U.S. Space & Rocket Center

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is a space science museum in Huntsville, Alabama that displays more than 1500 objects from space exploration. The collection includes rockets, engines, spacecraft, simulators, and themed exhibition areas.

The museum opened in March 1970 under the direction of Edward Buckbee, shortly after the successful Apollo 12 Moon landing. It became a major educational center for space science within its first years.

The center displays the Saturn V rocket, which was developed by Wernher von Braun and his team in Huntsville. Visitors today can walk through a replica section of the International Space Station and experience what living in orbit feels like.

The facility offers regular guided tours and educational programs suitable for school groups. The planetarium presents astronomy shows and film screenings throughout the week.

The Space Shuttle Pathfinder on display here was used as a test vehicle and never flew to space. It was built to practice handling and transporting the real shuttle fleet.

Location: Huntsville

Official opening: March 17, 1970

Fee: Yes

Operator: NASA

Address: 1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805

Phone: +12568373400

Website: http://rocketcenter.com

GPS coordinates: 34.71140,-86.65420

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:02