posted 03-24-2020 11:04 AM               

Ford said its partnerships were code-named "Project Apollo” after the Apollo 13 launch in 1970 when a lunar landing was aborted after an oxygen tank failed two days into the mission, forcing the astronauts to improvise a fix.

posted 03-24-2020 12:21 PM               

ESA scales down science mission operations amid pandemic

In response to the escalating coronavirus pandemic, ESA has decided to further reduce on-site personnel at its mission control center in Darmstadt, Germany.

The new adjustments require temporarily stopping instrument operation and data gathering on four Solar System science missions, which are part of the wider fleet of 21 spacecraft currently flown by the Agency from the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt.

ESA implemented risk mitigation measures early on. The vast majority of ESA's workforce has been teleworking for nearly two weeks. Only key personnel performing critical tasks, which include maintaining real-time spacecraft operations, are still present on site at ESA's establishments throughout Europe.

Supporting enhanced national measures

Recent developments, including strengthened restrictions by national, regional and local authorities across Europe and the first positive test result for COVID-19 within the workforce at ESOC, have led the Agency to restrict on-site personnel at its mission control center even further.

"Our priority is the health of our workforce, and we will therefore reduce activity on some of our scientific missions, especially on interplanetary spacecraft, which currently require the highest number of personnel on site," says ESA's Director of Operations Rolf Densing.

"These have stable orbits and long mission durations, so turning off their science instruments and placing them into a largely unattended safe configuration for a certain period will have a negligible impact on their overall mission performance."

Among the affected missions are:

• Cluster – A four-spacecraft mission launched in 2000, orbiting Earth to investigate our planet's magnetic environment and how it is forged by the solar wind, the stream of charged particles constantly released by the Sun;

• ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter – Launched in 2016, the spacecraft is in orbit around Mars, where it has been investigating the planet's atmosphere and providing data relay for landers on the surface;

• Mars Express – Launched in 2003, the workhorse orbiter has been imaging the Martian surface and sampling the planet's atmosphere for over one and a half decades;

• Solar Orbiter – ESA's newest science mission, launched in February 2020 and currently en route to its science operations orbit around the Sun.

"It was a difficult decision, but the right one to take. Our greatest responsibility is the safety of people, and I know all of us in the science community understand why this is necessary," says Günther Hasinger, ESA's Director of Science.

"This is a prudent step to ensure that Europe's world-class science missions are safe, along with the instruments from European scientists and our international partners flying on our missions. We are talking about some of humankind's most advanced scientific experiments – and if switching some missions into temporary standby keeps them safe, then this is what we will do."

The temporary reduction in personnel on site will also allow the ESOC teams to concentrate on maintaining spacecraft safety for all other missions involved, in particular the Mercury explorer BepiColombo, which is on its way to the innermost planet in the Solar System and will require some on-site support around its scheduled Earth flyby on 10 April.

The challenging maneuver, which will use Earth's gravity to adjust BepiColombo's trajectory as it cruises towards Mercury, will be performed by a very small number of engineers and in full respect of social distancing and other health and hygiene measures required by the current situation.

Commissioning and first check-out operations of scientific instruments on the recently launched Solar Orbiter, which had begun last month, have been temporarily suspended.

ESA expects to resume these operations in the near future, in line with the development of the coronavirus situation. Meanwhile, Solar Orbiter will continue its journey towards the Sun, with the first Venus flyby to take place in December.

Coasting through space

"Over the coming days, our interplanetary missions will be gradually commanded into a safe configuration, so that thereafter they will need little or no intervention from ground," says Paolo Ferri, responsible for mission operations at ESA.

"These probes are designed to safely sustain long periods with limited or no interaction with ground, required for instance for the periods they spend behind the Sun as seen from Earth, when no radio contact is possible for weeks," he adds. "We are confident that with very limited and infrequent interactions with ground control the missions can safely remain in that operation mode for months, should the duration of the coronavirus mitigation measures require it."

In the coming days, ESA will monitor the evolving environmental conditions and restrictions, develop special procedures, plans and decision logic for the future restart of the scientific operations.

"The decision on when to return to normal science production mode will be taken independently for each mission, depending on several variables, including the type and complexity of each mission," adds Paolo Ferri.

The measure does not affect other ESA missions that are operated from Darmstadt, such as space science missions for astronomy or Earth observation missions, including those that are part of the European Commission's Copernicus program. For these missions, which require frequent care from ground, teams are able to conduct most control actions remotely, with just a single technician in a control room.

People first

Even before this measure, the community of European and international scientists behind the interplanetary missions were already feeling the effects of the coronavirus outbreak, with processing and analysis hindered by local and national work restrictions and the need for social distancing.

