The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is America’s largest space museum. It also serves as the official visitor center for NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center.
You can wander through spacecraft artifacts, get hands-on with interactive exhibits that mimic astronaut training, and stand in awe beneath the massive Saturn V moon rocket.
Inside the USSRC, you’ll find over 1,500 pieces of rocket and space hardware—some of the most valuable in the world. The National Historic Landmark Saturn V Moon Rocket steals the show; only three complete Saturn V rockets exist, and this is one of them.
Check out the Apollo 16 Command Module. It actually made the trip back from the moon, and you can still see the reentry scorch marks.
The Skylab Orbital Workshop lets you peek inside America’s first space station. Walk through the real backup unit and see where astronauts spent months living and working in orbit.
There’s also the Apollo 12 Moon Rock. These lunar samples traveled all the way from the moon’s surface—240,000 miles—to end up here.
You’ll see the story of American space exploration unfold, from Explorer I (the first U.S. satellite) to modern craft like Sierra Nevada’s Dream Chaser. The collection really covers decades of innovation.
The center features simulators that put you in an astronaut’s seat. The Moon Shot launches you upward in a chair, giving you a taste of the G-forces astronauts feel during rocket launches.
The G-Force Accelerator spins you around to show how astronauts train for the wild forces of spaceflight. These machines aren’t just for fun—they’re based on real astronaut prep.
Spark!Lab is all about hands-on learning. Try engineering challenges, build rockets, or design a spacecraft part and see if it works.
The ISS: Science on Orbit exhibit connects you to live experiments happening right now on the International Space Station. Real-time data streams in, so you’re seeing space research as it happens.
Rocket Park sits outside, lined with full-size rockets and missiles. You’ll find the massive Saturn IB and military rockets that helped get us to space.
In the Davidson Center, you’ll find a 67-foot dome theater planetarium. Space documentaries and live astronomy shows fill the dome with galaxies and planets—it’s pretty immersive.
The INTUITIVE Planetarium offers both live shows and pre-recorded films that take you on journeys through the solar system and beyond. The lineup changes, so there’s always something new.
The National Geographic Theater adds even more with giant documentary films about space and science. They use footage from real NASA missions and astronauts.
You’ll also spot the space shuttle Pathfinder—the only full-stack shuttle display in the world. Every piece is there, from the external tank to the solid rocket boosters, just like you’d see on the launch pad.
At the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, kids and teens ages 9-18 can dive into astronaut training. The programs mix hands-on space missions, flight simulators, and real NASA gear.
Space exploration, aviation challenges, and tech training all come together in these camps.
Space Camp puts you through authentic astronaut training, using NASA equipment and simulators. You’ll run mission simulations that feel surprisingly close to the real thing.
Campers train underwater in neutral buoyancy pools to simulate weightlessness. They learn spacewalk moves and run mission control during simulated launches.
You’ll tackle mission scenarios that mimic International Space Station operations. Teams solve engineering problems and complete orbital challenges, using the same comms as actual astronauts.
The Multi-Axis Trainer spins you in every direction—originally built for Mercury astronauts. It’s a wild ride, but it teaches you spatial orientation for space travel.
Campers build and launch model rockets, learning what makes propulsion work. They even test heat shield materials and spend evenings talking space history and Mars exploration.
Aviation Challenge is all about military-style flight training and survival skills. The program uses realistic military scenarios and tactical exercises to teach you the ropes.
You’ll fly T-6 Texan flight simulators—the same kind real pilots use. Formation flying, combat maneuvers, and survival training (like shelter building and navigation) are all in the mix.
They throw in Top Gun-style competitions for good measure. Teams battle it out in air-to-air combat simulations and precision flying drills, using real radio protocols.
Physical fitness is a big deal here. Obstacle courses test your agility and teamwork under pressure, and campers run simulated rescue missions with actual military gear.
