NASA John C. Stennis Space Center (SSC) will host a Founder’s Day Public Open House on October 19, 2017, and you are invited!

The highlight of the day will be an opportunity to view a test firing of an RS-25 flight engine.

Please note: this event is at NASA’s Stennis Space Center, not INFINITY Science Center, the official visitor center for Stennis Space Center.

Security gates will be open for access to the center from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. All activities will be located within NASA's Propulsion Test Complex; therefore, only U.S. citizens age 10 or older will be allowed to attend. Each eligible person attending this event is required to register and will be required to present a ticket with his/her name. Multiple tickets with the same name will not be accepted.

The participating SSC agencies will host a variety of fun and engaging activities prior to the RS-25 engine test. The engine will be tested on the historic A-1 Test Stand. The engine is being tested for use by NASA’s new Space Launch System, being built to carry humans to deep-space destinations, including Mars. It is designated as one of four engines that will help power the launch of SLS on Exploration Mission-2, which will be the first flight of the new rocket to carry astronauts.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Personal coolers will not be allowed on site. Participants may bring collapsible, bagged chairs that can be carried in one’s lap on the bus; space does not allow participants to carry larger chairs.

In addition to the ticket, participants age 16 or older must show a valid, government-issued ID for entry. Please be advised that tickets are limited.

If you require special accommodations, please call the NASA Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity at (228) 688-1037.

For additional information about the Open House, contact the NASA Office of Communications at: ssc-pao@mail.nasa.gov or (228) 688-3333.

Members of the media wishing to attend the event should contact NASA News Chief Valerie Buckingham at 228-688-3898 by noon Wednesday, Oct. 18, to arrange for security clearance and escort.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Where are the activities being held? The Open House will be held inside the Stennis Space Center security gates. This event will NOT be held at the INFINITY Science Center.

Is there an age limit to who may attend? Yes, due to all activities being inside NASA’s Propulsion Test Complex, the age limit for the activities and viewing the test is 10 years or older. All attendees MUST have a ticket to enter the center.

Are there any restrictions to attending this event? This event is open for all U.S. Citizens, 10 years or older. Upon arrival at the gates, the security guard will ask to see the tickets for each passenger in your vehicle and a valid, government-issued ID for all attendees over the age of 16. No alcoholic beverages, firearms or other weapons, foul language or rough play will be allowed on the premises.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event? Yes. In addition to the ticket, anyone over the age of 16 will be required to show a government-issued ID.

Is it ok if the name on my ticket or registration doesn't match the person who attends? No. The name on the tickets must match the names of the passengers in the vehicles accessing the center.

Can I bring a guest? Only if they are registered to attend. Stennis Space Center is a secured facility; therefore, only individuals registered through the event link on Eventbrite.com will be permitted to enter. Please note that tickets for this event are limited. Security guards will check names and IDs for individuals 16 years or older.

How do I gain access to the center? You may enter through the North Security Gate off of I-59, exit 1 or the South Security Gate off of I-10, exit 2. Upon arrival at the gates, the security guard will ask to see the tickets for all passengers in your vehicle and a valid, government issued ID for all passengers in your vehicle over the age of 16. Once cleared for entry, you will follow the “NASA EVENT” directional signs to the designated parking location, where buses will transport you into the test complex area. Use of communication devices while driving onsite is prohibited.

How will I be notified if there are changes to the event? An email with updated information will be sent to the email address provided during registration to the event. It is very important to check your email before attending to ensure there are no changes to the time or date.

What time should I arrive? The security gates will open at 11:00 a.m. and close at 1:30 p.m. to allow sufficient time for transporting guests to the test site. You may enter between those hours. If you are not in line to enter the gates by 1:30 p.m. you will not be allowed to enter.

What time does the event end? The RS-25 engine test is the culminating activity for the event. Immediately after the test, the buses will begin shuttling you back to your vehicle to exit the center.

What time is the engine test? The test is tentatively schedule for a 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. window. However, the test schedule is very fluid and may be delayed, postponed or even canceled.

What if I have an accommodation requirement, who should I contact? After you have registered and received a confirmation email, if you require special accommodations, please contact the NASA Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity at (228) 688-1037.

Do I need to bring hearing protection? A pair of ear plugs will be provided for everyone prior to the engine test. Although rocket engine testing is loud, you will be a reasonable distance away and will be required to wear ear protection during the engine test.

Can I bring a cooler or food? No. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

Will food and water be available for purchase? Yes, a variety of food vendors will offer food, soft drinks and water for purchase.

Can I bring a chair? You may bring collapsible, bagged chairs that can be carried in your lap on the bus; space does not allow for larger collapsible chairs.

What should I bring to the event? Your tickets and government issued IDs are required for entry. The event will take place outside; therefore, other items that you may want to bring are sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, bug spray, etc.

What type of activities will you have at the open house? In addition to speakers, a number of fun and engaging stations will be provided to learn about science, technology, engineer and math (STEM) principles as well as the agencies at Stennis Space Center.

Can I bring my pet? Animals are not permitted except for service animals trained to assist a person with a disability.

If you have additional questions not covered in this document, please contact the NASA Office of Communications by emailing SSC-PAO@mail.nasa.gov or (228) 688-3333.