Space Center Houston unveils the restored Apollo Mission Control Center, open to guests from today (July 1) ahead of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing on July 20.
The restoration of the room, a National Historic Landmark, started in July 2017. It included the Mission Operations Control Room (MOCR), Visitor Viewing Room, Simulation Control Room and Summary Display Projection Room.
Space Center Houston, the city of Webster and NASA Johnson Space Center worked together on the $5 million project.
As part of Space Center Houston’s NASA Tram Tours and Level 9 VIP Tours, visitors will see the restored flight control consoles and reactivated screens showing the images seen during the Apollo 11 mission.
Preserving a historic landmark for future generations
The original viewing room seats have been reinforced and reupholstered, and other features include coat racks, chairs, manuals, ashtrays, pens, maps, coffee cups and headsets.
“Thanks to the city of Webster and worldwide support, the treasured landmark is now restored, preserving it for future generations,” said William T Harris, President and CEO of Space Center Houston.
“We can gain incredible insight through the accomplishments of the Apollo era, and the room will continue to inspire people and innovators to chase their dreams.”
The new Apollo Mission Control Center will be part of the Apollo anniversary celebrations at Space Center Houston – find out more here.
Restored flight control consoles and reactivated screens
Meanwhile, the Smithsonian Channel has launched an augmented reality (AR) app called ‘Apollo’s Moon Shot’.
The app, launched alongside the Smithsonian Channel’s ‘Apollo’s Moon Shot’ series, allows users to experience the 1969 moon landing.
“It makes the landing more interactive, and it allows people to bring the Apollo program into their own experience,” said Teasel Muir-Harmony, a curator at the National Air and Space Museum.
Images: Space Center Houston
