virtual tour johnson space center

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VIRTUAL FIELD TRIPS

Join Boeing and Discovery Education on a mission to inspire the world through aerospace innovation with an exclusive virtual field trip to historic Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. This behind-the-scenes tour will introduce students to just a few of the amazing Boeing employees who are preparing to write the next chapter of space history with the launch of the Starliner/CST-100 spacecraft and the deployment of the Space Launch System (SLS).

This virtual field trip will explore a variety of unexpected roles and functions that lend to the development of complex projects, like the Starliner/CST-100 and the SLS. Along the way, students will be exposed to the unusual paths that have led to these unique careers.

2019 Virtual Field Trip

Companion Educator Guide

Prepare your students for our virtual experience with this standards-aligned activity, designed to further explore key concepts in aerospace and engineering.

Virtual Experiences

Explore aerospace technology with virtual field trips to exclusive locations and interactive videos that transport your students to new terrain. Extend the experience with hands-on, standards-aligned activities.

For EdUCATORS

Use virtual experiences and hands-on, standards-aligned STEM lessons to guide students as they explore key concepts in aerospace and engineering.

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Can’t Get to Cape Canaveral? Take Your Students on a Space Virtual Field Trip

Nothing brings a STEAM lesson to life quite like a field trip to a space museum. Students light up at the sight of space artifacts, real-life spacecraft, or a dazzling planetarium display.

If you can’t make the trip to a space museum, there are ways to bring the space museum to you! Some of the world’s finest exhibits and interactive STEAM activities are now available through virtual tours and field trips. This list includes virtual field trips with live real-time interaction as well as self-guided experiences and video tours. There are options for every grade level and budget.

Happy exploring!

8 Space Virtual Field Trips for Students

1. space foundation discovery center virtual field trips.

Space Foundation Discovery Center offers interactive virtual field trips for students of all ages. Students can tour the solar system with Science On a Sphere ® and learn about rocketry, engineering, robotics, weather or Mars exploration. Sessions are led by a Space Education Specialist and include a hands-on STEAM activity.

The museum also offers a virtual version of its popular Mars Robotic Laboratory . Students can program and operate LEGO EV3® robots to complete mission objectives on a simulated Martian terrain!

Scholarships are available. See field trip program options and schedule here .

2. NASA Goddard Space Flight Visitor Center Virtual Field Trips

The NASA Goddard Space Flight Visitor Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, offers free virtual field trip programs for student groups. Each interactive program includes a 45-minute live virtual session with an informal educator, plus a list of online resources. Available topics include living and working on the International Space Station, how to build a satellite, and an overview of NASA Goddard’s science missions.

See available programs and schedule a time here .

3. International Space Station Virtual Tour

Take the tour now.

4. American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) “Hall of Planet Earth” Virtual Field Trip

Designed for grades 6-8, this virtual field trip to the AMNH Gottesman Hall of Planet Earth allows students to uncover the role of plate tectonics in the formation of Earth’s oceans, continents and mountains. Students use Google Arts and Culture to virtually tour the Hall and see exhibits up-close, then complete a provided activity to gain deeper scientific understanding. The virtual field trip can be customized to fit one class period, or extended over two or more class periods with additional activities from the downloadable Teacher’s Guide.

Get the resources and start the tour here .

5. Boeing & Discovery Education “Innovating the Future” Virtual Field Trip

Students get a behind-the-scenes tour of NASA’s Johnson Space Center in this inspirational virtual field trip from Boeing and Discovery Education. They’ll virtually meet Boeing team members who are writing the next chapter of space history with the launch of the Starliner/CST-100 spacecraft and the deployment of the Space Launch System (SLS). Students will also be expo sed to career possibilities in STEAM and aerospace. An included Companion Educator Guide provides a standards-aligned activity designed to explore key concepts in aerospace and engineering.

Get the resources and start the field trip here .

6. Access Mars

Take a virtual field trip to The Red Planet! This extraordinary 360-degree experience presented by Google allows students to navigate the surface of Mars as recorded by NASA’s Curiosity rover. Along the way, they’ll visit different mission sites and learn about the Curiosity mission.

Blast off to Mars now.

