goddard space flight center wallops flight facility visitors center

justnette

The observation deck was amazing. Satelites surround the facility, model rockets, a great learning experienece for kids! From what we were told there will be real rocket launches for repairs to the space station in 2016

GNRMatt

About a 10 minute drive from Chincoteague Island, VA is the NASA Wallops Flight Facility. It is free for all guests to enter, and is a great stop to hit either on the way into Chincoteague Island or on the way home. This is best experienced by children, and you shouldn't expect anything like NASA's Kennedy Space Center.This is a small facility that weather satellites are typically launched from. There's various displays around showing visitors what is done at this facility, as well as interactive exhibits and toys to entertain younger kids. In addition, you can see an actual moon rock here.

1DR

Really one of the original satellite centers. They have various rockets and planes, you'll seel the planes as you on the island headed there.

apdemas

I stopped by on my way to Chincoteague, and it's a great little visitor center. It's got some good displays explaining the history and current work that goes on at Wallops.The best things they've got, though, are the viewing platforms and the videos. The viewing platforms are on the roof and bleachers out by the water. There you can get a great view of the airport and satellite receivers on the roof, or of the actual launch facilities on Wallops Island from the bleachers. The videos are really informative about what goes on at Wallops and NASA in general. I really liked the globe viewer in the back corner.

Morris-Madison

Allow at least 1-2 hours to get the full scope of the importance that Wallops Flight Facility has had in the US Space Program. Each of the thoughtful and well-executed displays merits full attention. I'll just mention one, the search for exo-planets. After this video presentation, I finally understood how scientists can determine the composition of planets, given that looking for them is like finding a firefly next to a bright light! Well worth the visit. Great for science-minded youths and older!

Bigfoot424

As a male I am interested in rockets and so on but certainly no geek about it. The wife and I stopped here yesterday and walked around. The exhibits itself were okay and we took the elevator to the roof (lookout) area. The elevator was filthy and the lookout had nothing worth seeing. Overall it was just a so so visit.

myackanich

Visited on Sunday 25th - the day before launch of International SpaceStation Resupply Mission (Antares). Very cool exhibits - and a lot of helpful staff from Orbital company/vendor. There were press conferences, a "launch party" setup, and a lot of Orbital folks out and about preparing for the following day's launch.Definitely worth a visit if nearby.

Woodsylady

After you've made your husband follow you through the gift shops, take him here. Has a lot of space gadgets & gizmos which had hubby enthralled.

ErnTrekker

Interesting little center which is chock full of displays & information regarding aeronautics & space flight. Admission is free - a nice place to take the family if you're visiting Chincoteague & Assateague Island.

ccquohog

We found the center to be informative with lots of exhibits and films. As others have noted, the curb appeal is not there, and we almost didnt bother to stop! However, we are glad we did. How much fun would it have been if we could have watched a launch? I think it would be worth checking out the schedule and seeing that! Lots of kids were there and they seemed to be interested in the exhibits and demos - geared to all ages.

Porge1946

The center has information on what happen at Wallops island. Also, there is information by way of; displays and films on how space systems are used to track what's happening on Earth. This center has lot of good information of interest to all age groups.If your are lucky you may get to see the launch of a rocket. The center has an observation deck for that purpose.

MarkhMD

This is a nice stop while in and around Assateague Island. It's free, so there's no reason to complain, and they do a nice job inside with the exhibits. Unfortunately the curb appeal reflects the condition of our woefully underfunded and under appreciated space program - the grass needs cutting and edging, and the shrubbery needs care. I can appreciate cutting corners "inside the fence" of a NASA facility, but try to put on a pretty face for the public.

marisas709

If you are in the area- you can actually see a rocket launch. We didn't time it well for that but plan on going in the future. There is no cost to this center and the info is incredible. If you are interested in space- stop here. there are some replicas of rockets, planes, interactive demos and movies. Also a very well stocked gift stop and an observation deck.

Rsnic

Well done for all ages!! Displays are very well done and provide very useful information about both the NAV and Navy work there

MarylandMarie

Thank goodness there is no admission cost to get in to the Wallops visitor's center . It was an interesting visit, but nothing to write home about. It has very basic displays--so you learn a little about what NASA and Wallops does. Worth a quick stop if you're in the area.