"I wish to thank all the scientists, engineers and other colleagues not only at mission control but across the Agency and at our partners who are keeping Europe's essential space missions flying in the middle of this global crisis," says ESA Director General Jan Wörner.

"I am glad to see how professional everyone at ESA is throughout this difficult situation. It shows that the Agency is, first and foremost, an ensemble of humans from all over Europe who care. Humans who care not only about science and space, but even more about the well-being of colleagues, families and fellow citizens all over the planet."

posted 03-24-2020 04:03 PM               

Launch of the SAOCOM 1B satellite is postponed

The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and the National Commission for Space Activities (CONAE) report that it has been resolved to postpone the launch of the SAOCOM 1B satellite, scheduled for the end of March.

This decision is made considering the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and that could affect the availability of own resources and those of third parties from abroad, necessary not only for a safe insertion into orbit, but also for a subsequent start-up of the satellite.

This postponement has been agreed with the company that provides the launch service, SpaceX, considering that it is the best decision in these moments of uncertainty and dynamism about the situation that the whole world suffers because of COVID-19.

This measure will be complemented by activities at the launch base, which will ensure the conditions for adequate safeguarding of the SAOCOM 1B satellite at the SpaceX company facilities.

The authorities of this Commission will await the evolution of the conditions that make it possible to resume the activities related to the launch of SAOCOM 1B, and its subsequent insertion in its final orbit in a reliable manner, according to the originally established plans.

posted 03-24-2020 05:00 PM               

Spaceport America and the Experimental Sounding Rocket Association (ESRA) have made the difficult decision to cancel the fourth annual Spaceport America Cup that was scheduled for June 16 – 20, 2020 at Spaceport America. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the decision was made based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for canceling large events in order to keep the students, spectators and sponsors safe and healthy. The event was set to engage over 1,700 college students from 17 countries on a weeklong rocket design and launch competition.

posted 03-25-2020 07:53 PM               

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine joins Associate Administrator Steve Jurczyk and Chief Health and Medical Officer Dr. James D. Polk to answer employee questions about coronavirus during a forum moderated by Associate Administrator for Communications Bettina Inclan.

posted 04-02-2020 10:33 AM               

Space missions return to science

After a brief shutdown of science instruments and a period in "safe standby," ESA's planetary missions are getting back to what they do best, gathering science data from around the Solar System.

At ESA's European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt, Germany, missions were continuing under routine operations even with the vast majority of staff and contractors working from home.

But, once a case of COVID-19 reached a member of the mission control workforce, rapid action was taken to prevent the further spread of the infection.

"This person is thankfully fine, and recovering well," says Paolo Ferri, Head of Mission Operations at ESA's Operations Centre in Darmstadt, Germany.

"However, in the two days at work before he was diagnosed, he came into contact with about twenty colleagues on site."

To prevent further spread of the infection, all of these individuals were put into quarantine and entire buildings were thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

Many of these people were working on the planetary missions Solar Orbiter, Mars Express and the Exomars Trace Gas Orbiter, and the four Earth-orbiting spacecraft that make up the Cluster mission.

As such, operations were reduced on these missions while the team members stayed home.

"We decided to preventatively suspend operations on these missions until the risk of a potential cascade of follow-on infections and quarantines disappeared," adds Paolo.

Science returns

The advantage of interplanetary missions is that they are designed to stay in a safe configuration for extended periods. Sometimes, out in the Solar System, they happen to go behind the Sun as seen from Earth. In those two or three weeks, teams are used to losing contact with the spacecraft.

Each of the four missions affected were put into this standby mode — in safe orbits, but with their science instruments turned off.

"Your heart aches every time you have to turn off science — but this is not an exceptional case. It happens sometimes that one of these satellites has problems and maybe goes into safe mode, and it takes at least a week before science operations restart" says Paolo.

"This time, stopping science for issues relating it to the health of the people on the ground of course is unique, but you feel even more compelled to do it than when it's done to save a machine."

Fortunately, the initial case remained the only one as the people in quarantine did not develop any symptoms.

"When we shut down science, we established very clear criteria to decide when it would restart, and as of this weekend we have begun to gradually bring the missions back into their normal state," adds Paolo.

Markus Kissler-Patig, Head of Science Operations at the European Space Astronomy Centre in Madrid, Spain adds:

"For the Mars orbiters, of course our heart bleeds every time we aren't able to do science with them... We are really responsible for the scientific output of all these fantastic spacecraft, and that is what we really want to maximize — the science for researchers but also for humankind."