7. The Museum of Flight Virtual Programming

With over 175 aircraft and spacecraft, thousands of artifacts and dozens of exhibits, The Museum of Flight in Seattle is one of the largest air and space museums in the world. They also offer a galaxy of virtual programming for students K–12. Choose from virtual space missions, virtual interactive museum tours, digital planetarium programs, and more. Most of The Museum of Flight’s virtual programming is led by their professional educators, with some teacher-guided options. Financial assistance may be available for qualifying groups.

Explore virtual remote programs here .

8. Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum

This world-famous museum offers several interactive virtual experiences for school groups. Options include virtual museum tours with a youth docent, virtual storytimes, virtual planetarium shows, virtual science demonstrations, their popular virtual scavenger hunts and more. They also offer self-guided and teacher-guided options. Their Anytime Expeditions deliver on-demand classroom content for teachers, including content guides and hands-on activities.

See available virtual programming here .

Looking for more classroom resources?

Check out our Programs for Teachers for STEAM lesson plans, grant lists and professional development opportunities. Our Students page includes programs, STEAM activities and more for you to explore!

Home / Explore / Virtual Field Trip - Johnson Space Center in Houston

Virtual Field Trip - Johnson Space Center in Houston

Virtual field trip: innovating the future.

Join Boeing and Discovery Education on a mission to inspire the world through aerospace innovation with an exclusive virtual field trip to historic Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. This behind-the-scenes tour will introduce students to just a few of the amazing Boeing employees who are preparing to write the next chapter of space history with the launch of the Starliner/CST-100 spacecraft and the deployment of the Space Launch System (SLS).

This virtual field trip will explore a variety of unexpected roles and functions that lend to the development of complex projects, like the Starliner/CST-100 and the SLS. Along the way, students will be exposed to the unusual paths that have led to these unique careers.

The virtual field trip is a 30 minute video.

Buckle up and join the field trip !

Date + time.

Date(s): 04/02/2020 - 12/31/2023

Time: See Schedule

Registration deadline: n/a

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ICYMI: Open House and Eclipse Celebration at NASA Johnson

On Oct. 14, 2023, NASA’s Johnson Space Center held its first open house celebration since 2018. This year’s event was extra special since it coincided with an annular solar eclipse . The once-in-a-lifetime experience marked many milestones at NASA, including the agency’s 65th anniversary, the International Space Station 's 25th anniversary, and the upcoming Artemis missions to the Moon.  

Nearly 13,000 people gathered at Johnson to witness the awe and wonder of human spaceflight. Visitors learned about NASA’s various missions and explored the famous Mission Control Center, Space Vehicle Mockup Facility, and Human Health and Performance Laboratory.  

Johnson Center Director Vanessa Wyche began the celebration with opening remarks, and directly addressed the Artemis Generation . “As you tour the center, know that you are part of our historic past and our exciting future,” said Wyche. “Today, we get to share the incredible work we’re doing for the benefit of humanity.” Wyche highlighted the diverse range of careers within NASA, assuring young people that regardless of their skill set, there are opportunities available at the agency. “Your next giant leap could start here.” 

The day was jam-packed with events and activities for space enthusiasts, including a virtual reality zone, scavenger hunt, solar eclipse viewing program, and astronaut meet-and-greets with NASA astronauts Randy Bresnik, Joe Acaba, Jonny Kim, Stephanie Wilson, and Kjell Lindgren. NASA astronauts Jasmin Moghbeli and Loral O’Hara, currently aboard the International Space Station, participated in a live downlink Q&A with the audience. Aerospace Engineer Matthew Wilkinson gave a solar eclipse presentation, and NASA astronaut Anne McClain shared her spaceflight story and perspective. Musical performances were provided by Emerge Employee Resource Group and the Clear Creek Independent School District band and choir leading up to the solar eclipse.  

Visitors explored the Driven to Explore mobile exhibit that contains Moon rocks collected during Apollo missions, a spacesuit photo-op, astronaut food, a training glove and helmet, and eight immersive 4K monitors. An internship booth provided information to students seeking mentorship and career opportunities at NASA. “Cosmic Conversations” were held in the Teague Auditorium, featuring leaders across NASA and commercial industries. The presentations touched on NASA’s collaboration with international and commercial partners as we move forward to the Moon and Mars.  

