This year’s festival is packed with live music, cutting-edge space tech, out-of-this-world entertainment and a stellar menu of festival-only dishes that are sure to satisfy any Space City foodie.

Feast on Fan Favorite Delights

Get ready to celebrate the return of fan favorites like smoked turkey legs, tender pulled pork and irresistible barbecue brisket sandwiches.

Shareable Bites and Cosmic Cravings

Looking for something to share with your crew? Dive into our Nova Nachos or grab a basket of crispy chicken tenders, golden fries and a foot-long corn dog from our Cosmic Cluck stand on festival grounds.

Taste Our Out-of-This-World Elote

Craving a snack? Savor our elote, a mouthwatering blend of cotija cheese, zesty lime juice, crema, tajin and fresh cilantro that’s sure to hit the spot.

Fuel Up at Your Favorite Spots

Your favorite food spots—the Food Lab, The Market Grab & Go, and Grounds Control—will be serving up delicious bites all festival long, including The Smuggler: a corned beef, Swiss cheese, and mustard aioli sandwich on marble rye, inspired by John Young’s iconic Gemini 3 ‘hidden’ sandwich.

Get your tickets today and chart a course to the Moon 2 Mars Festival, where your adventures and tastebuds can truly reach the stars!

The post Launch Your Tastebuds into Orbit at the Moon 2 Mars Festival appeared first on Space Center Houston.

Embark on a fascinating voyage, unraveling the incredible tale behind the arrival of this pristine celestial piece. This sample is more than a mere rock–it’s a guardian of secrets about our origins and solar system waiting to be unveiled.

We have prepared some stellar surprises for our explorers to celebrate the arrival of this remarkable sample from the OSIRIS-REx mission. The first 200 visitors will receive a 3-D printed Bennu model as a commemorative keepsake. 

Can’t attend but still want a piece of space history? If you have access to 3-D printers, Space Center Houston has provided the file to craft your Bennu model!

Sign up below to receive the news of when this amazing sample arrives!

The post Houston, We Have a Sample! Make Your Own Bennu appeared first on Space Center Houston.

The holiday season is the perfect opportunity to create unforgettable memories at Galaxy Lights, presented by Reliant, as you embark on a cosmic journey with your festive crew. Check out some of our guests’ starlit memories from Galaxy Lights this year–then make your own! Galaxy Lights is open through Sunday, January 7, 2024.

Join a constellation of explorers who have ventured into this big and bright cosmic wonderland to experience the excitement of this celestial time of year.

Why settle for an ordinary holiday when you can indulge in delightful festive treats and witness a stellar space spectacle!

Time is running out to elevate your holiday celebrations to the stars. Gear up and secure your tickets to Galaxy Lights for an astronomical experience.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: https://spacecenter.org/galaxy-lights/

The post Sparkling Memories at Galaxy Lights appeared first on Space Center Houston.

Earlier this year, Space Center Houston had the honor of hosting Eugene “Gene” Kranz as he discussed his new book, “Tough and Competent: Leadership and Team Chemistry.”

Witness the stellar conversation that covered Kranz’s role in leading the flight controllers during the Apollo 13 mission and how leadership and team chemistry are essential to mastering risk and mitigating issues in a crisis environment.

The post VIDEO | An Evening with Gene Kranz appeared first on Space Center Houston.

Step into a world of celestial enchantment with your loved ones at Galaxy Lights, powered by Reliant, and get ready to embark on an extraordinary holiday journey that’s out of this world! Here’s what you can look forward to on this cosmic adventure: 

Enter the Deep Space Backyard

Take an awe-inspiring journey through the solar system in our Deep Space Backyard. Wander beneath a canopy of twinkling stars and capture larger-than-life displays in the backdrop of the cosmos.

Cozy up and watch the crystal fireworks, sponsored by HEB, burst to life on a stunning 40-foot-tall cascading display, radiating galaxy-inspired colors that will leave you in awe.

Experience not one but two kinetic light shows sponsored by Wellby Financial, where vibrant shapes and patterns come to life in a mesmerizing choreography above the Main Plaza. 

And don’t forget to catch the original film “Holidays in Space.” It features real footage of astronauts celebrating holidays and captivating interviews with retired astronauts about their holiday experiences in space. 

Live Presentations Exploring the Science of Light

Join us for an interactive live show, “Celebrate Light.” This engaging experience will illuminate the role of light in how we perceive colors and its connection to space exploration.

