13 Best Space Museums in the U.S.

"More than six decades ago, the United States launched its first satellite into Earth orbit, turning the dream of spaceflight into reality. Space tourism may be inching closer, but until off-planet travel is within reach for everyone, the best way to dive into all things intergalactic is to visit a space museum. In addition to being a fun way to spend an afternoon, these institutions can also help inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers."

"Moonshot Museum opened in 2022 and was Pennsylvania's first space museum as well as the first in the world to focus on inspiring young people to pursue a career in the modern space industry. The museum is located within the headquarters of Astrobotic, a company that builds lunar landers for NASA and commercial clients."

"Through a floor-to-ceiling glass wall, visitors get an unobstructed view into a real spacecraft clean room, where lander models like Peregrine and Griffin (which will one day land on the moon) took shape. Interactive exhibits simulate the arc of a modern Moon mission-from design to surface landing-while highlighting real-world career paths in aerospace."

More than six decades after the first U.S. satellite launch, space tourism remains limited, so museums provide accessible engagement with spaceflight. Museums offer entertaining experiences and stimulate interest in scientific and engineering careers. Moonshot Museum opened in 2022 as Pennsylvania's first space museum and the first globally to focus on guiding young people toward careers in the modern space industry. The museum sits inside Astrobotic’s headquarters, offering a floor-to-ceiling view into a spacecraft clean room where Peregrine and Griffin lander models were built. Interactive exhibits recreate the arc of a contemporary Moon mission—from design through surface landing—while showcasing real-world aerospace career paths.

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