Nerd Alert! If it wasn’t clear already, I love aviation. That love of aviation includes space and rocketry. So a visit to the Johnson Space Center in Houston is high on my nerd to do list.
In addition to the video, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite photos from the Space Center, enjoy!
Independence Plaza
Independence Plaza hosts the Space shuttle Independence on it’s Boeing 747 transport aircraft.
Shuttle Independence and transport Boeing 747 
Shuttle Independence stacked on the Boeing 747 Transporter 
The stack of shuttle Independence on top of the Boeing 747 transport aircraft. 
The Space Shuttle Independence on it’s transportation Boeing 747 aircraft 
The command deck of the shuttle Independence 
The cargo bay of the shuttle Independence as seen from the mid-deck.
Saturn V Rocket
While watching footage of the moon launch missions, my favorite clips are the Saturn V rocket lighting up and shoving everything into the air. The ignition of the massive F-1 engines is amazing! Seeing it in person was a thrill. I was surprised at the size of the rocket, just huge! Stop by Rocket Park to check out an F-1 and J-2 from the Saturn V.
The Saturn V rocket storage building 
The five massive F-1 engines that power the first stage of the Saturn V rocket 
The five J-2 engines for the second stage of the Saturn V rocket. 
Looking down toward the first stage of the Saturn V rocket from the second stage 
Looking down the length of the Saturn V rocket from near the command module
Project Mercury
The first steps to the moon came with Project Mercury. Faith 7 from Mercury 9 is on display in the gallery. It is a stark difference to the Saturn V; quite small in comparison. A Mercury Capsule is on display in Rocket Park atop the Redstone Rocket. Check them out before you head inside to see the Saturn V.
Gordon Cooper’s Faith 7 Mercury 9 space capsule 
A closer look at the Mercury capsule astronaut entry hatch 
The Mercury capsule on top of the Redstone Rocket
Apollo Mission Control
A separate tram tour takes groups to visit Apollo Mission Control. I’m unsure how much of the mission control building is still original, but regardless, it is a lovely recreation in the actual room, at least. Visitors get to view the room setup as if the actual moon missions were active, pretty cool!
3-D NASA Logo 
Apollo mission control 
Doors to the NASA Apollo Mission Control Center
That’s a Wrap
I had a great time at Space Center Houston. If you are into space and aviation, I think you’ll have a great time!
Happy Travels!
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