Beacon Journal staff report
NASA’s Glenn Research Center will offer free tours one Saturday each month from April through October.
Parking is also free at the center, 21000 Brookpark Road in Cleveland.
During each tour, visitors will explore one of the facilities where scientists and engineers develop aeronautics and space technology. The tour also will stop by the gift shop, which offers space-themed merchandise including NASA apparel and collectibles.
The tours are open to U.S. citizens with a government-issued photo identification and lawful permanent residents with a green card.
Here’s the schedule:
• April 1, tour bus departing 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m.
Proving Grounds for Deep Space: The Electric Propulsion Laboratory houses two huge vacuum chambers that simulate the space environment.
• May 6, tour bus departing 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
The 10 X 10 Wind Tunnel and Historic District Tour: For over 60 years, the 10-by-10 foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel has conducted propulsion testing at supersonic speeds ranging from Mach 2.0 to 3.5. Examine the history of this test facility and its connections to NASA’s Apollo program and man’s first step on the moon.
• June 3, tour bus departing 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m.
NASA Glenn Hangar: Explore what goes on inside the large hangar with the NASA logo and see how aircraft monitor algal blooms on Lake Erie.
• July 8, tour bus departing 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m.
Locomotion on Planets: The SLOPE lab is where rover components are tested for their ability to navigate and investigate planetary surfaces.
• Aug. 5, tour bus departing 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m.
The Light of Solar Cells: The Photovoltaic Lab creates energy from light. See how technology can power everything from homes to spacecraft.
• Sept. 9, tour bus departing 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m.
Microgravity: See the Zero-G Facility which puts test payloads into a free fall for five seconds, dropping over 400 feet.
• Oct. 7, tour bus departing 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
The 8 X 6 Wind Tunnel and Historic District Tour: Built in 1946, the 8-by-6 foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel is testing models for the next generation of supersonic aircraft.
Tours can be made up to 30 days prior to the tour. To register, call 216-433-9653 or send an email to grc-dl-tours@mail.nasa.gov. Registered visitors will receive a confirmation number, which is required for entry.
Special needs guests may use their own vehicles, but must follow the tour bus at all times. Most research facilities are wheelchair accessible; however, some facilities have limited accessibility.
For more information, visit https://www.nasa.gov/centers/glenn/events/tours.html.