"But this was about the health of our people, and for us this is a no-brainer. These decisions are simple to make, because you know it's the right thing to do."

Mission control ready for BepiColombo flyby

Because of preventative measures taken early to limit the chance of infection spreading, the situation at ESOC is now stable.

The few individuals that periodically go on site are predominantly working in isolation, and generally do not even meet each other. If they have to be in the same room, they follow very strict social distancing rules and protections.

During the critical — and impossible to delay — BepiColombo flyby on 10 April, such measures will be also be applied, ensuring team members can guide the spacecraft through this milestone moment, while protecting their own health and safety.

posted 04-02-2020 12:35 PM               

In response to the latest city, state and federal guidelines, we have decided to extend Space Center Houston's closure to the general public until further notice. The health and safety of our guests, employees, volunteers and local community is our utmost priority.

posted 05-11-2020 02:36 PM               

Cosmosphere Plans Safe Re-Open

Cosmosphere leadership has announced it will re-open Friday, May 22. This announcement follows Kansas Governor Laura Kelly's introduction of the "Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas: Modified Phase 2."

Hours of operation will be 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday. Visitors to the Smithsonian-affiliated science center and space museum can expect the following safety measures when they visit:

• Visitors are encouraged to wear a mask. Disposable masks will be available at the Box Office upon request

• Multiple hand-sanitizer stations will be available throughout the Cosmosphere

• Seating in the all Cosmosphere theaters will be limited and attendees will be asked to adhere to social distancing guidelines

• With seating being limited, visitors are encouraged to use contactless pay to reserve their seats. Tickets are available online or by calling the box office at: 620.665.9312

• Plexiglass shields and six-foot floor guides will be at point-of-sale locations

• All high-contact, hard/non-porous surfaces will be sanitized daily or multiple times during the day

• Access to any paper, which can be handled by multiple individuals, will be eliminated

• The interactive CosmoKids area, naviGATOR Simulator and children's activities in the Cosmosphere lobby will not be available until further notice

Cosmosphere museum staff with public contact will be required to wear a clean face mask and disposable gloves during their shift. Staff who exhibit symptoms of illness will be required to stay at home. General COVID-19 safety practices, like social distancing and frequent hand washing, are also being practiced by all staff.

For questions on any of the Cosmosphere COVID-19 safety procedures, or to plan your visit, call the Cosmosphere Box Office at: 620.665.9312.

posted 05-15-2020 01:52 PM               

To that end, the Stafford Air & Space Museum in Weatherford, Oklahoma reopened on Wednesday (May 13). Per the curator (via Facebook):

We will be requesting that 6 foot Social Distancing be observed (of course, those in the same party are fine), limiting to no more than 100 people in the museum at a time, and have placed sanitation stations throughout the building.

posted 05-19-2020 05:44 PM               

Museum spokeswoman Pat Ammons said just over 100 of the museum's 280 full-time employees were let go. The layoffs are permanent, Ammons said.

The vast majority of the rocket center’s remaining employees are on furlough, Ammons said. The museum typically hires hundreds of part-time employees during the summer and those jobs are unfilled as well.

The layoffs began Thursday, Ammons said, and concluded on Monday.

"We have no idea when we will be able to be back to normal operations, no guidelines or guidance on when we will be back to normal operations," she said.

The museum is aiming to reopen some time next week, Ammons said, but is still awaiting word from the state health officer on how that reopening must be handled.

posted 05-20-2020 03:58 PM               

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to Re-Open May 28, 2020 with Reduced Admission, Attendance Limits, Limited Attractions

Available for a limited time: Special "Explore Today, Explore Tomorrow" package to include daily admission, parking and a complimentary return ticket return for 2021

Leadership at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex announced today that the visitor complex will reopen to guests effective Thursday, May, 28, 2020 with reduced admission, attendance limits and some attractions unavailable.

During the initial reopening phase, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will begin new measures and procedures in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) recommendations. This includes opening with limited attendance and encouraging advance daily admission purchases; requiring face coverings and temperature screenings for employees and guests; accommodating social distancing in queues, restaurants, and other facilities throughout the visitor complex; and implementing increased frequency of sanitization and disinfection.

During the initial reopening, a limited-time "Explore Today, Explore Tomorrow" package, which will include daily admission, parking and a complimentary ticket to return to the visitor complex in 2021, will be $29.99 for adults and $24.99 for children. Operating hours will be 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

As always, the health and safety of employees and guests is the highest priority for Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

To reinforce guests' health and safety:

• A limited number of attractions and services will be available during this initial, reopening phase.

• All guests will undergo a temperature screening upon arrival.

• The Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour will not be available due to social distancing guidelines.

