How to Experience 50 Years of Space History at NASA Goddard’s Visitor Center

Since May 1976, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center’s Visitor Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, has been a gateway to the cosmos. Trimmed in bicentennial pageantry, it opened with an open‑air design and a reenactment of Dr. Robert Goddard’s first rocket launch. Now, fifty years later, the center continues to inspire through exhibits and programs on space exploration’s past, present, and future. This guide will walk you through the best ways to explore the center, from its historic artifacts to its active model rocket launches, ensuring you get the most out of a visit that celebrates half a century of discovery.

What You Need

• Curiosity – a willingness to learn about space science and history
• Comfortable walking shoes – you’ll be on your feet for an hour or more
• Camera or smartphone – to capture the Delta‑B rocket and other exhibits
• Weather‑appropriate clothing – part of the experience is outdoors
• Check the schedule – model rocket launches usually occur the first Saturday of the month (may vary, so confirm online ahead of time)
• Free time – plan for 1–2 hours for a thorough visit

Step‑by‑Step Guide

Step 1: Plan Your Visit – Know the Basics

The Visitor Center is located at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. Admission is free. Before you go, check the official hours (typically weekdays and some Saturdays; closed on federal holidays). Because the center is on a NASA campus, you will need to pass through a security checkpoint, so bring a valid photo ID. Parking is available on site. For the 50th anniversary year, special programs may be offered; verify events on the Goddard website.

Step 2: Start with the Opening Story

Your journey through the center begins with the tale of its origin. When the doors first opened in May 1976 (just weeks before the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington), the atmosphere was lively and outdoor. Instead of cutting a ribbon with scissors, a reenactment of Dr. Robert Goddard’s first rocket launch snapped the ribbon. Dr. John Clark, then Goddard’s center director, gave opening remarks. Today, you’ll find exhibits that honor this heritage. Look for photographs of the 1976 opening and a display about the building itself – which was originally the Bureau of Standards’ WWV radio station before being converted into a storage facility and then the Visitor Center.

Step 3: Explore the Historic Exhibits

The initial exhibits featured a full‑scale mockup of the Orbiting Astronomical Observatory (OAO) – a precursor to the Hubble Space Telescope. You can see this iconic display up close. Another early highlight was a phone station that allowed guests to transmit their voices 45,000 miles round trip through the Applications Technology Satellite‑3. While technology has evolved, the center still offers interactive demonstrations that illustrate how satellites communicate. Also, at the active meteorology station, you can view satellite images of Western Hemisphere weather – a direct continuation of the original exhibit.

Step 4: Marvel at the Delta‑B Rocket

Outdoor exhibits include the Delta‑B rocket, originally displayed at the 1964 New York World’s Fair. NASA Goddard managed the highly successful Thor‑Delta program throughout the 1960s and ’70s. The rocket stands as a symbol of the center’s long history of launching scientific missions. As you walk around it, note the small model rocket just taking flight in a 1978 photograph to the right of the Delta – a nod to the model rocket launches that have been a mainstay of the Visitor Center.

Step 5: Experience a Model Rocket Launch

If your visit coincides with the first Saturday of the month, you’re in for a treat. Model rocket launches have been held at the center since its early days. Witnessing a launch is a thrilling way to connect with the hands‑on spirit of rocketry. The launches are family‑friendly, and staff often answer questions about propulsion, safety, and the engineering behind real spacecraft. Check the Visitor Center’s events calendar to confirm dates and times.

Step 6: Engage with the Mission of Inspiration

As NASA Goddard Center Director Cynthia Simmons said, “NASA’s 1958 charter tasks us with sharing our work as broadly as we can. The visitor centers we have maintained at our Greenbelt, Maryland, location and Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia are core to us meeting that charge and fostering the next generation of space explorers.” Take time to explore the interactive kiosks that explain current missions, such as the James Webb Space Telescope or the Earth‑observing satellites managed by Goddard. The center’s staff and volunteers are knowledgeable and enthusiastic – don’t hesitate to ask questions.

Step 7: Step Back in Time with Aerial Views

A 2010 aerial photo of the Visitor Center shows how the site has grown. Compare it with a 1966 aerial photograph of the WWV radio station that occupied the same spot before NASA Goddard took over. This juxtaposition tells a story of transformation: from a station broadcasting time signals to a hub of space education. Walking the grounds, you can trace the five‑decade evolution of the facility.

Tips for an Enriching Visit

• Arrive early – especially on launch days, the parking lot fills up quickly.
• Bring a notebook – many facts and visuals are worth jotting down for later reflection or for young aspiring astronauts.
• Talk to the volunteers – many are retired NASA employees or educators with deep knowledge of Goddard’s history.
• Plan for the weather – the rocket garden and some exhibits are outdoors; dress accordingly.
• Combine with a trip to the NASA Goddard campus – if you have time, check if there are additional tours available (subject to security and scheduling).
• Follow up online – after your visit, explore Goddard’s digital resources to dive deeper into missions you saw at the center.
• Share your experience – post photos using #Goddard50 and #NASA to join the celebration.

Whether you’re a longtime space enthusiast or a first‑time visitor, the Goddard Visitor Center offers a unique window into five decades of exploration. By following these steps, you’ll honor its 50‑year legacy while inspiring your own journey among the stars.