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Contact: Meridyth Moore, +1 281-244-2139, [email protected]

Space Center Houston Honors NASA Anniversaries with a Lunar Jubilee Celebration

HOUSTON, Sept. 25, 2018–Be a part of the journey and the next giant leap when Space Center Houston honors NASA’s 60th anniversary and the Apollo 11 mission 50th anniversary with a spectacular Lunar Jubilee celebration complete with an array of Apollo-themed events October 2018 through July 2019.

“We invite people around the world join us as we celebrate how the Apollo era paved the way for the future of ,” said William T. Harris, the nonprofit’s president and CEO. “Our special programming and exhibits will enable visitors to get an up-close look at the legacy of the and relive the excitement of the space race at special events from now through 2019.”

Guests can be a part of the NASA mission and relive the Apollo era with Space Center Houston’s ongoing Thought Leader Series featuring Apollo legends, special exhibits, education activities, space films and a show.

Among the Apollo festivities, the leading science and space exploration learning center will showcase the artistic side of space exploration, displaying some of the most famous artists of the 20th century in a new exhibit. To celebrate NASA’s 60th anniversary, the center will display more than 30 works of art, including paintings, photography, poetry, glass sculpture and a musical composition. The art was selected from NASA’s art program and from the International Association of Astronomical Artists. The artwork on display include pieces by artists Andy Warhol, Annie Leibovitz, William Wegman, Robert Rauschenberg and Jamie Wyeth. The temporary exhibit will be on display Sept. 27-Jan. 7, 2019 in Astronaut Gallery. It is included in general admission.

Retired Apollo 7 astronaut Walt Cunningham will join Space Center Houston for its Thought Leader Series on Oct. 5. His appearance coincides with the 50th anniversary of his eleven-day flight (263-hours, 4.5 million miles) piloting Apollo 7, the first crewed flight test of the new command and service modules. This free event has limited seating and tickets must be presented at the door for entry.

Watch the documentary “Mission Control: The Unsung Heroes of Apollo,” which explores how NASA’s Historic Mission Control helped change the course of history. The film puts the focus on the people behind the scenes who helped put humans on the and bring them back to earth safely.

Experience the center’s extensive collection of significant Apollo artifacts under one roof. See the command module from the mission. Named “America,” this flown spacecraft was used on the last crewed mission to the Moon. See Apollo era flight director Gene Kranz’ memorable red, blue and silver sequined vest worn while directing Apollo 17, the last mission to land on the Moon; the world’s largest collection of Moon rocks on public display and a Moon rock you can touch as well as a spacesuit collection featuring commander Pete Conrad’s spacesuit worn during his Apollo 12 lunar walk, with Moon dust still on it.

The public can get involved and help restore NASA’s Historic Mission Control, a National Historic Landmark. Space Center Houston’s leading the fundraising to restore Historic Mission Control and will host a fall luncheon To the Moon and Beyond on Oct. 23 benefitting the ongoing restoration project. The luncheon will celebrate the history and future of human space exploration. The restoration will accurately portray how the area looked the moment the Moon landing took place on July 20, 1969. NEWS RELEASE

There’s never been a more exciting time to visit Space City. Space Center Houston will mark the 50th anniversary of the Moon landing with a spectacular celebration on July 20, 2019. The center will provide a fulfilled family-friendly event complete with a countdown at the actual time of the Moon landing. Connect with Space Center Houston on social media and sign up for the center’s newsletter for the latest events.

Tickets are available online at spacecenter.org or at the door. Prices range from $24.95 for children to $29.95 for adults with discounts for seniors and members of the military. Become a member and attend special exhibit preview parties, receive free parking and priority boarding for the NASA Tram Tour.

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The Manned Space Flight Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit science and space exploration learning center with extensive educational programs. Space Center Houston is the cornerstone of its mission to inspire all generations through the wonders of space exploration. The center draws 1 million visitors annually, was named “Best Museum in Texas” by USA Today and generates a $73 million annual economic impact in the greater Houston area. Space Center Houston is a Smithsonian Affiliate, the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center and a Certified Autism Center. More than 250,000 teachers and students from around the world visit the center annually to experience our educational space museum with more than 400 things to see and do. For more information, go to www.spacecenter.org.

SOURCE: Manned Space Flight Education Foundation