The U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC), located in Huntsville, Alabama, is one of the most significant aerospace museums in the world. Known as the “Rocket City,” Huntsville is home to NASA‘s Marshall Space Flight Center, where much of the U.S. space program was developed. The USSRC serves as a gateway to understanding the history, present, and future of space exploration.
U.S. Space & Rocket Center
1 Tranquility Base
Huntsville
Alabama 35805
+1 (256) 837-3400
1-800-637-7223 FREE
Daily 09:00 – 17:00
Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day
Admission fee
Gift shop
Between I-65 and US 23
Aircraft and rocket collection
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64-13954 70-16441 90-0214 – 78-0101/ST 63-9775/UH 160661/AD-101 N945NA 67-16703/03B 162583 60-6930 – – 64-0838 N704NA 511 66671 N999NA – N2VE 153242/AA-13 | Bell AH-1G Cobra
Bell UH-1B Iroquois Bell UH-1H Iroquois Boeing CH-47D Chinook Ford JB-2 General Dynamics F-16B Fighting Falcon General Dynamics F-111 Grumman F-14A Tomcat Gulfstream Aerospace G.1159STA Hughes TH-55A Osage Kaman SH-2F Seasprite Lockheed A-12 Oxcart Lockheed P-3A Orion (cockpit) Martin X-24A (full scale model) McDonnell Douglas F-4C Phantom II McDonnell Douglas/BAe YAV-8B Harrier II Mikoyan MiG-17 North American X-15A (full scale model) Northrop T-38A Talon Quick 1910 Rutan 33 Vari-Eze Vought A-7A Corsair II |
U.S. Space & Rocket Center Houses hundreds of artifacts, including the charred Apollo 16 command module, a rock brought back from the moon, Saturn V (full scale model), Space Shuttle (full scale model) and one of the shuttle’s main engines.
Key Attractions
- Saturn V Rocket
- The centerpiece of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center is a fully restored Saturn V rocket, one of only three on display worldwide. This massive rocket was used in NASA’s Apollo program to send astronauts to the Moon.
- Visitors can walk beneath the rocket and explore interactive exhibits detailing its construction and historic missions.
- Space Shuttle Pathfinder
- The Pathfinder, a full-scale space shuttle mockup, offers a glimpse into the space shuttle program that revolutionized space travel.
- Rocket Park
- This outdoor exhibit showcases an impressive collection of rockets and missiles, including the Redstone, Jupiter, and Pershing rockets, which played pivotal roles in early U.S. space exploration and defense.
- Apollo 16 Command Module
- On display is the Apollo 16 Command Module, used during the fifth lunar landing mission in 1972. It offers a close-up view of the technology that carried astronauts to the Moon and back.
- Hands-On Science Exhibits
- Interactive displays allow visitors to experience space-related concepts, such as gravity, propulsion, and robotics.
- The U.S. Space & Rocket Center also features a G-force simulator and a multi-axis trainer, giving a taste of astronaut training.
- Space Camp
- The USSRC is famous for its Space Camp, an educational program for children and adults that provides hands-on experience with space missions, astronaut training, and STEM learning.
Educational and Historical Impact
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center celebrates Huntsville’s pivotal role in the U.S. space program, including the development of the Saturn V rocket by Dr. Wernher von Braun and his team. The museum not only highlights past achievements but also inspires future generations to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Conclusion
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is a must-visit destination for space enthusiasts, history buffs, and families. It offers a unique opportunity to explore humanity’s journey to the stars and inspires curiosity about what lies beyond our planet. Whether you’re marveling at historic rockets or engaging in hands-on activities, the USSRC provides an unforgettable experience.