July 11, 2018 through July 19, 2018
Space Center Houston Tour
Saturday Morning Tour Option
In July 1970 Houston hosted the SAR National Congress. Just one year before a momentous event occurred that is best summarized by the following two quotations:
- On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong’s famous words were forever ingrained in history: “Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed.” (Click here to play audio recording.)
- 20 July 1969 Neil Armstrong “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” (Click here to play audio recording.)
The words on a plaque left on the Moon by Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong:
“HERE MEN FROM THE PLANET EARTH FIRST SET FOOT UPON THE MOON
JULY 1969, A.D. WE CAME IN PEACE FOR ALL MANKIND”
Who can forget the words that launched this journey: “We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win.” (Click here to play audio recording.)
(At Rice Stadium in Houston, Texas on September 12, 1962, President John F. Kennedy)
Relive the thrill, the amazement, the joy and yes the sorrow of the space program as you board a bus to visit Space Center Houston. The Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center has welcomed over 17 million visitors since it opened and is the only Smithsonian Affiliate in the greater Houston area. Watch the video for a preview of the NASA Tour.
The 45 minute bus ride will not be nearly long enough as former astronauts are your bus docents. Upon arrival, you will board a tram for a 45-minute view of behind the scenes. Step out to Independence Plaza. Explore Shuttle Carrier NASA 905 and the Shuttle. Have lunch onsite at the NASA private cafeteria. Perhaps a Shuttle Commander will be the luncheon speaker. Touch a moon rock. Attend Mission briefing center and get a current update on the ISS and robotic human deep space exploration.
Note: Until tours are finalized events are subject to change.