Leadership development is woven throughout. You’ll rotate through command roles, making decisions that matter for your team’s mission.
Robotics Camp gets you building and programming robots for specific missions and competitions. You’ll design bots with LEGO Mindstorms and advanced code, then run them through obstacle courses.
The program covers mechanical engineering and sensor integration. Teams compete in precision tasks, learning real-world skills along the way.
Cyber Camp dives into the cybersecurity threats facing spacecraft and ground systems. You’ll learn ethical hacking and network defense from professionals.
Students work to protect simulated space mission networks from cyber attacks. Encryption and secure communication protocols are part of the training.
Both camps tie directly into modern space operations. Spacecraft need reliable robots and secure networks, so these skills are super relevant.
State-of-the-art computer labs and engineering workshops set the stage. Industry mentors stop by to talk about jobs in technology and cybersecurity.
The George C. Marshall Space Flight Center is NASA’s top rocket development hub. It drives critical space exploration programs and welcomes visitors with guided tours of rocket testing and mission control.
MSFC leads NASA’s ambitious space programs from its home on Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville. The team manages the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, which powers Artemis missions to the Moon.
Over 1,000 companies across 44 states help build the SLS. This giant rocket can send astronauts and heavy cargo to the Moon in just one launch.
Marshall’s Human Landing System Program partners with American companies to develop lunar landers. These vehicles will carry astronauts down to the Moon’s surface, aiming to make a permanent lunar presence a reality.
The Huntsville Operations Support Center runs around the clock, supporting International Space Station science. Teams coordinate experiments and manage communications for researchers all over the world.
Marshall scientists built key parts for space telescopes like Hubble, Chandra, and James Webb. Their work made these groundbreaking observatories possible.
Engineers at Marshall keep pushing technology forward. They test 3D printing for rocket engines and spacecraft parts, hoping to make space-based manufacturing possible on long missions.
You can hop on a guided bus tour of Marshall Space Flight Center through the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. These tours take you into areas usually off-limits, including four National Historic Landmarks.
You’ll see the Redstone Test Stand, where Alan Shepard’s rocket went through its paces before his historic flight. It’s the real facility where so much history started.
The Payload Operations and Integration Center is another highlight. It serves as mission control for NASA programs and International Space Station operations.
Tours include rocket manufacturing areas and testing sites used for the Artemis program. You’ll get to watch where engineers build components for the next generation of Moon rockets.
You’ll need to book in advance—security at Redstone Arsenal is tight. The Space & Rocket Center handles all the details and clearances.
Professional guides explain how rockets are built and how space programs operate. Tours last about two hours and cover a lot of ground.
Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville created the Saturn V rocket that took astronauts to the Moon. You can stand beneath one of only three original Saturn V rockets left, right at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.
NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center became the birthplace of America’s most powerful rocket. The team there handled propulsion systems and launch vehicle development during the space race.
Dr. Wernher von Braun led the rocket team at Marshall. His vision and engineering know-how brought the Saturn V from idea to launch pad.
The Saturn V—363 feet tall—was the peak of rocket engineering. Marshall’s engineers tested and re-tested every part to make sure it could safely send astronauts far from Earth.
On July 16, 1969, the Saturn V built in Huntsville launched Apollo 11 to the Moon. That mission made all the years of hard work pay off.
Marshall’s engineers didn’t stop with the Saturn V. They also built the Mercury-Redstone rocket for Alan Shepard’s flight and the Saturn IB for other missions.
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center features one of the three original Saturn V rockets. It’s the heart of Huntsville’s space tourism scene.
You can walk the full length of the Saturn V in the dedicated hall. The exhibit lays out all three rocket stages and the command module in amazing detail.
This Saturn V served as a real test rocket for dynamic testing at the Huntsville facilities. It gives you a true sense of the Moon rocket’s sheer size and complexity.
Saturn V Specs:
Interactive displays explain rocket propulsion and lunar mission planning. You’ll get a feel for the technical challenges von Braun’s team faced.
