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Location
Accessibility
ADA-compliant access with two elevators and stairway providing access to all levels of both aircraft, open-air vestibules for visitor assembly
Visitor tip
Don't miss the three tram tours offered at Space Center Houston - they are essential for fully grasping the scale of the exhibits like the Saturn V rocket. Book the Mission Control tram tour upon arrival as it requires separate reservations and can fill up.
Best time
Arrive on a day with good weather to maximize your experience, as visitors specifically mention the exhibits and views are 'even better when the weather is fine' - important since Independence Plaza features open-air vestibules and external viewing areas.
Quick Facts
- Venue Type
- Science Center
- Main Attraction
- Shuttle replica Independence on NASA 905 carrier aircraft
- Unique Feature
- Only shuttle mounted on SCA that public can enter
- Admission
- Included with Space Center Houston general admission
What visitors say
A great experience at NASA, Johnson Space Centre (JSC). Some great displays and tours, especially to visit the astronaut training centre, the Apollo moon rocket and the shuttle. Highly recommended.
Loved this place specially for the Boeing 747-123 there that belonged to American Airlines
Within Johnson Space Centre near Houston. External exhibit of a space shuttle on top of a jumbo jet. Exhibits inside both vehicles reached by stairs or a lift.
From 2,867 Google reviews Read all reviews
Did You Know?
- Independence Plaza features the only Space Shuttle mounted on a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) that the public can enter, making it a globally unique accessible exhibit
- The 240-ton Independence Plaza complex is an international landmark visible immediately upon arrival at Space Center Houston
- Visitors can walk through the actual flight deck and mid-deck of orbiter Independence and explore its payload bay containing an artifact that actually flew on STS-49
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