Engine Room

Rocket engines provide thrust needed to launch a payload. Pioneers in this area contributed to getting rockets off the ground. Engines developed then make commercial airlines safe today, in other words these engines have not changed much, but the contributions area still with us today.

 

Clean Room

During the space race, scientists wanted to launch cameras and telescopes beyond earth’s atmosphere to get a clearer view of our solar system and the galaxies beyond, and to gain a new perspective on earth. The ability to “ see” ultra violet light and other rays in the non-visible spectrum enabled us to learn about the elements that make up the planets, stars and comets, to determine the age of the universe, to see black holes in action and to gain better understanding our own atmosphere and earth's complex systems.

 

Clinic

When the first astronauts were sent into space, no one was sure how the human body would respond. Astronauts went through rigorous physical and psychological tests to determine if they had “the right stuff.” With the launch of Skylab, scientists were able to study the long term effects of microgravity on the human body.

 

Mission Control

Pioneers in this area developed the first operating systems used on board satellites, paving the way for the way the development for all onboard software used by NASA to this day. Onboard computing systems make it possible for satellites to explore the solar system, stars, new galaxies and even black holes.