In 2022, Huntsville International Airport became the first U.S. commercial airport licensed by the FAA to land commercial space vehicles. This big step centers around the Sierra Space Dream Chaser spaceplane and puts Alabama’s Rocket City in the spotlight for the growing commercial space industry.
Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser spaceplane really marks a leap forward in reusable spacecraft tech. It handles cargo delivery for the International Space Station and touches down like a regular plane, right on standard runways.
Huntsville International Airport grabbed its spaceport designation just for Dream Chaser operations. Out of all airports, it’s one of only 20 FAA-licensed spaceports in the country and stands alone as the only commercial airport cleared for space vehicle landings.
Back in 2014, the Dream Chaser program kicked off when several partners joined forces. Huntsville International Airport, Teledyne Brown Engineering, Sierra Space, and local government groups all contributed.
Key operational advantages at Huntsville include a 12,600-foot runway and being right next to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. Dream Chaser’s ability to land horizontally means nobody has to fish it out of the ocean, unlike the old-school capsules.
The FAA put them through a tough approval process with plenty of safety checks and infrastructure assessments. Huntsville’s deep aerospace experience and existing facilities helped them move through certification way faster than new spaceports.
The spaceport label draws aerospace companies and investors into Huntsville. Local officials expect a boost in job creation for advanced manufacturing and satellite tech.
Commercial space operations open up fresh revenue for the airport authority. Spaceport services sit alongside regular aviation, giving the airport more ways to earn.
Business opportunities branch out well beyond launches:
This designation cements Huntsville’s role in space tourism. Dream Chaser sticks to cargo for now, but Sierra Space is already thinking about future passenger flights.
Schools and universities get a leg up with more STEM programs and research. The University of Alabama in Huntsville works hand-in-hand with commercial space operators on tech development.
International companies are starting to look Huntsville’s way, hoping to tap into US space infrastructure. The city’s central location and transportation links make it a solid hub for global aerospace supply chains.
Rocket Park puts America’s rocket history front and center with real hardware that pushed the space program from its earliest days to Mars missions. The outdoor collection covers everything from military missiles that became launch vehicles to the giant rockets built for the moon.
At the heart of Rocket Park, you’ll find the story of American rocketry told through full-scale vehicles that actually flew or played key roles in testing. Visitors wander among towering Saturn rockets, a true symbol of Apollo-era engineering.
The Saturn I rocket stands as proof of early lunar program progress. It bridged the gap between the smaller Mercury boosters and the massive Saturn V.
You’ll also spot the SLS Core Stage Pathfinder, a full-size mockup of NASA’s current deep space rocket. It went through heavy lift testing at Marshall Space Flight Center before finding a permanent spot at the center.
Each rocket has detailed signage explaining its place in space history. The displays make it clear—imagination and engineering together got us to space.
To keep these artifacts around for the long haul, crews restored the rockets in 2024. They moved them to specialized facilities for repairs and fresh, authentic paint jobs.
The Redstone rockets show how military missiles evolved into space launchers. These displays tell Huntsville’s story—once an agricultural town, now Rocket City.
The Army Redstone missile kicked off American rocket tech. It led to several spinoffs, including Jupiter, Jupiter-C, and Juno II.
The Mercury Redstone sent America’s first astronauts on suborbital flights. That rocket proved people could go to space and come back safely.
Military heritage is still obvious throughout the collection. These once-feared weapons became the backbone of peaceful space exploration.
The exhibits trace the journey from war missiles to rockets built for science and human adventure far beyond Earth.
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center runs the high-tech INTUITIVE Planetarium, complete with a 67-foot dome theater for immersive space shows. You can pick from educational astronomy programs and mind-blowing celestial visuals, including real mission images.
The INTUITIVE Planetarium’s dome wraps visitors in a full-on space experience. Digital projection tech puts you inside actual space missions with eye-popping visuals.
