The NASA 905 aircraft is a modified Boeing 747 that originally served as a commercial airliner before being converted to carry orbiters.
The shuttle replica Explorer was constructed in 1993 to allow the public to experience the interior of a Space Shuttle orbiter.
The combined height of the stacked aircraft and shuttle reaches approximately 8 stories tall.
The exhibit space includes remnants of the original 747 cockpit and flight deck equipment.
The NASA 905 flew 223 ferry missions during its operational lifespan.
The exhibit includes displays detailing the specific structural modifications required to mount an orbiter to the 747 fuselage.
Independence Plaza at Space Center Houston features a full-scale high-fidelity replica of the Space Shuttle Explorer mounted atop the historic NASA 905 shuttle carrier aircraft. This massive outdoor exhibit allows visitors to walk inside both the shuttle replica and the Boeing 747 carrier plane. The display explores the history of the Shuttle Program, including technical innovations and the transition to the International Space Station. Interactive exhibits focus on the engineering challenges of transporting space shuttles across the country. The structure is elevated, allowing guests to walk underneath the aircraft fuselage. It serves as the centerpiece of the museum's outdoor aerospace collection.
The ground-level viewing area directly beneath the belly of the 747 provides the best scale for photography.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the exhibit requires navigating multiple flights of stairs inside both the plane and the shuttle.
Allow extra time for queues, as access to the interior of the shuttle and the 747 flight deck is often limited by capacity.
Check weather conditions, as the majority of the walk-through experience takes place within an outdoor, non-climate-controlled environment.
Do not attempt to visit near the end of the operating day, as lines to enter the aircraft interiors may close early.
Closed-toe shoes are recommended for safety on metal stairs; refrain from touching sensitive internal instrumentation.