• Face coverings will be required for employees and guests. Face coverings will be available for purchase at the front entrance.

• New physical-distancing measures will be in place.

• All guests are required to have a timed ticket, including annual passholders. Advance ticket purchases are strongly encouraged to ensure entry due to limited capacity.

• Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will continue the comprehensive and extensive availability of hand sanitizer throughout the park, as well as the increased routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces in the workplace and at workstations, countertops, doorknobs and ticket counters.

Additional details are available here.

Guests will also be able to purchase a space expert-led walking tour through Heroes & Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, the Rocket Garden, Nature and Technology, Journey to Mars: Explorers Wanted, NASA Now, Space Shuttle Atlantis®, Astronaut Training Experience®. This tour, which will be limited to small groups, costs $49.99 and includes admission and a boxed lunch.

Leadership will continue to assess the situation and make adjustments to the availability of exhibits, tours and experiences as deemed safe and appropriate. To help protect against the spread of COVID-19 and help ensure guest and employee safety, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has taken and will continue to take actions to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus based on the guidance of the CDC. An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present.

These precautions are temporary and are subject to change at any time based on the recommendations of the CDC, State of Florida and Brevard County. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex management continues to work closely with local, state and federal experts to ensure that we are up to date on the situation as it evolves.

posted 05-22-2020 09:22 AM               

Space Center Houston to Reopen July 1

Explore the wonders of space exploration when Space Center Houston, the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center, reopens with exclusive members-only Welcome Back Days June 28-30 and to the public beginning July 1.

Following state, local and CDC guidelines, the nonprofit will safely welcome back guests with new exhibits, spacious outdoor experiences and additional health and safety measures at the forefront of its daily operations.

"We have been diligently working to enhance our guest experience while implementing additional health and safety procedures," said William T. Harris, president and CEO of the science and space exploration learning center. "When guests return to Space Center Houston, we want you to feel safe and inspired through our authentic science learning experiences.

The nonprofit will have new protocols in place including social distancing practices, special hours for vulnerable populations, guests and employees will be asked to wear face coverings, self-scan turnstiles, sanitizing stations, plexiglass shields at ticket counters; and a one-directional experience through its galleries. Guests will book a timed admission ticket for entry to the museum, and daily capacity will be limited. The timed admission tickets on-sale date will be announced, along with a thorough visitor guide, on its website in the coming weeks.

When the center reopens, guests will be among the first to experience its newest permanent exhibit, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket (opened in March), displayed outside the center. Guests can walk around and underneath the first-stage booster spanning more than 156 feet long. It is the only Falcon 9 on public display outside of SpaceX's headquarters and is the same type of rocket that will launch NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley on SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft on May 27 for the Demo-2 mission, marking the first time since 2011 that astronauts have launched from American soil. Guests can also take a tour of the spacious Independence Plaza exhibit, the only place you can walk inside a shuttle replica mounted on top of the historic shuttle carrier aircraft NASA 905.

Following current state guidelines, its theaters will be temporarily closed, however, the center is adding new live shows in open spaces to bring science and space to life for people of all ages.

The center plans to reopen with one of its most popular experiences, the NASA Tram Tour, which will take guests to the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility, where astronauts train for current missions and Rocket Park, where an actual Apollo Saturn V rocket is on display. In addition to a timed admission ticket, guests will reserve a free virtual boarding pass to book a time to experience the NASA Tram Tour.

All Space Center Houston experiences are subject to change while the center continues to monitor state and local health and safety guidelines for reopening. Until Space Center Houston reopens, enjoy a variety of its expanded virtual learning experiences through its new digital resources page. To stay up to date on reopening procedures and a ticket on-sale date, follow Space Center Houston on its social media pages and sign-up for its newsletter.

posted 05-27-2020 10:54 AM               

New Hours! Monday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm.

We have plenty of safeguards in place to ensure guests and employees are safe while enjoying the museum!

• Limited capacity of 50% in the museum at all times.

• 6' foot social distancing signage throughout the museum.

• Hand sanitizing stations.

• Frequent cleaning intervals of all exhibits and high-touch areas.

• Reduced capacity in our theaters and some exhibits.

• Employees will be temperature checked, hand wash every 30 minutes, and wear masks at all times.

• Visitors are encouraged to wear their own masks.

We will not be running tram tours at this time.

The INFINITY Cafe will reopen on Thursday, June 4 and open daily from 11am to 3pm.

posted 05-27-2020 10:55 AM               

We Can't Wait To See You At The Rocket Center!