Featured Shows:
Surround sound pulls you right into the action. You’ll feel like you’re floating through space, watching galaxies form and worlds unfold.
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The theater welcomes groups big and small. Live presentations let visitors ask questions as expert guides break down tricky space concepts in easy language.
The planetarium runs special educational programs too. Monthly shows focus on Huntsville’s night sky, helping visitors spot constellations and local celestial events.
Evening lectures bring in space industry pros to share the latest research and discoveries. These talks connect visitors with real exploration happening at Marshall Space Flight Center, just up the road.
Special events? They’ve got those. Date Nights in the Dome come with childcare, and Cocktails & Cosmos mixes fun with space learning for adults.
The National Geographic Theater adds more space for blockbuster documentaries. This spot gives a classic cinema feel, a nice change from the dome.
Educational content covers the basics of astronomy, current missions, and what’s next in space. Programs shift their focus depending on the age and knowledge level of the audience.
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center holds two of NASA’s most treasured Apollo program relics. These real space artifacts let visitors connect with America’s lunar exploration history up close.
The Apollo 16 Command Module sits at the center of Huntsville’s collection. This capsule brought John Young, Ken Mattingly, and Charlie Duke back from their moon mission in April 1972.
You can see the real heat damage from its fiery return. The scorched heat shield is right there, just inches away. That little spacecraft traveled over 500,000 miles in just 11 days.
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This module is the only part of the giant Saturn V rocket that made it back to Earth. Three astronauts spent three days squeezed inside it on their way home from lunar orbit.
The Apollo 12 moon rock display shows off a real lunar sample collected by Pete Conrad and Alan Bean in November 1969. They picked it up from the Ocean of Storms region on the moon.
The rock looks dark gray with a shiny, glassy crust called fusion crust. That forms when meteorites slam into the moon at crazy speeds. The sample weighs just a few ounces, but getting it here took a massive effort.
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All the Apollo missions together brought back only 842 pounds of moon rocks. Each piece is a reminder of humanity’s greatest adventure and gives scientists clues about how the moon formed.
Dr. Wernher von Braun took Huntsville from a sleepy Alabama town and turned it into America’s rocket capital. He led the team behind the Saturn rockets that sent Apollo astronauts to the moon and built up the Marshall Space Flight Center into a top-tier aerospace hub.
Von Braun arrived in Huntsville in 1950 when the U.S. government moved him and his rocket team to Redstone Arsenal. He quickly saw the city’s potential as a space tech hotspot.
The German-born rocket engineer pushed hard for Huntsville to build up its academic and research scene. In a 1961 speech to the Alabama legislature, he urged the state to make the most of its aerospace edge.
He believed Huntsville needed universities and research centers to draw in business. Von Braun wanted more than just a government rocket lab—he saw a full-on science community.
He got involved in community development and education programs outside his government work. Von Braun knew that Huntsville’s future as a space leader depended on local talent and strong infrastructure.
He championed schools and training programs to grow the next wave of engineers and scientists.
As Marshall Space Flight Center’s first director from 1958 to 1970, von Braun led the country’s most critical rocket programs. His team built the Saturn I, Jupiter C, and Juno II rockets.
The Jupiter C rocket launched Explorer I, America’s first satellite, in 1958. That moment kicked off real U.S. competition in the space race with the Soviets.
Von Braun’s biggest achievement? The mighty Saturn V rocket that took Apollo astronauts to the moon. At 363 feet tall, it’s still one of the most powerful rockets ever.
He always insisted on thorough testing and strict safety checks. Von Braun’s team ran thousands of engine and component tests before every big launch.
Marshall Space Flight Center, under his leadership, became NASA’s main place for rocket propulsion development. Engineers there designed engines that powered dozens of space missions.
Von Braun’s work made the Apollo 11 moon landing possible, and Huntsville earned its nickname: America’s rocket city.