Dazzling Activations, Starlit Memories

Visit our up-lit silhouette displays portraying various celestial constellations. Follow their radiant path to a 200-foot LED light tunnel synchronized with festive holiday music. As you stroll through, you’ll get an up-close look at the massive models of each planet to accompany you.

Hop onto our interactive light pods, featuring 290 multicolor platforms, nestled under the wing of our historic NASA 905 shuttle carrier aircraft. If you’re seeking a more spectacular view, ascend the shuttle carrier and shuttle replica model to witness the mesmerizing Saturn V rocket lights.

Relish the enchanting atmosphere created by the gently falling snowflakes on the projection wall and enhanced by our snow machine, all while you savor our holiday treats like a delightful cup of hot cocoa and s’mores. 

Marvel at a sparkling model of Earth and a prism tree, perfect for capturing that Instagram-worthy holiday picture at our Earth and snow globe photo station.

Big & Bright Activations Highlighting Texas’ Role in Space Exploration

Celebrate the spirit of collaboration and the International Space Station (ISS) with our Lights Around the World display. It boasts a magnificent 15-foot wreath and six towering 20-foot-lit aluminum trees representing each ISS partner: the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan, Russia, and Italy.

These impressive trees are enveloped by radiant, glowing stars, adorning the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, culturally adorned as a tribute to each partner nation. And, of course, don’t miss the opportunity to capture a festive and memorable holiday selfie beneath the massive 40-foot-tall, 100-foot-long shooting star!

Galaxy Lights is an extraordinary celestial celebration of the holidays. Join us for an evening filled with cosmic cheer, exploration, and unbridled joy this holiday season. We can’t wait to share this enchanting experience with you! 

The post Your Guide to a Cosmic Holiday Experience at Galaxy Lights appeared first on Space Center Houston.

Panelists

Dr. Cynthia Phillips

Dr. Cynthia Phillips is a planetary geologist at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, CA. She specializes in icy world surface processes, leading the Europa Clipper science and communication efforts. As co-chair of NASA’s Ocean Worlds Working Group, Phillips earned her Ph.D. in Planetary Science from the University of Arizona, with an undergraduate degree in astronomy and astrophysics from Harvard.

Dr. Kennda Lynch

Dr. Kennda Lynch is an astrobiologist and geomicrobiologist based at the Lunar and Planetary Institute in Houston, TX. Lynch combines her engineering background from NASA with astrobiology to explore sustainable agriculture solutions for deep space habitation. She is passionate about mentoring and promoting diversity in STEM and has been featured in various media, including Netflix series and books. She is also a Ford Foundation Fellow and a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts.

The post VIDEO | Europa Clipper: Search for Habitable Worlds​ appeared first on Space Center Houston.

Illiana Luna

Public Relations Specialist

“Many firsts in my career have happened at Space Center Houston because of the opportunities I have found myself in. From crafting my first CEO quote to writing a script for Apollo Flight Director Gene Kranz – I am forever grateful to have contributed to one of the nation’s leading science and space exploration learning centers, and the many walks of lives that enter through it.

I hope to inspire and encourage the Hispanic community to always reach for the Moon and stars because your contributions matter. Spread your magic and si tu puedes!”

Aaron Rodriguez

Visual Information Specialist

“Representation is important and I am proud to be a Latino in this industry and bring my unique perspective to it. Not only do I hope to inspire others in the Hispanic community to become involved in STEM and space exploration, but I hope to set a good example for my daughters to become involved. Through my talents, I hope to show them that there are other people like them in this industry and that anything is possible if you have passion and work hard towards your goals.”

Erica Martinez

Event Sales Coordinator

“In my role as the Event Sales Coordinator at Space Center Houston, I’ve had the privilege of being the initial point of contact for assisting our clients in hosting events here. As a Hispanic woman, building a successful career that gives me the opportunity to collaborate with industry leaders such as Indeed, Chevron, Anheuser Busch, and many others is an honor. The most rewarding part of my position is playing a role in selling, organizing, and executing events with my team. I hope to encourage the Hispanic Community to purse their dreams, and anything is possible.”

Óscar Neira

Spanish Language Programs Specialist

“The work I’m doing at Space Center Houston is a source of immense pride and passion for me. Being an educator, I am filled with a sense of wonder and excitement as I contribute to making Space Center Houston more accessible through the Spanish programs and participants. My favorite part of my role is that I’m giving back what my country did for me. It gave me what is necessary to be part of one of the most recognized science centers and create new opportunities for Hispanic communities. I incorporate my cultural background into educational programs, projects, research, and exhibitions, providing a more diverse and inclusive view of science.”

