JSC's Open House is designed to show the people of America how human space flight programs are developed, supported and carried out. Visitors also are able to see some of the many benefits the space program has brought and will continue to bring. Guests select facilities and displays to see using free brochures and maps. More than 150 exhibits and displays are available at 20 of the center's buildings, most open to the public only on Aug. 25. Employees who work in those areas will be on hand to explain what they do and how it fits into the nation's space program.
Visitors are welcome to walk to the various buildings, or ride covered trams around the center.
Gift shops and cafeterias are open during the event. Space suits from the Apollo era to those used by today's astronauts and cosmonauts during space walks. Mission Control centers that supported the Apollo Moon missions and that direct today's space shuttle flights. Astronauts on hand to talk about their activities and sign autographs. The festival features 100 or more hot air balloons, midway rides, games, skydiving exhibitions, balloon flights and booths.