The Alabama Space Science Exhibit Commission (ASSEC) acts as the state agency running the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville. This 18-member commission recently changed things up, including a new name and more flexibility in how it operates.
The Alabama Space Science Exhibit Commission started out as a state agency. State law gives ASSEC the job of overseeing and guiding the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.
Eighteen commissioners set the center’s strategic direction. They serve set terms, and there are limits on how long anyone can stay on the commission.
Some recent legislation shook up the commission’s structure and powers. House Bill 159 renamed ASSEC to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center Commission, starting October 1, 2025.
Now, Alabama’s governor joins as an ex-officio nonvoting member. That gives the highest state office a direct role in space center operations.
The commission’s new structure lets it partner more easily with both public and private groups. These partnerships help manage and develop facilities focused on space exploration and national defense exhibits.
ASSEC’s governance shapes how the U.S. Space & Rocket Center stands as Alabama’s top paid attraction. Every year, more than 849,000 people walk through its doors under the commission’s watch.
Commission leaders make decisions that steer big-picture operations and set the course for the center’s future. Back in 2021, ASSEC picked Dr. Kimberly Robinson as Executive Director and CEO—she brought 31 years of NASA experience with her.
Commission policies set the tone for how the center displays rockets, historic moments, and artifacts from America’s space program. Inside, you’ll find the National Historic Landmark Saturn V Moon Rocket and the world’s only full-stack space shuttle display, Pathfinder.
Recent legislative tweaks have given the commission more freedom to make deals with other organizations. Thanks to this, they’re able to create new partnerships, which can really boost exhibits and educational programs.
Modern operating rules now guide what the commission does. These updates help them keep up with today’s space industry changes and what visitors want to see.
Huntsville gives visitors hands-on astronaut experiences and space flight simulations at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. The city keeps building relationships with commercial space companies to open up more chances for tourists to see real space tech.
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center offers immersive space tourism adventures that really feel like astronaut training. On the Space Shot ride, you get hit with 4 Gs of force, shooting 140 feet up in just 2.5 seconds.
The G-Force Accelerator spins riders with three times normal gravity. These rides let you feel what astronauts go through during launches and re-entry.
Space Camp lets regular people run simulated space missions using NASA-level gear. Over 750,000 folks have finished these programs since the start. Five Space Camp grads even became real astronauts.
The center displays real spacecraft, including a full-stack Space Shuttle complete with solid rocket boosters. You can walk under a suspended Saturn V moon rocket—only three places in the world have one on display.
Interactive exhibits highlight current NASA missions and the Space Launch System rocket, which is being built for Mars trips. The center also serves as the official visitor spot for NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center.
Huntsville’s work on NASA’s Space Launch System puts the city in a good spot for more space tourism. The SLS program draws commercial space companies looking for partners and testing grounds.
Marshall Space Flight Center keeps pushing propulsion technology forward, helping make civilian spaceflight possible. Local aerospace contractors team up with companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin to work on the next generation of space vehicles.
The city already has the infrastructure for space tourism, with launch facilities and astronaut training programs in place. Redstone Arsenal offers a secure testing area for commercial spacecraft.
The Space & Rocket Center partners with aerospace companies to create more ways for regular people to experience space. These collaborations bring the latest tech demonstrations right to the public.
With so many aerospace engineers and NASA veterans around, Huntsville just feels like the natural place for space tourism programs and astronaut prep.
Huntsville went from a small Southern town to America’s rocket capital by teaming up with German rocket scientists and landing big federal investments. The city hit milestones like building the Saturn V moon rocket and turning Marshall Space Flight Center into NASA’s main propulsion research hub.
Huntsville’s journey into space started in 1950 when the U.S. Army brought Dr. Wernher von Braun’s rocket team to Redstone Arsenal. These German scientists had worked on the V-2 rocket program before coming to the U.S.
