NASA Ames Research Center today announced the resumption of its popular tour program that allows the general public to visit one of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s most historic and cutting-edge research centers.
Two-hour tours will be offered five times per week, Monday through Friday, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. PST. Tours will begin with an overview of the center’s key technologies and research, and will depart from the Visitor Center at NASA Ames.
“We are pleased to open our doors to area visitors and members of neighboring communities,” said NASA Ames Acting Deputy Director Dr. Steven Zornetzer. “We are especially delighted that our guests will have the opportunity to learn about the amazing research going on both at Ames and throughout NASA.”
The new tour will take visitors on a walking visit to several of NASA Ames’ unique facilities. Possible tour stops include the NASA Advanced Supercomputing facility, featuring some of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the Crew Vehicle Systems Research Facility, which contains two full-size cockpit flight simulators. Other possible sites to be visited include the Vertical Motion Simulator, used by NASA astronauts and pilots to practice simulated take-offs and landings; a mock-up of the International Space Station; the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex, which contains the world’s largest wind tunnel; and the 20-G centrifuge.
“I am truly gratified that we are able to offer public tours again,” said Sheila Johnson, NASA Ames’ community relations coordinator. “Previously, we averaged 10,000 visitors a year. Clearly, the public wants to visit NASA Ames and is interested in learning about the technologies that we develop for the future,” she added.
“Seeing people’s interest in space flight and NASA, inspiring the younger generations and seeing the enthusiasm that they display is one of the most gratifying things for me,” said new tour program coordinator Michael Reeves, who has worked in the center’s wind tunnels for the last 18 years.
To book a tour, call 650/604-6274. A maximum of 20 people are permitted on each tour.
