Space Center Houston, the interactive museum and attraction that has helped tell the story of U.S. manned spaceflight for three decades, is dramatically expanding its footprint with a new master plan unveiled October 18.  The nonprofit Space Center Houston, arguably the region’s most iconic attraction, will create two new large-scale structures that will support the growing needs for space exploration learning and training. There, NASA astronauts, commercial space partners, higher education institutions and global space agencies will be able to collaborate in the creation and testing of new technologies to aid in the future of human spaceflight. An elevated exhibit hall over the surface of both facilities will offer the public immersive experiences to observe astronaut training first-hand while experiencing the future of space exploration as humans return to the Moon and eventually on to Mars.  Space Center officials say the new master plan is a direct response to the opportunities and challenges in a rapidly evolving space sector that’s expected to expand to five times its current size by 2050.  Since opening its doors as NASA Johnson Space Center’s official visitor center in 1992, Space Center Houston has chronicled the journey of human spaceflight while empowering and inspiring people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. “Space is expanding once again and a new space age is upon us,” said William T. Harris, President and CEO, Space Center Houston. “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’s planned Lunar Mars facility will include simulated surfaces of the Moon and Mars as well as modular surface labs to design and test instruments and techniques for surface exploration, support testing lunar and Martian rovers on a one-mile indoor track, allow engineers and astronauts to practice working in reduced gravity and conduct emergency procedures. The exhibit hall above the surfaces will create an immersive guest experience for guests to observe astronaut training in-person while learning about the missions, challenges and benefits of the space industry. In addition to announcing the master plan, the center also unveiled a new brand identity driven by its shared purpose to bring people and space closer together. Officials said the new identity represents the evolution of Space Center Houston and its future. More than 24 million guests have visited Space Center over the last 30 years.  The new master plan was developed following years of planning and prototyping to determine how the center will meet the needs of the growing space industry while simultaneously educating the public through imaginative experiences. The plan will be implemented in phases in the years to come, with more details slated to be revealed in 2023.  There are currently 77 government space agencies around the world. Texas is uniquely positioned in this rapidly growing economy, with 17 of the world’s top 20 aerospace manufacturers having a presence in the state. Houston itself is home to more than 350 companies involved in aircraft or space vehicle manufacturing research and technology or other air transportation support activities.  Learn more about the aerospace sector in Houston and the region's museums and attractions.   

Aerospace industry leaders shared why Houston is the current and future leader of human space exploration during the Partnership’s annual State of Space event on October 11.  “At some point in the very near future, we’re going to land human beings on the moon, and we’re going to say, ‘Moon, Houston,’” NASA Astronaut Kate Rubins said during a panel discussion. “This is the only city in the world whose name is looped into this scenario.”  Steve Altemus, Intuitive Machines’ President and CEO, Peggy Guirgis, General Manager of Space Systems at Collins Aerospace and Vanessa Wyche, Johnson Space Center Director, were also part of the panel moderated by Rice Space Institute Director David Alexander. The panel discussed the exciting developments occurring in Houston, including its involvement in NASA’s Artemis program. JSC serves as mission control for every manned mission, which will include Artemis 1 once it launches.   “It’s incredible that we’re collectively leading this mission back to the moon and it’s starting from Houston,” Altemus said. Intuitive Machines is working on several projects for NASA, including developing lunar landers and other technology. The Houston-based company and Collins Aerospace are major tenants at the Houston Spaceport, a hub for aerospace and aviation activities.    The panelists pointed to the region’s talent, infrastructure and “sense of community” as attributes that attract companies. That sense of community is what allows aerospace companies, NASA and others to “come together to achieve our goals,” Altemus said.   But the panelists also noted that continued investments in infrastructure, building a talent pipeline and more private-public partnerships will be key for Houston to be seen as the epicenter of human exploration and discovery.   “We need to continue to collaborate and work together to ensure that we’re not only establishing the infrastructure, but that we continue building that talent pipeline that keeps pace with the rapidly changing ecosystem,” Guirgis said.  Innovators, companies and local colleges and universities are already showing their commitment to investing in positioning Houston as a leader in the aerospace industry. The Collins Aerospace facility at the spaceport will include Houston’s first-ever spaceflight incubator, where startups, universities and industry professionals will be able to solve complex space technology challenges. Additionally, the San Jacinto College EDGE Center focuses on building a talent pipeline, and the Ion is partnering with JSC to launch a technology transfer center at the ion to bolster innovation.  “No one country is going to be able to do this on their own. It’s going to require our international, industry and academia partners. It’s going to require all of us,” Wyche said.  Houston is home to over 350 companies involved in aircraft or space vehicle manufacturing, research and technology or other air transportation support activities. The region’s trade in aircraft, spacecraft, and parts totaled $1.3 billion in 2021.  Learn more about Houston’s aerospace and aviation industry.