We are excited to welcome you back to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center as we reopen to the public this Saturday, May 30, at 10 a.m. Our hours this weekend will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Just as astronauts navigate the challenges of space, we are navigating the new landscape of safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our visitors are important to us. To keep everyone safe, we will be following state, local and Center for Disease Control guidelines for additional health and safety measures as we welcome visitors back.

On your next visit to the museum, you will see social distancing practices in place that include a one-directional path through our exhibits and Plexiglass shields at our visitor service and ticketing desks. Masks are strongly recommended for visitors and required for staff. We are also requiring timed entry tickets to maintain limited capacity in our spaces, and some exhibits and attractions where social distancing is not possible will remain closed. For a complete list of our modifications and a list of open and closed exhibits and attractions, click here.

For those with a passion for the Rocket Center's mission of inspiring the next generation of explorers, please consider supporting the U.S. Space & Rocket Center Education Foundation's "Failure is Not an Option" fundraising campaign. That spirit led the team that saved the Apollo 13 astronauts after disaster struck on their way to the moon, and it is in that same spirit we ask for your support now.

We need your help to recover from the devastating economic consequences of being closed for more than two months because of the pandemic. To make a donation of any size, please click here.

posted 06-09-2020 03:54 PM               

San Diego Air & Space Museum Re-Opening Friday, June 12 in Balboa Park

The San Diego Air & Space Museum in Balboa Park is back in operation this Friday, June 12, 2020. Reopening begins at 10:00 am.

The Air & Space Museum is a national and international treasure! Reopening provides guests from around the world and locally a fun, learning and inspirational experience so needed during this time of great challenge. Accordingly, the Museum is adhering to the safety measures established by the State and County for a safe re-opening to the public, including but not limited to: capacity limits, social distancing, requiring facemasks for guests and employees, hand sanitizer stations, advising guests and staff who are not feeling well to stay home, continuous cleaning and sanitizing of the Museum, and more.

"The safety of our staff and guests remains our number one priority, period! However, our team is also very anxious to once again provide the world-class experience everyone who visits the San Diego Air & Space Museum deserves," said Jim Kidrick, President & CEO of the Museum. "We've been working since the day we closed to ensure the Museum is a safe and welcoming destination. We're confident we've done everything possible to safely welcome guests back to the Museum. It's time for us to re-connect with old friends and connect with new ones."

Museum staff screen daily through a state-of-the-art thermal scanner prior to entering the museum.

The Museum temporarily closed on March 16, 2020 in response to the health crisis.

posted 06-11-2020 11:44 AM               

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force to Reopen July 1

After temporarily closing on March 15 to protect the health and safety of visitors, staff and volunteers, the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, along with the National Aviation Hall of Fame, will officially reopen to the public on July 1.

While the museum is excited to reopen, our top priority is the health and safety of our visitors and our entire museum family. Therefore, we've carefully developed reopening guidelines following the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the State of Ohio, local health experts and peer institutions across the country.

In order to achieve the highest public health standards, cleaning procedures have been enhanced throughout the museum, including an increased frequency in the disinfecting of high-traffic areas and surfaces. Hand sanitizer stations are now available in each gallery and new directional signage is also in place. In addition, plexiglass sneeze guards have been installed at all of the cashier stations in the Valkyrie Café, Museum Store, Air Force Museum Theatre, and simulator rides.

To better protect the public, all visitors will be directed to enter the museum via a new entrance to the right of the traditional entrance. Visitors ages three and up will be required to wear masks during their visit to the museum.

Throughout the initial reopening phase, most galleries and exhibits will be available to visitors for self-touring, and all visitors should maintain six feet of separation between each visiting party at all times. However, daily guided tours will not be available at this time. (Those wishing to lead a large group for self-touring must contact the museum in advance to determine if this is feasible.)

Exhibits that will be temporarily closed include all walk-through aircraft, sit-in cockpits, space shuttle simulators, Eighth Air Force Control Tower and Nissen Hut, and interactive exhibits may be modified or removed in the near term. The playground will also be closed but park areas and picnic tables will remain open.

The Valkyrie Café, Museum Store, Air Force Museum Theatre, and simulator rides will operate with new restrictions and will only accept credit cards. The Valkyrie Café will be open for up to 120 people at a time and offer a limited menu. Only bottled beverages will be sold – fountain drinks, coffee, and ice from the self-serve drink stations will not be available, and the Refueling Café located on the Cold War Gallery overlook will remain closed.

Water fountains will also no longer be available but visitors may bring in a clear sealed water bottle (up to 20 oz), or purchase one from the Museum Store, Valkyrie Café or Air Force Museum Theatre concession stand.