En español
“El trabajo que estoy haciendo en el Centro Espacial de Houston es una fuente de inmenso orgullo y pasión para mí. Como educador, me siento con gran sensación de asombro y entusiasmo al contribuir que el Centro Espacial sea más accesible a través de los programas en español y sus participantes. Mi parte favorita de mi rol es que estoy devolviendo lo que mi país hizo por mí. Me dio lo necesario para ser parte de uno de los centros de ciencias más reconocidos y crear nuevas oportunidades para las comunidades hispanas. Incorporo mi formación cultural en programas educativos, proyectos, investigaciones y exposiciones, brindando una visión más diversa e inclusiva de la ciencia.”

Ann Hernandez

Director of Leadership Programs and Inclusion

“As the Director of Leadership Programs and Inclusion, I get to help people of all ages feel connected to space and think of how to apply the lessons from NASA and space companies to their daily lives, professionally and personally. As a learning organization, we continuously discover more about our global community and look for ways to increase accessibility for Latinx/o/a peoples. As a mixed-race Latina, I don’t always feel represented in every environment, but I am proud to work in an organization and public learning center that prioritizes inclusion, allowing each person to see themselves in the space world.”

The post Hispanic Heritage Month | Crew Spotlight appeared first on Space Center Houston.

An International Landmark | NASA 905 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft
As you arrive at Space Center Houston, you will see what can be considered our unofficial welcome sign in the form of the historic NASA 905 shuttle carrier aircraft. They say everything is bigger in Texas; this colossal Boeing 747 is a prime example. This remodeled aircraft is the largest intact artifact from the shuttle program. It played a vital role in the orbiter’s development, helping to usher in a new era of space exploration.

The Falcon Has Landed | SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket
Prepare to be amazed by the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, a true game-changer in space exploration. With its groundbreaking reusable design and cost efficiency, this rocket was pivotal in sending astronauts to the International Space Station. The burn marks and wear on the outside of this flown rocket serve as visible proof of its multiple journeys to space.

Vest of the Best | Gene Kranz Apollo 17 Vest
Would you swap your lucky four-leaf clover for a handmade vest? After learning about the remarkable career and successful track record of legendary flight director Gene Kranz, you might want to consider it. Behold the dazzling vest dawned by Kranz while he led the Apollo 17 mission. Marta, Kranz’s wife, handmade all his vests for good luck during his mission. She started making vests during the Gemini 4 era, which became a tradition.

Setting the Stage | John F. Kennedy Lectern
Take in the gravity of the John F. Kennedy lectern! The piece set the stage for several prominent historical figures, including presidents, vice presidents, and NASA administrators and was used to deliver the iconic “moonshot” speech at Rice University.

Fitting a Square Peg in a Round Hole | Apollo 13 Lithium Hydroxide Canister Prototype
See the puzzle piece that transformed the Apollo 13 mission from a failed moon landing into a demonstration of teamwork and a defining moment for NASA. The key was a lithium hydroxide canister, a product of ingenuity that NASA engineers created to adapt a square CO2 filter from the command module to fit the round system of the lunar module after an accident. This canister helped ensure the safe return of astronauts Jim Lovell, Jack Swigert, and Fred Haise.

These artifacts are only a few authentic pieces of space history that Space Center Houston offers to illustrate unique facets of our celestial journey. Visit us to see more genuine pieces of space history from NASA’s early days to the current era of commercial space exploration at spacecenter.org/tickets.

The post 5 Space History Artifacts to See During Your Visit appeared first on Space Center Houston.

Get ready to unleash your inner Halloween spirit at Galaxy Frights, presented by Reliant, where costumes are the name of the game!  

We want to make sure that your celestial attire is out of this world and safe, so here are a few tips to help everyone enjoy the Halloween festivities among the stars:

• Wear your favorite family-friendly costumes

• Make sure your costumes are off the ground and ready for action

• Leave your masks at home so we can see your smiling faces

These simple guidelines are your ticket to spooky fun. Whether you plan to be an awesome astronaut, your favorite Jedi or a candy pirate, Galaxy Frights offers something for all ages to make it an unforgettable experience.  

A universe of horrors awaits, so get your general admission tickets for Oct. 19-20 and Oct. 26-27, 2024, and explore all the tricks and treats in store!  

The post Your Space-tacular Guide to Galaxy Frights Glam! appeared first on Space Center Houston.