Johnson Space Center

Johnson Space Center Composite Areas

Robert Gilruth S87-26820

Mission Operations Control Room at the conclusion of Apollo 11

Columbia makeshift memorial

Apollo 11 training in Houston

Johnson Space Center (JSC), officially named the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, is NASA's center for human spaceflight training, research, and flight control. Located in Houston, Texas, it has been the primary center for the United States' manned spacecraft and astronaut operations since its inception in 1961 as the Manned Spacecraft Center. The facility was renamed in 1973 after Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th President of the United States, who was a strong supporter of NASA's space exploration program.

History

The Johnson Space Center was established during the early days of space exploration to manage the manned Gemini and Apollo programs, aiming to achieve President John F. Kennedy's goal of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to Earth. The center played a pivotal role in achieving this goal with the successful Apollo 11 mission in 1969. Since then, JSC has continued to lead the United States' human space exploration efforts, including the Space Shuttle program, the International Space Station (ISS) operations, and the development of the upcoming Artemis program aimed at returning humans to the Moon.

Facilities

JSC is home to a variety of facilities critical for the training of astronauts, the development and testing of spacecraft, and the control of space missions. Notable facilities include:

• The Mission Control Center (MCC), which has overseen all American manned space missions since Gemini 4.
• The Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, a large swimming pool used to simulate the weightlessness of space, allowing astronauts to train for spacewalks.
• The Space Vehicle Mockup Facility, where astronauts train on full-scale models of spacecraft.
• The Astronaut Training Complex, which includes simulators and classrooms for astronaut training.

Programs and Missions

Over the years, JSC has been instrumental in several key NASA programs and missions. It was the heart of the Apollo moon-landing missions and later the Space Shuttle flights. Today, it plays a crucial role in the operation and support of the International Space Station and is actively involved in the planning and training for the Artemis program, which aims to land the first woman and the next man on the Moon by the mid-2020s.

Impact and Legacy

The Johnson Space Center has not only been a cornerstone of American space exploration but has also contributed significantly to the global understanding of space. It has fostered international partnerships, most notably with the International Space Station, and has been a leader in scientific research and technological innovation. The center's work has led to numerous advancements in science, engineering, and technology, including the development of life-saving medical technologies and the advancement of our understanding of the Earth and the universe.

Visitor Information

JSC is also home to Space Center Houston, the official visitor center of NASA Johnson Space Center, which offers tours of the center, exhibits, and presentations about the history and future of human spaceflight. It serves as an educational resource, inspiring the next generation of explorers and scientists.