The Air Force Museum Theatre will show one film per hour beginning at 11 a.m. each day and limit seating to 45 people per screening. For films that require 3D glasses, a new pair will be issued with each ticket purchased. All simulator rides will also be open but visitors may experience longer wait times for rides as they are sanitized between each customer. For additional information on the Air Force Museum Foundation amenities including the theatre schedule, visit here.

The National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF), co-located at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, will also reopen on July 1. For additional information on NAHF policies, restrictions and hours of operations, please see here.

According to National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Director Mr. David Tillotson, while we regret the inconvenience that the closure of the museum has caused, the health and safety of our visitors and museum family will always be our top priority, and we now look forward to safely welcoming everyone once again.

"We are thrilled to be able to reopen our doors to the public and continue our mission of sharing the Air Force and Space Force stories with those from around the world," said Tillotson. "Although some may be hesitant to visit at first, we have heard from others who are ready to plan a visit for the first time, as well as those longing to return to their favorite aviation destination. We are excited to continue providing new exhibits, events and educational experiences both now and in the years to come."

Additional information on the museum's reopening plans is available here.

posted 06-26-2020 07:00 PM               

Space Center Houston Extends Closure Until Further Notice

In accordance with health guidelines from Harris County, the city of Houston, and the latest stay-at-home ordinance, Space Center Houston will extend its closure until further notice. Space Center Houston will not reopen July 1 as previously announced.

"It is our commitment to support the community during this challenging time. Therefore, as a community leader guided by science, we will extend our closure until further notice to help protect the health and safety of our employees, guests and the community," said William T. Harris, president and CEO of the science and space exploration learning center. "We remain vigilant about the coronavirus (COVID-19) and will continue to take every precaution following all health and safety guidelines as we work together to get through this pandemic. Unity will help us get through this, and we ask our community to come together to help control the pandemic by following all state, city and health guidelines."

Space Center Houston will continue to monitor the latest updates from state, local and CDC officials and will continue to adjust its plans and protocols accordingly to ensure it can offer the safest experience possible for everyone.

The closure includes regular operating hours, member Welcome Back Days, Explorer Camps, Space Center U®, all public, education, and private programs and events. Participants enrolled in education programs and ticket holders with timed admission tickets will be contacted and offered the choice of being put on a list to be called to reschedule when we have a new opening date, or being issued a refund.

Until Space Center Houston reopens, continue to engage in science learning and enjoy a variety of its expanded virtual learning experiences through its digital resources page. To stay up to date, follow Space Center Houston on its social media pages and sign-up for its newsletter at spacecenter.org.

posted 07-01-2020 01:48 PM               

Cradle of Aviation Museum Reopens July 9th with Free Admission for Healthcare Workers

On Thursday, July 9, 2020 at 10am, the Cradle of Aviation Museum and Education Center will reopen to the public following local, state, and federal guidelines. The air and space museum has been working diligently preparing for a safe and secure experience for visitors and will begin a phased reopening approach proceeding cautiously to normal services, placing the health and safety of its visitors, employees and community first.

As a thank you to frontline healthcare workers for their courageous and selfless efforts, the museum is offering free admission until August 30, 2020 with valid employee id.

Additionally, for reopening weekend only, July 9 - July 12th, the museum is rolling out from storage, four recently restored aircraft, the Republic F-105 Thunderchief, the Grumman Agcat, the Grumman X-29, and the Fokker D-VII, for visitors to view outside for the very first time.

"The Cradle staff and volunteers are excited to be able to reopen the museum to provide visitors with a safe and exciting experience. The museum staff has worked hard to create a safe and clean environment for all visitors and we look forward to welcoming everyone to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the end of WWII as well as the 50th Anniversary of F-14 Tom Cat." - Andrew Parton, President, Cradle of Aviation Museum and Education Center

Reduced Services and Reduced Schedule

• As of July 9th the museum's new operating hours are Thursday – Sunday 10 am-4 pm.

• Museum galleries will be open.

• Theater and Planetarium, Nunley's Carousel, and Junior Jet Club are temporarily closed as per NYS direction.

• Cafe - Open with limited light snacks and pre-packaged items.

• Admission tickets may be purchased online or at the box office.

Safety Requirements

• All Employees are required to wear face masks.

• All visitors over the age of 2 are required to wear face masks while at the museum. Disposable face masks will be made available for anyone who does not have them. This is an NYS mandate; this simple action keeps our employees and fellow visitors safe, helping to stop the spread.

• Certain jobs will require employees to use gloves, but gloves are available to all staff who choose to use them.

• The museum has added signage about appropriate distancing, wearing masks, our cleaning procedures and best practices in sanitation behavior.

