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U.S. Space & Rocket Center: Journey into Space Exploration

Explore the universe at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, home to America's space program and the world's largest collection of space artifacts.

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The U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, is a Smithsonian Affiliate and the official visitor center for NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. As the largest spaceflight museum in the world, it showcases rockets, spacecraft, and artifacts from the U.S. space program, making visitors feel like astronauts for a day.

A brief summary to U.S. Space & Rocket Center

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Arrive early to maximize your visit, especially during peak season, as there's a lot to see and do.
  • Consider purchasing tickets online in advance to save time and ensure entry, especially if you're on a tight schedule.
  • Check the schedule for planetarium shows and simulator rides, as some require additional tickets or have limited capacity.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking between exhibits and outdoor displays.
  • Take advantage of the free parking and consider bringing a stroller for young children.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Huntsville, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center is accessible via the Huntsville Shuttle. The Line 3 bus runs from the Dallas at Holmes WB stop to the Space and Rocket Center every two hours. A one-way fare is $1.

  • Taxi

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber provide a direct route to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center from anywhere in Huntsville. A taxi from Huntsville Airport (HSV) to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center is estimated to cost $26-$32. From downtown Huntsville, a taxi will cost approximately $13-$16.

  • Walking

    For those staying in nearby hotels, such as the Huntsville Marriott, walking to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center is a viable option. The center is located at 1 Tranquility Base, easily accessible from surrounding areas.

  • Parking

    The U.S. Space & Rocket Center provides free parking for visitors, including dedicated spaces for RVs and buses. An RV park is located on the premises.

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Discover more about U.S. Space & Rocket Center

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, stands as a beacon of space exploration, offering an immersive experience into the past, present, and future of humanity's journey beyond Earth. As the largest spaceflight museum globally, the center boasts a collection of over 1,500 items, including rockets, engines, spacecraft, and simulators. Opened in 1970, shortly after the Apollo 12 Moon landing, the center has become a major attraction, drawing visitors from around the world. Key exhibits include the Saturn V Moon Rocket, a National Historic Landmark, and the world's only full-stack Space Shuttle display, Pathfinder. Visitors can explore the Apollo 16 capsule, Skylab Orbital Workshop, and a genuine Apollo 12 Moon Rock. Interactive exhibits offer hands-on understanding of rocketry and space travel, including simulators used for astronaut training. The center is not just a museum; it's an educational hub. It is home to Space Camp, Aviation Challenge Camp, Robotics Camp, and Cyber Camp, offering immersive programs for children and adults. These camps provide unique opportunities to learn about spaceflight, aviation, and related technologies through simulated missions and training exercises. In addition to its permanent exhibits, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center hosts traveling exhibits and offers bus tours of nearby NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. The INTUITIVE Planetarium provides immersive shows about stars, planets and the universe. With its extensive collection, interactive exhibits, and educational programs, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center inspires future generations of explorers and innovators.

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