In celebration of their 30th anniversary, Space Center Houston announced its plans for its next stages of development that which include a Lunar Mars Immersive Experience and Learning Center.
As an entity created to chronicle our explorations of space, it was only a matter of time before Space Center Houston set its sights on Mars.
“We will shift our focus to celebrate not only NASA’s past achievements, but to facilitate new feats in space as humans return to the moon, onto Mars, and beyond,” Space Center Houston stated in their video announcement.
“Our new facility’s masterplan will transform a 100-acre site into a state-of-the-art center to support the future of space exploration as Space Center Houston expands our campus and our partnerships to meet the needs of the growing space ecosystem.”
The cornerstone of this endeavor, SCH states, will be its Lunar Mars Immersive Experience. This experience will feature simulated terrains of the Moon and Mars, as well as “modular surface labs” where technicians, scientists, and astronauts can practice maneuvering in reduced gravity, drill emergency procedures, oversee Martian rover laps on the one-mile indoor track, as well as design and test surface exploration instruments and techniques.
Furthermore, the facility developments will include an exhibit hall overseeing the above where visitors can observe, in person, the astronaut training, while learning above their practice, missions, obstacles, and benefits of space exploration.
“Imagine having a front row seat on the surface of Moon or Mars right here in Houston,” said William T. Harris, President & CEO, Space Center Houston.
“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. We inspire our 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.”
These developments will occur in phases. Space Center Houston hasn’t yet announced specific dates regarding their approach, but that it will announce further plans in 2023.
Space Center Houston is open from 10 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday; from 10 am to 6 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.