Table of Contents: (Click to jump to the appropriate section)
Location, Hours, and Admission
What does NASA do?
Information and Materials on Space, Solar System, and Space Shuttles
Visits and Tours
Education Workshops and Student Programs
General Information/FAQ's
Eating, Photographing, and other regulations in the Visitors Center
Location, Hours, and Admission:
How much does it cost to visit the Goddard Visitor Center?
Admission and parking are free.
What are the hours of the Goddard Visitor Center?
The Visitors Center is closed on all Mondays and federal holidays. From September 1 through June 30 the Visitor Center is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. till 3 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 12 p.m. till 4 p.m. From July 1 to August 31 the Visitors Center is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 12 noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, and is closed Sunday and Monday.
What are some responsibilities of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center?
Goddard, located in a Maryland suburb outside Washington, D.C., is home to the Nations largest organization of combined scientists and engineers dedicated to learning and sharing their knowledge of the Earth, sun, the solar system, and universe. The Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) builds and operates most of NASA’s science research satellites-- such as the famous Hubble Space Telescope; manages their tracking and orbital operations; and provides instruments flown on other NASA and international space probes. Goddard is responsible for some of America’s most exciting astronomy research missions. Goddard is home to one of the largest groups of scientists, engineers and researchers in the world, who study everything from black holes to our own Sun. Goddard will also play an increasing role in America’s return to the Moon, with the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission (LRO). This mission will develop new approaches and technologies to support human space exploration to Mars and other destinations. With Satellites like Aqua, TRMM, Terra, Quikscat and GOES, Goddard has revolutionized the understanding of hurricane formations. You can learn more on Goddard missions and exploration in the Goddard Visitor Center.
What is there to see at the Goddard Visitor Center?
The GSFC Visitor Center has many exciting and visually stimulating exhibits describing the many programs here at the Goddard Space Flight Center. We have interactive displays and models, as well as real examples of satellites and rocket flight hardware. We even have a piece of the Moon! We also have a showcase of science-related films from our library. We have a new and exciting exhibit called “Science on a Sphere” and a movie, produced here at GSFC, called “Footprints” that is can be seen in conjunction with the Science on a Sphere Exhibit.
What is Science on a Sphere?
Science on a Sphere (SOS) is a mesmerizing visualization system that uses computers and video projectors to display animated data on a 6 ft diameter suspended sphere. It shows anything from the rocky surface of our neighbor planet Mars, to the Hurricane season of 2005. "Footprints" was the first movie ever produced for Science on a Sphere. "Footprints" is enriched with powerful scenes and music, based on the concept of the human drive to discover.
For summer 2008, Science on a Sphere will play according to the following schedule: 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on weekends.
What are the roles and responsibilities of each NASA Center?
Each center, laboratory, and facility has been assigned an area of excellence. These are:
- Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA: is home to a dynamic cadre of world-class scientists and engineers conducting cutting-edge research and technology development in support of NASA’s missions and the Vision for Space Exploration.
- Dryden Flight Research Center, Majove Desert, CA: is NASA's premier flight research and test organization for the validation of high-risk, pioneering aerospace technology, space exploration concepts, and the conduct of science mission observations.
- Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH: Glenn Research Center develops cutting-edge technology that advances aviation and space exploration. Glenn’s researchers specialize in power, propulsion, communications, and microgravity science.
- Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD: home to the Nation’s largest organization of combined scientists and engineers dedicated to learning and sharing their knowledge of the Earth, Sun, Solar System, and Universe.
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA: The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, managed by the California Institute of Technology is NASA's lead center for robotic exploration of the Solar System. Trailblazing has been the business of JPL, since it was established by the California Institute of Technology in the 1930’s.
- Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX: From the early Gemini, Apollo, and Sky Lab projects to today's Space Shuttle and International Space Station programs, Johnson Space Center continues to lead NASA's effort in Human Space Exploration.
- Kennedy Space Center, Orison, FL: America's Gateway to the Universe; leading the world in preparing and launching missions around the Earth and beyond.
- Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA: Langley leads NASA initiatives in aviation safety, quiet aircraft technology, small aircraft transportation, and aerospace vehicles system technology. It supports NASA space programs with atmospheric research and technology testing and development.
- Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL: Develops transportation and propulsion systems, space infrastructure, applied materials, and manufacturing processes.
- Stennis Space Center, South, MS: Primary Center for Rocket Propulsion Testing and home to the Applied Research and Technology Project Office. Stennis bridges the gap between Earth Science research results and the use of data to help its partner agencies make better informed decisions.
- NASA Headquarters, Washington, D.C.: Exercises management over all the space flight centers, research centers, and other installations that constitute NASA.
- Goddard Institute for Space Studies, NY City: The Laboratory for the Earth Sciences Division of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and Columbia University Earth Institute. Their research emphasizes on a broad study of Global Climate Change.
- Independent Verification and Validation Facility, Fairmont, WV: This facility strives to improve software safety, reliability, and quality of NASA programs and missions through effective applications of systems, software, practices, and techniques.
- White Sands Test Facility, Los Cruces, NM. Preeminent resource for testing and evaluating potentially hazardous materials, space flight components, and rocket propulsion systems. These services are available to NASA, the Department of Defense, other federal agencies, universities and commercial Industry.
For a map and additional details about NASA Centers please visit: http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/codea/codeaf/excellence.htm.
