Space Center Houston, the visitor centre of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, is expanding its site to include a new facility with simulated cosmic terrains of Mars and the moon.
The ‘Lunar Mars’ facility, which will contain two vast structures, is being created in response to the rapid growth of the space sector. The venue will include modular surface labs and STEM learning centres.
Guests will enjoy immersive experiences via an elevated exhibit hall over the two surfaces. They will observe astronaut training and get a look at the development of robotics, rovers, lunar landers and reduced gravity systems.
“Space is expanding once again and a new space age is upon us,” said William T. Harris, president and CEO of Space Center Houston.
Simulated cosmic terrains of Mars and the moon
“With new ambitions, new players and new challenges, we will shift our focus from being a curator of past achievements to also facilitating new feats in space.”
Space Center Houston’s new facility will bring together guests, commercial space partners, global space agencies and NASA.
Space Center Houston has welcomed more than 24 million visitors since opening in 1992. It attracts more than 1.25 million visitors every year and generates a $118.7 million annual economic impact in the greater Houston area.
“Imagine having a front row seat on the surface of Moon or Mars right here in Houston,” added Harris.
“Space Center Houston is recognized for providing meaningful, moving experiences about people and the courage, innovation and teamwork they use to expand the boundaries of what’s possible.”
Commercial spaceflight, also known as space tourism, is currently valued at more than $450 billion. It is expected to grow to more than $1 trillion by 2040.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce predicts the US will need more than 1.5 million workers to power the space economy.
Harris said Space Center Houston inspires guests to “connect with the significance of space exploration, to pursue their own path in space, or simply follow along as incredible feats of human spaceflight continue to bring joy and wonder to the world”.
Images: Space Center Houston
