Hampton, VA and the NASA Langley Research Center is the birthplace of America’s space program. It was here that the real life events depicted in the movie, “Hidden Figures,” took place (although, more on that in another article soon).
The first thing you notice, of course, are the immense airplanes — spanning 100 years of flight — hanging in the main hall. From a replica of the 1903 Wright Flyer to a full-size DC-9 passenger jet, the Center’s aircraft depict a number of aviation firsts and milestones.
The Apollo 12 Command Module |
Which is fine. You have time. Roam around the ground level, but keep focused on … the space modules: one (the Apollo 12 Command Module) is real — it actually went to the moon and back — the other is a prototype of a future space module. There is also the Lunar Excursion Module Simulator (LEMS) used to train the first astronauts to land on the moon. As I said, it’s overwhelming!
You’ll eventually find your way up the third floor, where the Space Challenge exhibit is located. A new exhibit — it only opened last year — allows you to become a NASA rocket engineer. This interactive exhibit brings you on a journey through the world of space exploration by offering the opportunity to learn about the history and future of space flight.
Most of the exhibits are interactive. So, if you like, you can pilot a space shuttle, program Mars rovers for a mission, become an air traffic controller, fly an airplane, experiment with wind drag, and climb aboard a WWII bomber.
This is a great museum, especially if you want to excite your kids’ imaginations, perhaps even inspire them to find a career in one of the STEM fields critical to our future in space. But keep in mind: you don’t have to have a child tagging along with you to enjoy this museum — it’s for adults too.
Getting there: 600 Settlers Landing Rd. Hampton, VA 23669
Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Mondays – Saturdays; noon – 5 p.m. Sundays. Closed major holidays.
Website: https://www.vasc.org/
Accommodations during our stay in Hampton, VA were provided by Embassy Suites by Hilton Hampton Roads Hotel, Spa, and Convention Center.