and science-focused future society. Studies have shown that developing a strong STEM Identity by high school, for instance, significantly increases the number of students choosing careers in those subjects. Space Center Houston operates at the intersection of scientific literacy and STEM Identity. 

Our Bingo Card is not a game; it’s a powerful tool. We use a similar tool to assess how effectively our programs bolster students’ STEM Identity. 90% of our Exploration Academy students identified ‘feeling confident in STEM’ by the end of last spring’s program. 

Are you ready to meet new challenges through your relationship with STEM? Download our STEM Identity Bingo Card here. 

At Space Center Houston, we know that a critical step to achieving great things starts with believing you can. Each year, nearly 300,000 students and educators come to us to access positive, authentic STEM programs—the building blocks for the vital role STEM will play in a brighter future for everyone. This is possible thanks to supporters like you. Your donation today is a crucial part of our mission, helping more young people to create a new vision for themselves: Capable. Confident. Empowered.  

Click here to donate today! 

The post STEM in Sight: Watch Young Minds Light Up One Square at a Time appeared first on Space Center Houston.

Engage through a five-step journey that allows you to select, design, scan, launch, and track your very own spacecraft, choosing one of four missions to the Moon, Mars, Europa, or Titan moon.

Track and watch as your spacecraft comes to life. Once your spacecraft blasts off, the room ignites with immersive 4D effects — a realistic physical model of rocket engines glow, the floor rumbles, and you will experience the thrill of the launch that is seen across multiple screens, including a 26-foot-wide  control screen—and take home your custom design!

Your journey includes:

 1⃣ Choose your mission

 2⃣ Design your spacecraft

 3⃣ 3-D scan and digitize it

 4⃣ Launch your virtual spacecraft

 5⃣ Track it as it completes its mission

Mission: Sketch, presented by UTMB Health, was created by the Space Center Houston team, including Chief Experience Officer Jeffrey Wyatt, NASA Astronaut and Chief Science Officer Megan McArthur, and Manager of Science Research Andrea Ortiz.

Visit Space Center Houston to launch your unique spacecraft at Mission: Sketch!

The post Space Center Houston with UTMB Health Launches New Exhibit, Mission: Sketch! 🚀 appeared first on Space Center Houston.

Medina, a longstanding educator and returning participant to the center’s annual Space Exploration Educators Conference (SEEC), embarked on Blue Origin’s New Shepard NS-32 flight alongside her five crewmates earlier today, May 31.

Born in Puerto Rico, Medina Jorge carries deep Spanish roots and has a mission to carry that forward. In 2024, she received the Cheri Brinley Outstanding Educator Award from SEEC at Space Center Houston, an honor that recognizes educators’ contributions to space exploration education. In 2023, she received the AIAA and Challenger Center Trailblazing STEM Educator award. This award recognizes educators who go above and beyond inspiring the next generation of space explorers and innovators.

_{Amy Medina Jorge, SEEC Ambassador, and Daniel Newmyer, Chief Learning Officer at Space Center Houston.}

Teaching STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) curricula at the Odyssey Academy in Galveston, Texas, she is pushing the boundaries of what is beyond possible in the classroom. She has led more than 60 space experiments and Zero-Gravity projects, including biometric sensors developed by her students and has performed in-flight 3D printing as part of a parabolic Zero-G flight.

Now, with a Blue Origin spaceflight mission to her name, she is more than just her accolades. She is driven to champion Hispanic representation across STEM, expanding the inclusion of underrepresented communities. Her dedication is symbolically captured on the NS-32 Mission Patch, which features a microchip, gears, and the Pi symbol.

Blue Origin’s NS-32 crewed flight launched on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from West Texas. The mission is the 12th crewed flight under the New Shepard program and the 32^nd mission overall.

On behalf of Space Center Houston, congratulations to Amy Medina Jorge!

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For more information about Blue Origin’s NS-32 flight, visit here.

The post Congratulations, Amy Medina Jorge: Space Center Houston SEEC Ambassador Embarks on Blue Origin’s NS-32 Flight appeared first on Space Center Houston.

As part of this year’s celebration, Space Center Houston has partnered with the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation to spotlight early-career AAPI professionals in the aerospace industry. Hear insights and inspiration from these young aerospace professionals as they navigate building their careers in the industry!

The events in this speaker series are included with general admission to Space Center Houston for these days.

Saturday, May 17
Vikas Patel

2023 & 2024 Astronaut Scholar at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University

LEARN MORE

Saturday, May 24
Samantha Sequeira

2022 Astronaut Scholar at Florida Institute of Technology

LEARN MORE

The post Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with us  appeared first on Space Center Houston.