Johnson Space Center/Space Center Houston

Johnson Space Center is one of Clear Lake's Greatest attractions and sees thousands of visitors each week who are interested in astronomy, astronauts, and science. The name of the Space center is a bit deceptive. It is called Space Center Houston but it is actually in an area called Clear Lake. The city of Clear Lake is a middle to upper-middle class suburb of Houston that is situated about 25 miles south of downtown Houston. The center has a convenient location that is situated around several other suburbs and is accessible to a large demographic of people.

Johnson Space Center was created to cultivate an appreciation for the work of Nasa and peak public interest in astronomy. The center pours millions of dollars into its exhibits in order to educate the public about space travel and its history. The Johnson Space Center also has a theatre that is an excellent place to learn about the history of space ship equipment and gives in-depth details of the risk being taken by the people who have made the voyage into space. The Space Center theatre is designed for children who have a dream of being an astronaut when they grow up. Children and adults interested in working with or for Nasa are encouraged to visit Space Center Houston to have a comprehensive look of what it takes to be an astronaut or work in the center.

One of the most interesting things about the Johnson Space Center is the various tours that are offered to visitors. The Space Center offers a "Level 9 Tour." The Level 9 Tour is the most in-depth and detailed tour offered to visitors at the center. The Level 9 is a four-five hour tour that allows visitors to infiltrate the work areas of the astronauts for Nasa. Visitors are offered an opportunity to see the observation cat walk, the vacuum chamber, take a peak into famous control rooms and eat a lunch at the astronaut's cafeteria for free. Because of the tour's popularity, admission is only received on a first-come, first serve basis. Visitors who plan on participating in the Level 9 Tour are advised to book ahead because there are only 12 slots for the Level Nine Tour per day.

Blast off theatre offers IMAX type films that give visitors a small taste of what it would be like to enter space. The Astronaut Gallery is a another major attraction in the space center that offers an exhibit of the world's best spacesuit collection and a brief history lesson is taught in the clearly displayed pictures of every U.S. astronaut that has ever left for space. The Star Ship gallery is an extension of the astronaut gallery and is an exhibit for space capsules. The entire Johnson Space Center is full of many exciting exhibits that are both interactive and informational. The center is designed so that any age-level can fully enjoy the exhibits while learning about science. Distance educational programs are also available through Space Center Houston.