NASA Thanks Houston for Past, Present, Future Support
The spirit of “Space City” is as strong today as it was a half-century ago, with a community-wide outpouring of support for NASA and the anniversary of Apollo 11, and the Johnson Space Center is proud to be a partner in those efforts.
“Those of us at NASA’s Johnson Space Center are proud to be a part of the Houston community,” said Johnson’s Director Mark Geyer. “When NASA and Houston have had triumphs, such as the Apollo lunar landings, we’ve celebrated together. When we’ve had tragedies, in space or on the ground with storms like Hurricane Harvey, we’ve helped each other be strong. Together, Houston and NASA will lead the way through the next 50 years of great achievement in space exploration, innovation and scientific discovery … and the next 50 after that.”
Space Center Houston, NASA Johnson Space Center’s official visitor center, is planning premier events to mark the anniversary; and Houston First Corp., which includes the city’s tourism organization Visit Houston, has outlined commemorative activities far and wide, ranging from celebrations in area towns to almost non-stop events at local museums, restaurants and hotels.
“Space Center Houston is planning a spectacular lineup of events on July 20,” said William Harris, CEO of Space Center Houston. ‘‘Apollo 11 50th Live” will be an all-day festival celebrating the legacy of the Apollo era and the future of space exploration.
Space Center Houston’s ‘Apollo 50th Live’
Saturday, July 20, 9 a.m.-midnight: An array of space-themed activities, notable speakers, book signings, an outdoor festival with a concert, a family science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) zone and more. It will culminate with an evening concert featuring performances by the band WALK THE MOON and Phillip Phillips. Guests will watch a video interlude about the Apollo 11 50th anniversary, followed by the official countdown at 9:56 p.m., the exact moment Neil Armstrong stepped on the Moon. Visit spacecenter.org for more information about the activities, hours of operation and membership. Media interested in covering the Apollo celebration should contact Meridyth Moore at 281-244-2139.
Events throughout Houston include major activities featuring NASA exhibits, as well as a myriad of celebrations by local businesses and surrounding cities.
“Houston is truly a city of innovation where giant leaps are made. We are proud to be the home of NASA, courageous astronauts and talented STEM leaders; our everyday heroes who inspire the next-generation to achieve the impossible,” said Brenda Bazan, president and CEO of Houston First Corp. “It is a part of our DNA and as such, we look not only to the past for accomplishments made in our space community 50 years ago, we also look forward to the next 50 years and what this city of innovators can achieve with the Johnson Space Center.”
A sampling of major upcoming events includes:
Saturday, July 20, 6-10 p.m., Discovery Green Park: Appearance by astronaut Steve Bowen, screening of the movie “Apollo 11.” U.S. Army Golden Knight parachute jumpers will land before the screening, in addition to a special appearance from Houston First’s Spacey Casey. Media interested in covering the festival should contact Lori San Miguel at 713-400-7336 or 713-800-
NASA Night with Houston Astros
Monday, July 22, 5 p.m., Minute Maid Park: NASA’s Destination Station mobile exhibit will be used to educate and inspire the public about the International Space Station. The space station is a multinational research facility and the largest spacecraft ever built. Media interested in covering the event should contact Sarah Kincart at 713-259-8592.
Exhibit at University of Houston Main Campus
Wednesday, July 24, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., University of Houston: NASA is presenting the Destination Station mobile exhibit along with other special information and technology to discuss internship opportunities to future scientists and engineers. Media interested in covering the event should contact Jeannie Kever at 713-743-0778 or 713-504-3769.
NASA Night with Houston Dynamo
Saturday, July 27, 7 p.m., BBVA Compass Stadium: NASA will hold an outreach event with families and fans during the Houston Dynamo game in celebration of the Apollo 11 50th Anniversary. Media interested in covering the festival should contact Zac Emmons at 713-276-7522.
Learn more about NASA’s Moon to Mars Journey at:
https://www.nasa.gov/
Catch up on all the NASA Apollo 50th Anniversary events at:
https://www.nasa.gov/specials/
Find out how to visit Space Center Houston or be involved in its space education programs at:
Plan a space-themed trip through Visit Houston with a full list of experiences, events and hotel packages available during Space City Month at:
