Houston is known as the nation’s leader in space exploration. Since the space center was first established in 1961, our city has spent decades conducting research, experimenting with new technology, and training astronauts. So, how did we become the leader in space exploration? Let’s learn more!
The First Space Center
President John F. Kennedy announced an ambitious plan to land a man on the moon by 1970. To execute the president’s plan, the Space Task Group needed new headquarters and more advanced technology to plan a successful mission to the moon. Houston became home to the newest space center because NASA was looking for a city that had a first-class all weather airport, an established network of industrial and contractor support, easily available supply of water, nearby university, mild climate, and a culturally active community. After looking at 23 sites, Houston won out and would become home to the Manned Spacecraft Center in Clear Lake.
The First Moon Mission
Houston had national eyes on it during NASA’s first mission to the moon on July 20, 1969. Armstrong made history as the first person to walk on the moon. His famous lines, “Houston, the Eagle has landed,” and “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” were heard around the world. The center was renamed the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in 1973 after the president.
Today’s Missions
Today, the Mission Control Center in Houston monitors the International Space Station, SpaceX launches, the new Artemis missions sending humans to the moon, and other endeavors. The space center also trains astronauts, prepares them for upcoming missions, and conducts a variety of research in physical science, technology, Earth science, and other areas. In 2021, Vanessa Wyche became the first African-American director of NASA Johnson Space Center.
If you want to learn more about NASA and Houston’s role in space exploration, plan a visit to Space Center Houston in Clear Lake. Then, learn more about NASA’s future mission to Mars.
