Stennis Space Center

After spending the night at the campground on the Naval  base in Gulfport, MS, we visited another of those places we have driven by many times. The Stennis Space Center is located off exit 2, in Mississippi along I 10.  A couple of  years ago, the Infinity Center was built next to the state welcome center.  Here you can see a display of exploration before tackling space, along with a brief summary of the space program.  Most of the center is oriented towards the younger set.  This is a good place for them to have some fun and learn about the space program.

You can also take a bus tour of the space center itself, which is located just north of the Infinity Center.  This is a vast 140,000 acre complex which hosts multiple government agencies. The largest amount of land is part of the space center buffer zone, which is a noise barrier for the engine tests.  Its best known for being the place where are space shuttle engines are tested before they are used on the shuttles.  You can sign up to observe the engine tests.  Some of our friends have done this and said it was an exciting experience.  During the bus tour, you will get to see the test platforms for the various engines and get a general idea of what other facilities are on the grounds.  You only leave the bus at the engine test platforms.

We thought the tour was worth the time and certainly the infinity center is worth the stop. especially if you have young kids.