To celebrate its 30th anniversary, Space Center Houston plans to build an interactive, 100-acre project that will feature two interactive cosmic terrains that will replicate what NASA experts say is the look and feel of the surfaces of both the moon and Mars.
Space Center Houston says the Facilities Master Plan unveiled Tuesday will allow it to achieve the goal of teaching visitors about what's next in the rapidly changing space exploration landscape. The non-profit that serves as NASA's welcome center for the Johnson Space Center is turning 30 years old this month.
Projections indicate that the global space industry will quadruple in size in the next 25 years, and Houston will continue to be a key player in the now public-private space exploration business.
"Space is expanding once again and a new space age is upon us," said William T. Harris, President and CEO Space Center Houston in a press release. "With new ambitions, new players and new challenges, we will shift our focus from being a curator of past achievements to also facilitating new feats in space."
In addition to the new terrain spaces, visitors will also be able to watch actual astronaut training through an elevated exhibit hall.
Space Center Houston officials say the expansion will be rolled out in phases, with additional details and fundraising information released in 2023. The soonest the new facilities could open is 2024.
