About Us
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC) in Huntsville, Alabama, is the world’s largest spaceflight museum and home to internationally recognized STEM education programs including Space Camp®, Aviation Challenge®, Space Camp® Robotics, and U.S. Cyber Camp®. As the Official Visitor Center for NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and a Smithsonian Affiliate, the USSRC welcomes visitors from every state and more than 80 foreign nations each year.
The USSRC’s rocket and space hardware collection contains more than 1,500 items showcasing the past, present, and future of human spaceflight.
Notable Artifacts
Our Story
In the 1950s, Dr. Wernher von Braun and his team of rocket scientists transformed Huntsville, Alabama, into a center of innovation and aerospace research. From Huntsville came the rockets that launched America’s first satellite into orbit, powered missions to the Moon, supported development of the Space Shuttle, contributed to the International Space Station, and continue to shape the future through NASA’s Space Launch System program.
As the Apollo era reached its peak, Dr. von Braun envisioned a permanent place where the public could experience the achievements of the American space program. Working with NASA, the U.S. Army Missile Command, and the Alabama Legislature, that vision became reality when the U.S. Space & Rocket Center opened in 1970. Since then, millions of visitors have explored the Center and discovered the spirit of innovation that defines space exploration.
Our Museum
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is more than just artifacts! Experience the physics of astronaut training in simulators like Moon Shot and G-Force. Our world-class INTUITIVE® Planetarium (USA Today’s Reader’s Choice #1 Planetarium) transports you through our universe and beyond with live shows in a 67-foot dome theater.
Space Camp ®
Space Camp® has been inspiring the next generation of explorers since 1982. This internationally known program with more than 1 million alumni is based on NASA astronaut training and focuses on teamwork and leadership skills — the oldest and largest STEM camp in the world.
- Created by Edward O. Buckbee, the Center’s first director, and Dr. Wernher von Braun.
- Campers are challenged to transcend from “What if?” to “Can do!”
- Alumni include NASA and ESA astronauts, engineers, scientists, and technologists.
- Camps are available for fourth-grade through high school-age students (ages 9–18), with special programs for trainees who are blind or visually impaired, deaf or hard of hearing.
- You’re never too old for Space Camp! Programs are also available for adults, educators, corporate groups, custom groups, and families — family programs may include children as young as seven.