Is the Space & Rocket Center part of NASA?
Posted on Feb 23, 2026 / Travel
No — the Space & Rocket Center isn’t run by NASA, but it is the official visitor center for NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center nearby. That means many exhibits and artifacts are connected to real NASA programs and history, even though the museum itself is operated by the State of Alabama and affiliated organizations. It’s also a Smithsonian Affiliate, which means it meets certain standards for quality and display. Because of these partnerships, you’ll see authentic space hardware and NASA-linked exhibits that you likely won’t find elsewhere. The museum also participates in special programs and rotating exhibits thanks to these connections. So while NASA doesn’t own or run it, the experience still feels very official and amazes space fans. This setup helps make the museum educational and fun for both casual visitors and serious space enthusiasts.
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