Before rockets, Huntsville called itself the “Watercress Capital of the World” and had about 16,000 people living there. Everything shifted when von Braun and his 120 rocket experts arrived.
Redstone Arsenal quickly became the spot for testing America’s first ballistic missiles. The team developed the Redstone rocket, which sent Explorer I into orbit in 1958. That satellite marked America’s first big leap into the space race.
The Army Ballistic Missile Agency expanded fast at Redstone. By 1960, thousands of engineers and techs worked on site. Local suppliers and contractors pitched in to help the growing aerospace industry.
NASA took over von Braun’s team in 1960. That move created the Marshall Space Flight Center as NASA’s rocket propulsion headquarters. Huntsville’s role in the moon program was officially set.
Marshall Space Flight Center designed and tested the Saturn V rocket from 1961 to 1973. This huge rocket stood 363 feet tall and pushed out 7.6 million pounds of thrust. Saturn V launched every Apollo moon mission.
Marshall engineers built key parts for space stations, too. In the early 1970s, they designed Skylab, America’s first space station. Later, they managed space shuttle propulsion and external tanks.
NASA Marshall runs the International Space Station‘s science programs today. The facility handles mission control for ISS research and leads development of the Space Launch System for Artemis moon missions.
Now, Huntsville is home to the country’s second-largest research park. The city has over 25,000 aerospace workers in both government and private sectors. Big names like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman all have a strong presence here.
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center opened in 1970 to celebrate the city’s space legacy. The museum features one of just three complete Saturn V rockets on display worldwide. Since 1982, Space Camp has trained over 900,000 people.
If you’re planning a trip to Huntsville’s space attractions, you probably want the scoop on costs, hours, and booking. The U.S. Space and Rocket Center has different ticket options, educational programs, and tours, but you’ll want to plan ahead.
General admission prices at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center change by age and season. Adults usually pay between $25 and $35, while kids get in for less.
Seniors and military members can get special prices with valid ID. If you’re visiting with a group of 15 or more, you can grab discounted group rates.
Annual memberships let you come back as much as you want and include parking. Members also get discounts on Space Camp and special events.
To tour NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, you need to reserve ahead through the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. Everyone in your group must provide a government-issued photo ID at least two weeks before your tour.
Tours run only on select days and fill up fast, especially during busy times. Check online or call (256) 721-7114 to see what’s available.
All visitors go through security screening. No cameras, phones, or personal bags are allowed during the Marshall Space Flight Center part of the tour.
The U.S. Space and Rocket Center is open every day, but hours change with the seasons. Most of the year, it runs from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
In summer, they often stay open later to handle more visitors. Holidays might change the usual schedule.
Always double-check the current hours before you go—special events or maintenance can affect the timing. The center’s website always has the latest info.
Space Camp is the center’s main educational draw for both kids and adults. You can pick from one-day sessions or week-long training.
Aviation Challenge teaches military flight skills and aeronautics. U.S. Cyber Camp dives into cybersecurity with hands-on activities.
Space Camp Robotics mixes engineering with space themes. Adults can join programs and try astronaut training alongside younger folks.
Buying tickets online is easy and sometimes comes with discounts. The official website handles secure ticket sales for admission and programs.
Some third-party sites bundle tickets with hotels, but make sure you’re buying from a legit source.
Mobile tickets mean you don’t have to print anything. Just show your phone at the gate and you’re in.
You’ll find the Saturn V Hall right at the heart of the center. They’ve got one of only three Saturn V rockets left on the planet, and it’s huge—honestly, standing under it feels surreal.
Space Shuttle Pathfinder sits nearby, and you can walk right up to this full-scale shuttle replica. If you’re up for it, try out the interactive simulators scattered around; they let you get a little taste of space flight.
The Mars Mission exhibit dives into NASA’s latest ideas for getting humans to the Red Planet. There’s also a life-sized International Space Station mockup, where you can see how astronauts actually live and work while floating above Earth.