Can I take a tour of NASA Goddard?
School, community and cultural groups may schedule a tour or in-house program Tuesdays through Fridays 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. from July 1 to August 31 and 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. from September 1 to June 30. Typically, you will view satellite construction, testing and operations areas, depending on which areas are available. Tours are limited to groups of 40 people or less. To schedule a tour call: 301-286-9041 or visit us on-line at: www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/visitor/home/index.html The Visitors Center also offers programs on manned, planetary, and climate surveys in the Visitors Center theaters. A variety of Aerospace related films are also available to watch at the Visitor Center. Groups may visit the Visitors Center on weekends; however, tours and special programs are not available. *Currently, security regulations do not permit “drop-in” tours by the general public. All tour participants must be United States citizens.
Information and Materials on Space, Solar System, and Space Shuttles
Where can I find information and materials from NASA?
Many NASA Resources are available online for students, educators, and the general public. For more information please visit: http://www.nasa.gov/education/materials
K-12 Educators
NASA Field Center Educator Resource Centers (ERC) provides educators access to materials for their classroom. The ERCN Field Center Listing provides links to the respective ERC based on your location.
The Education Resource Center has a wealth of materials to use in classroom and informal educational settings.
Please call 301-286-8570 to contact the ERC Coordinator
To see Educator Resource Centers listed by State visit: http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/k4/contacts/ERCN_Field_Center_Listing.html
To request lunar samples visit:
You may call the ERC coordinator: 301- 286-8570 or visit: http://www.gsfc.nasa.gov/vc/borrowing_t.html
For School Visits:
The NASA Aerospace Education Services Program (AESP) is a nationwide program, staffed by trained, professional educators. They communicate NASA's activities, (past, present, and future), in different formats suited to a variety of audiences using local, state and regional curriculum frameworks and standards. For more information, please contact:
GSFC AESP Information: Marie Dowling, 301-286-4495
NASA AESP Web site: http://www.okstate.edu/aesp/AESP.html
Astronaut Autographs:
Requests for autographs should be mailed to:
Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center
ATTN: Astronaut Office/CB
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Houston, TX 77058.NASA provides many opportunities to talk to astronauts, engineers and scientists via live web casts. Go to http://quest.arc.nasa.gov/ for the schedule of events.
Education Workshops and Student Programs:
For information on open workshops and how to schedule a specific workshop tailored to your group, please contact Richard Blackmon at 301-286-8570.
What research projects are available?
Regardless of the education program you are interested in (K–Post Doc, for students, for educators, for scientists, and for the general public), you can learn about research topics and projects currently being worked at the different NASA installations by visiting the following web sites and selecting the installations of interest to you.
Graduate Student Research Program: http://fellowships.hq.nasa.gov/gsrp/research/
Summer Faculty Fellows Program: http://www.asee.org/nffp/lablist.cfm
National Research Council Resident Research Associateship Program: http://www4.nationalacademies.org/pga/rap.nsf/frmLabInfoSearchForm?OpenForm
Other student programs are available. For information about careers in NASA, and jobs available in all fields of study, go to the NASA Job web site: http://www.nasajobs.nasa.gov/
For information about NASA Internships please visit: http://education.gsfc.nasa.gov/. For information about NASA jobs please visit: www.nasajobs.nasa.gov/
Do you show regularly scheduled movies?
We do show movies on the weekends and we also now have a new exhibit called “Science on a Sphere,” and a movie called Footprints, which is shown on the half-hour.
Can we purchase the movies you show at Visitor Center?
Some of the movies can be purchased from the Visitor Center Gift Shop.
Are there any special programs offered at the Visitor Center?
On the first Sunday of each month, we offer our famous public model rocket launch. From time to time we also offer special lectures and programs touching on different aspects of science. Consult the “Upcoming Events” page for details of these programs.
Can I have my kid’s birthday party at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Visitor Center?
No indoor facilities are available for party activities. To schedule a group tour or meeting use of our facilities, please call 301-286-3978, 301-286-3979 or 301-286-9041 (Calendar Link)
Can my high school children fulfill their Community Service hours at the Visitor Center?
Yes, adults and children over 16 yrs old can do community service in the Visitor Center. Please call: (301) 286 – 9041 or (301) 286 – 3979 for information.
Eating, Photographing, and other regulations in the Visitors Center:
Is there a cafeteria at the Visitor Center?
No, but there are several restaurants nearby. Any of our Visitor Center Staff will be able to help you.
Is there any place for us to eat on the Visitor Center Grounds?
We do have 17 picnic tables that you are welcome to use behind the Visitor Center and Gift Shop.
Can I take photographs of the NASA Buildings at Goddard from the Visitor Center/Grounds?
Due to security regulations, no photographs are to be taken of any of the NASA Goddard buildings. You may take photographs of the Rockets our Rocket Garden.
Can I use or rent the meeting rooms at the Visitor Center for a function?
Only currently active (badged) NASA Goddard civil servants and Contractor personnel may arrange use of our meeting facilities. The activity must be DIRECTLY related to the missions and responsibilities of the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.
No one may use the building, grounds or facilities for any purpose without prior approval.
To find out more about the facility and what is done at each location: http://www.nasajobs.nasa.gov/Work_4_NASA/where_we_work.htm. For detailed information about each installation visit: http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/nasacenters/centers.htm.