Implementing Social Distancing Standards

• The museum is limiting the number of people allowed in the museum by 25% maximum capacity for the foreseeable future.

• The museum is introducing socially distanced queuing at our box office, entrances, café and store registers.

• Six feet is the standard, and staff are empowered to close exhibits if maintaining 6 feet of distance between people appears to not be possible.

• The museum has installed plexiglass shields at all registers.

• Directional floor markers and one-way flow through the museum and within galleries,

• The museum is restricting group visits, guided tours, public programs, and special or private events limiting the number of participants until further notice as directed by NYS Government.

Enhancing Cleaning Procedures

• The museum maintains its enhanced COVID-19 cleaning procedures (including thorough, frequent cleanings of high-touch surface areas), in addition to its daily standard cleaning services.

• Bathrooms are cleaned every hour on the hour during work hours and are deep-cleaned in the evenings after the building is closed to the public.

• The museum has installed hand sanitizer stations at frequent intervals throughout the museum, galleries and offices.

• The museum is using the EPA recommended cleaner that is effective in killing SARS and COVID 19 for all of its sanitizing efforts along with 80% isopropyl alcohol spray for surfaces.

Health Screening and Policies

• The museum is requiring employees to do a health screening before each shift; checking for COVID symptoms; taking temperatures. Anyone with a fever of 100.4 or higher will be required to go home and we are encouraging staff to stay home if they feel unwell.

posted 07-02-2020 10:14 AM               

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to Expand Number of Open Attractions

New "Explore More" ticket package to include daily admission and a complimentary return ticket for 2021

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will expand the availability of attractions to guests on Monday, July 6, opening Shuttle Launch Experience®, the IMAX Theater, pre-shows for Space Shuttle Atlantis® and Heroes & Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame® presented by Boeing, as well as expanded dining options. All areas and attractions will have a limited capacity and the visitor complex will continue to operate with reduced hours of 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The new, "Explore More" package will include a complimentary ticket to return for a visit in 2021 for $57 + tax for adults and $47 + tax for children ages 3 – 11. An add-on, space expert-led walking tour through Heroes & Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, the Rocket Garden, Nature and Technology, Journey to Mars: Explorers Wanted, NASA Now, and Space Shuttle Atlantis will continue to be available for small groups for an additional $20.

As always, the health and safety of employees and guests is the highest priority for Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

In accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) recommendations, the visitor complex will continue all precautionary measures, including limited attendance and encouraging advance daily admission purchases; requiring face coverings and temperature screening for employees and guests; accommodating social distancing queues, restaurants, show viewing areas, and other facilities throughout the complex; and implementing increased frequency of sanitization and disinfection.

Additional details are available here.

The visitor complex cautiously reopened on May 28, 2020 with a reduced admission price and attractions limited to walk-through exhibits and outdoor sites only.

Leadership will continue to assess the situation and make adjustments to the availability of exhibits, tours and experiences as deemed safe and appropriate. The Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour including the Apollo/Saturn V Center and Special Interest Bus Tours remain unavailable at this time. To help protect against the spread of COVID-19 and help ensure guest and employee safety, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has taken and will continue to take actions to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus based on the guidance of the CDC. An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present.

These precautions are temporary and are subject to change at any time based on the recommendations of the CDC, State of Florida and Brevard County. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex management continues to work closely with local, state and federal experts to ensure that we are up to date on the situation as it evolves.

posted 07-20-2020 11:47 AM               

We just announced that our Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, will reopen Friday, July 24. Free timed entry passes will be required for all visitors.

Our location in Washington, DC, will remain closed.

We have worked to create a safe environment for visitors and staff, and you will notice changes to how you visit the museum. Face coverings will be required for entry and must be worn through the duration of your visit.

posted 11-19-2020 01:23 PM               

Due to rising regional and national cases related to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, all Smithsonian museums, including the National Zoo, will temporarily close to the public starting Monday, Nov. 23. This will impact the eight Smithsonian facilities in the Washington, D.C., region that had reopened to the public to date. Due to the changing nature of the situation, we are not announcing a reopening date at this time.

The Institution's top priority is to protect the health and safety of its visitors and staff. We will use this time to reassess, monitor and explore additional risk-mitigation measures. We are closely monitoring guidance from local governments, public health officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Visitors who had reserved timed-entry passes to visit at a future date are being contacted directly.

posted 11-19-2020 04:43 PM               

quote:

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Originally posted by SkyMan1958:
Why is NASA not enforcing mask wearing at MCC?

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They are properly distanced at least six feet apart and their wearing of masks while on console is at their own discretion. When they leave the room for any reason they are required to wear masks and hand sanitation stations are located at both the outside of the doors to each control room and on the inside of the rooms.