The 2023 Houston Youth Poet Laureate Ariana Lee celebrated the momentous occasion by sharing a poem about the “Ring of Fire” eclipse and spaceflight achievements that inspire everyone. “We witness our world with wonder. But we don’t just wish and wait. We aspire and act,” she read. “If we move through life with small steps, let us move life with giant leaps.” 

Food vendors at Johnson’s 2023 Open House and Solar Eclipse Viewing included Gina’s Italian, Dickey’s Barbecue, Luchos Tex Mex, Burger Nation, Royal Tea & Coffee Co., Cool Cow Creamery, Seoulside Wings, Uncle Louis Italian Ice, JS Firehouse BBQ, Salata, Vegan Vybe, and Eat Me Thai Street. 

View more images on  Imagery Online .  If you were a part of the celebration, please share your thoughts on the experience via   this survey .

Scroll below for a video of Ariana Lee's "Ring of Fire" po em and the Expedition 70 downlink .

• Space Vehicle Mockup Facility

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Available downloads, related records.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott Scheduled for Special Appearance at NASA’s Johnson Space Center

March 22, 2024

Special Appearance by Governor Greg Abbott at NASA Johnson Space Center

The distinguished NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston is preparing for an upcoming visit from Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Tuesday, March 26. This visit includes an important declaration about Texas’ involvement in the future of aerospace endeavors.

Members of the press have an opportunity to cover the governor’s exploration of NASA’s legendary Mission Control Center, where he will engage in conversation with Loral O’Hara, a NASA astronaut from Texas, who will be aboard the International Space Station at that time.

Joining Governor Abbott on his tour will be a selection of influential figures, including NASA Johnson Space Center Director Vanessa Wyche, Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan, Texas Representative Greg Bonnen, as well as other prominent state and aerospace industry representatives.

U.S. media who wish to experience this event in person are required to confirm their attendance with NASA’s Johnson Space Center before 5 p.m. CDT on Monday, March 25, by calling the Johnson Newsroom at 281-483-5111 or by sending an email to [email protected]. Media personnel are to appear at the Johnson’s main gate by 9:30 a.m. on March 26 for the collection of credentials and briefing on the event.

There will be a live broadcast of both the Mission Control tour and the communication with the space station, starting at 10:15 a.m. through NASA+ , NASA Television, the NASA app, and on the agency’s main website. Guidance on how to access NASA TV through a variety of streaming services, including social media platforms, is available.

The announcement pertaining to the space industry is planned for 11:30 a.m. at NASA’s Space Vehicle Mockup Facility.

Further insights into the activities and significant role of NASA Johnson as a central player in the human spaceflight narrative can be found here:

https://www.nasa.gov/johnson/about-johnson/

Kelly Humphries

Johnson Space Center, Houston

281-483-5111

[email protected]

FAQ Section

When is the visit by Texas Governor Greg Abbott to NASA’s Johnson Space Center?

The visit is scheduled for Tuesday, March 26, 2024.

What is Governor Greg Abbott’s purpose for visiting the Johnson Space Center?

The governor will make a major announcement regarding the future of the space industry in Texas during his visit.

Who will accompany Governor Abbott during his visit to the Johnson Space Center?

He will be joined by NASA Johnson Space Center Director Vanessa Wyche, Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan, Texas Representative Greg Bonnen, among other state and space industry leaders.

How can media attend the event?

U.S. Media representatives need to RSVP with NASA’s Johnson Space Center no later than 5 p.m. CDT on March 25, 2024, and must arrive at the center by 9:30 a.m. on the day of the event.

Will there be live coverage available?

Yes, live coverage of the event will be provided by NASA starting at 10:15 a.m. on March 26, 2024.

The Johnson Space Center is gearing up for a significant day as they welcome Governor Greg Abbott for what seems likely to be a momentous occasion for Texas’ role in the expanding realm of space exploration and industry. With state leaders and industry pioneers gathering for the event, the announcement is anticipated to have far-reaching implications for the future of aerospace in the region. Interested parties and media outlets eagerly await the insights that will emerge from this important dialogue between state governance and space science expertise.