Nasa Ames Research Center

Wind Tunnel Legacy Tours

Explore the world's largest pressurized wind tunnels at the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex, used for rocket and aircraft…

Moon Rock and Meteorite Viewing

Examine authentic lunar samples and geologic specimens from Ames' collections, highlighting astrobiology research. Interactive dis…

Spacesuit Artifact Encounters

Get close to historic Mercury, Gemini, and experimental AX-5 suits developed at Ames for human spaceflight. Exhibits reveal innova…

Step into Ames' history at Chabot Space and Science Center with over 30 artifacts like Mercury-Gemini spacesuits and heat shield tech never before public. Hands-on challenges let you design rovers and test them in simulated Ames environments.

Explore the world's largest pressurized wind tunnels at the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex, used for rocket and aircraft testing. View subsonic and transonic chambers that shaped aviation from WWII propellers to modern turbines. Spring-Fall

Examine authentic lunar samples and geologic specimens from Ames' collections, highlighting astrobiology research. Interactive displays connect them to missions like Apollo and Mars rovers.

Get close to historic Mercury, Gemini, and experimental AX-5 suits developed at Ames for human spaceflight. Exhibits reveal innovations in human-machine interaction for extreme environments.

Engineer exploration rovers, planes, and space robots in interactive stations mimicking Ames labs. Test designs in simulated extraterrestrial conditions tied to real Ames projects.

Discover Ames' role in supercomputing for spacecraft like Orion, with displays on complex scenario modeling. Interactive demos show computational power behind launch aborts and climate simulations.

Trace Ames' groundbreaking VR for pilot training and beyond, from 1980s hardware to modern simulations. Exhibits link it to gaming, medicine, and spaceflight advancements.

Stock up on Ames-exclusive apparel, models, and astronaut freeze-dried ice cream in the on-site shop. Items celebrate local innovations like wind tunnel tech and moon rocks.

See sites of VTOL jets, rotorcraft, and oddball prototypes tested at Ames over decades. Perimeter walks reveal hangars tied to aeronautics breakthroughs. Spring-Fall

Preview Ames contributions to NASA's Artemis program through models and artifacts at the NASA Experience. Focus on heat shields and exploration tech for lunar returns.

Dive into Ames' work on space biology, including experiments for the ISS on microbes and astronaut health. Displays connect to origins-of-life studies in extreme environments.

Learn about Ames' Pioneer missions to Jupiter and Venus via historical exhibits and footage. Highlights include early deep-space navigation tech developed here.

Inspect experimental heat shields from Ames labs, crucial for re-entry vehicles. Interactive elements explain material science for future Mars missions.

Cycle or hike Ames' exterior for views of wind tunnels, hangars, and Moffett Field landmarks. Ties into Silicon Valley's outdoor tech-culture blend. Spring-Fall

Build and deploy mini space robots mimicking Ames' free-floating ISS helpers. Hands-on focus on autonomy for astronaut experiments.

View massive fan blades from the world's largest wind tunnel, symbolizing Ames' scale in aerodynamics. Exhibits detail testing for aircraft and renewables.

Explore Ames' early VR and interface research with immersive demos. Connects to modern AR/VR hype rooted in NASA Silicon Valley origins.

Stroll near Google and Apple campuses to Ames' perimeter, contextualizing its tech ecosystem role. Spot integration of NASA research in private space ventures. Spring-Fall

Tackle hands-on Mars rover tasks inspired by Ames' rover tech contributions. Simulates real scientific process from the center's labs.

Pose in replica spacesuits and mission control setups echoing Ames' human spaceflight work. Perfect for capturing Silicon Valley space dreams.

Use lab gloves to handle meteorites and space-returned samples like Ames scientists. Builds understanding of planetary science from the source.

Interact with supercomputer models of Orion's abort systems, an Ames specialty. Reveals high-stakes engineering for crew safety.

Watch Ames-specific footage of Mars, planets, and local scientists in the dedicated theater. Showcases raw exploration stories from the center.

Bike loops around Moffett airfield for aerial views of Ames facilities amid historic hangars. Blends aviation history with Bay Area scenery. Spring-Fall

View demos of Ames' ISS-bound biology tests on space organisms. Ties into health research for long-duration missions.

Details the NASA Experience exhibit at Chabot as Ames' public visitor center, with hands-on challenges, spacesuits, and 30+ artifacts from 80 years of history. https://chabotspace.org/visit/exhibits/the-nasa-experience/

Highlights Ames' TikTok-famous spots like the gift shop, wind tunnels, and VR history, plus perimeter exploration tips. https://airial.travel/attractions/united-states/mountain-view/nasa-ames-research-center-grrsxTwv

Lists kid-friendly reasons to visit, including moon rocks, hands-on exhibits, space gloves, and the standout gift shop. https://leftbraincraftbrain.com/space-adventure-kids-nasa-ames-research-center/

Covers Ames' evolution from wind-tunnel origins to spaceflight, noting the NASA Experience as its visitor hub with Artemis previews. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ames_Research_Center

Official overview of Ames' 85+ years in aeronautics, exploration tech, and science in Silicon Valley. https://www.nasa.gov/ames/