Apollo Saturn V

The Apollo Saturn space program is the story of humanity's age-old dream to reach for the stars and the people and technology that enabled us to attain that goal. The Apollo Saturn V Visitor Center's mission is to educate people about the technical aspects as well as emotionally involve them in the human drama inherent in this program.

Rather than establishing independent venues for guests to visit at will, the Center takes a storytelling approach that ushers onlookers from the beginning stages of the program to traveling to the moon, landing and returning home.

Guests learn about the challenge of building a lunar launch vehicle. They then proceed to the Firing Room, where generators simulate the earthshaking sensation of the actual lift-off.

Visitors are then confronted with an awe-inspiring view of the five massive engines from the rocket's base. Putting these engines overhead emphasizes not only their size but the fact that they were indeed once airborne.
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The saga then continues to the space capsule, home to the astronauts during the flight, then to the 400-seat Lunar Surface Theater. Apollo artifacts and interactive displays complete the experience.

The Center's atmosphere is high-tech yet rooted in the 1960s. Trusses, blue lighting and curved walls make the Center resemble a space station, while news photos, 1960s-style signage, and reproductions of mission insignia and the Houston control room remind visitors of life on earth during this era.

Aside from the story of the Apollo missions, the Center itself has an interesting tale to tell. The design architect, Architectura, was initially contacted about building an enormous case to protect the aging Saturn V rocket from the elements. The firm’s response was to suggest this interactive exhibit that re-creates one of mankind's most monumental achievements.