Additional disinfectant wipes are available at each console for the controllers to clean their desks, keyboards and monitors as often as they wish. The cleaning of the consoles is required at the start and conclusion of each shift and the toggling back and forth from the White Flight Control Room to FCR-1 and back from shift to shift enables Building 30 maintenance staff to deep clean room when not in use.

posted 02-09-2021 04:35 PM               

The Museum of Flight Reopens March 4

Special Member preview days will be offered Feb 27-28

The Museum of Flight reopens to the general public on Thursday March 4 through Sunday March 7, and will remain open every Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until further notice. Member previews will be on Feb. 27-28. Daily attendance to the 23-acre campus will be held to 25% capacity in accordance with Washington state Phase II COVID-19 guidelines. Tickets must be purchased online, with timed admission entry.

"We are very excited to open our doors to the public again—again. We're cleared for takeoff, glad to fly, and look forward to a wonderful 2021," said President and CEO Matt Hayes. "We reinvented the Museum experience for online visitors over the last 10 months, but there's nothing like being here! New operational guidelines are in place for the safety of visitors and staff, and during the phased attendance reductions the galleries will seem even more spectacular."

All five buildings, including the open-air, 3-acre Aviation Pavilion and the 2-acre outdoor Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park will be available. The Museum has more square footage than any museum of its kind on the West Coast and one of the largest open-air aviation pavilions in the world. Smaller galleries, some airplane cabins and flight simulators will be closed for COVID-19 safety measures until further notice. The Air Force One, Boeing 747 and 787 Dreamliner will be open.

The Museum's main, eastside entrance will be the only point of entry. Face coverings will be required for all visitors (age 5 and up), and a brief, contactless health screening will be asked upon entry to the Museum.

posted 03-03-2021 05:04 AM               

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is Bringing Guests Back to the Moon With the Re-Opening of the Apollo/Saturn V Center

Following a temporary closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will be delivering guests "back to the Moon" by way of the Apollo/Saturn V Center beginning in late March. An exact date will be announced soon.

In accordance with new health and safety guidelines, seats on the bus will be limited and are subject to availability. Guests will use a kiosk near the bus transport entrance to select a departure time and reserve their spot on the bus. When a boarding time is announced for departure, guests will be welcomed inside a gated area with social distancing markings. Once inside the bus, passengers will be seated in a socially distanced manner for the short trip directly to the Apollo/Saturn V Center and can return at their leisure. No advance reservations for bus transportation are available.

Upon arrival at the Apollo/Saturn V Center, an interactive exhibit and attraction that explores the wonder of the Apollo Program from the days leading up to the first launch and to the Moon landings that followed, guests will be greeted by a recently renovated "sense of arrival" designed to set a new tone for the experience. Other new enhancements include Moon Scape, which boasts an interactive design that informs guests about the importance of the Moon landing and how they can support future space exploration, as well as a display of newspapers from around the world that represent the global impact of the first steps on the Moon.

Additional experiences include augmented reality stations where guests can recreate the first steps on the Moon, the opportunity to pose for a photo in Neil Armstrong's footsteps and the chance to hear from veteran astronauts Al Worden, Charlie Duke, Harrison Schmitt and Jim Lovell via life-sized, virtual holograms.

The focal point of the Apollo/Saturn V Center is the majestic Saturn V Moon rocket, one of only three remaining in the United States. A new addition to this exhibit is projection mapping on the side of the Saturn V that shows the iconic footage of the Moon landing. The Moon Rock Café will not reopen at this time. Light snacks will be available for purchase at the gift shop.

The health and safety of employees and guests is the highest priority for Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, and the bus rides to the Apollo/Saturn V Center are no exception. Departures will be timed to minimize crowding as well as time onboard the bus. Drivers are specially trained to disinfect the buses after arrival at the Apollo/Saturn V Center, again following return to the visitor complex bus queue and prior to the start of each day to ensure a worry-free travel experience. Passengers will be required to wear face coverings and seating and capacity will be appropriately managed to maintain proper social distancing.

In accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) recommendations, the visitor complex maintains all precautionary measures, including limited attendance and encouraging advance daily admission purchases; requiring face coverings and temperature screening for employees and guests; accommodating social distancing queues, restaurants, show viewing areas, and other facilities throughout the complex; and implementing increased frequency of sanitization and disinfection.

posted 05-26-2021 06:08 PM               

The Museum on the National Mall remains temporarily closed. It will reopen to the public on Friday, July 30. Visitors will need to reserve a free timed-entry pass, which will be available beginning July 23. The museum on the National Mall will be open Thursday through Monday, from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm.