A huge 54th bday bash + the coolest things inside the U.S. Space & Rocket Center now

Sponsored

NASA Astronaut — Get ready for an out-of-this-world party, Rocket City. (U.S. Space & Rocket Center)

Huntsville’s most iconic spot is turning 54, and the party is on. The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is throwing the ultimate birthday bash March 11-17.

Read on for all the fun events of the birthday week and check out some of the coolest exhibits you can experience when you visit.

Birthday week deets—March 11-17

Space suits in Huntsville at U.S. Space & Rocket Center — Must-see space suits—can you imagine wearing one of these? (U.S. Space & Rocket Center)

When: March 11-17
Where: U.S. Space & Rocket Center, 1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805
Free (with ticket admission) celebrations you can’t miss this week:
- Rocket-themed activities, like stomp rocket games all week
- SLS (STEAM Literature Series) all week—special events for kids where they’ll enjoy stories + crafts. Plus, they’ll sing Happy Birthday to the Space & Rocket Center during the event
- STEM on Stage in “Dare to Explore: Frontiers of Space” all week 10AM + 2PM
- Moon Pies on the 17th for the Rocket Center’s “birthday cake”
Click here for more birthday info!

The coolest exhibits in the U.S. Space & Rocket Center right now

1. Intuitive Planetarium

Intuitive Planetarium at U.S. Space & Rocket Center — INTUITIVE Planetarium (U.S. Space & Rocket Center)

While you’re enjoying the bday bash activities, make time to see one of the most incredible screens in Huntsville.

Did you know that every Friday, the INTUITIVE Planetarium hosts Cocktails & Cosmos, where guests can enjoy a cosmically created cocktail and view a planetarium show exploring parts of our universe? On March 15^th, the featured Cocktails & Cosmos show is Messier Madness where the crew will take you on a tour of their favorite space objects.

They’ll also be featuring other daily, interactive shows—Spring Skies and James Webb Space Telescope: The Story Unfolds.

Get ready for the Space & Rocket Center’s ultimate birthday week and get tickets for INTUITIVE Planetarium’s awesome shows.

2. Pathfinder

Pathfinder at U.S. Space & Rocket Center — The Pathfinder (U.S. Space & Rocket Center)

2024 is a year of major transformation at the USSRC as work continues on the Pathfinder Preservation project. Pathfinder is a space shuttle test simulator constructed by NASA in 1977.

A new cover for the Pathfinder shuttle artifact is currently being 3D printed and assembled, and once assembled, Pathfinder will ride high again on the shuttle stack, completing a portion of the return of the beloved Rocket City Spaceline.

3. Saturn V Hall

Saturn V Hall at U.S. Space & Rocket Center — Saturn V Hall (U.S. Space & Rocket Center)

There are only three authentic Saturn V Rockets in the entire world, and one of them is right here in Huntsville at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.

A National Historic Landmark, the Saturn V Hall showcases NASA and Marshall Space Flight Center’s contributions to space exploration throughout the years.

Fun fact: the Saturn V Rocket at the USSRC is the largest artifact in the Smithsonian Institute and was used for vibration testing.

4. Science on Orbit Exhibit

Science on Orbit exhibit at U.S. Space & Rocket Center — Science on Orbit exhibit (U.S. Space & Rocket Center)

If you want to play astronaut for a day, you have to visit the Science on Orbit exhibit. Here’s what you can find inside this must-see exhibit:

Model of NASA’s Payload Operations Integration Center
Full-scale replica of the Cupola Observation Module, which provides ISS (International Space Station) astronauts their view of space + the Earth below
Mockups of two ISS modules with 20 full-scale replica racks, illustrating the environmental control + life support system of astronauts
Sleeping berth
The food astronauts consume while in space

5. Solar Sail exhibit

Solar Sail exhibit at U.S. Space & Rocket Center — Solar Sail exhibit (U.S. Space & Rocket Center)

Inside the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, you’ll find a real solar sail—one of the most impressive elements of space technology recently developed. A solar sail is powered by the sunlight reflecting off of the sail—just like wind on a sailboat. It doesn’t require fuel and could be a game changer for deep space transportation.

For more information about this exhibit, click here.

6. Space Camp Operations Building

Space Camp Operations Building at U.S. Space & Rocket Center — Space Camp Operations Building (U.S. Space & Rocket Center)

Although this building is not open to the public for tours, it’s the hub of one of the Space and Rocket Center’s most famous programs—Space Camp.

You’ve probably heard of Space Camp for the kiddos, but did you know there are programs for adults too? Here’s a sneak peek of what you can do at the Adult Space Academy: