Exhibits
The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center features exhibits on space exploration, science, and technology, including a space shuttle replica and immersive astronomy shows. Visitors can engage with hands-on exhibits, learn about planets, and discover astronaut training and life in space.
Ships & Spacecrafts
Humans have been fascinated with speed and flight for time immemorial. Our stellar collection of aircrafts and space vehicles is a tribute to human creativity, design and aerospace technology. Gaze up at a life-sized Mercury Redstone, climb aboard the delicate Kitfox, imagine looking out at space from the Mercury Capsule, and wonder at how we fit a giant decommissioned XF8U-2 test jet through our doors!
Weather & Mount Washington
The weather can get pretty wild in New England! Enter the Mount Washington Shaky Shack to feel the rumble of 231 mph winds, touch a twisting tornado and see how fast a wind speed you can create with your own power.
Lunar Colony
The year is 2039, humans have created a habitable base on our moon. Enter the Shackleton Hub to explore how people live, work, sleep and eat in space. Cultivate fresh vegetables using hydroponics, code a lunar rover to explore the landscape outside and investigate our collection of earth minerals.
Christa McAuliffe & Alan B. Shepard
Two New Hampshire heroes, one dream of space! Our namesakes are honored and memorialized throughout the Discovery Center. Investigate Alan’s boat created during his time at Proctor Academy, learn about the NASA Space Shuttle program of which Christa was a team member and view some of both of their personal items at the Tribute Wall.
Hands-On Physics
Explore and experiment with the physical world around you. Hit a shimmering target with a blast from our Air Powered Cannon, set Newton’s Cradle into motion and guide a sailboat safely into harbor. Strike a pose in front of our Electromagnetic Spectrum exhibit for an amazing rainbow selfie
Experiences & Simulators
Do you think you have the “Right Stuff”? Land the Space Shuttle on a perfect touch down, explore the surface of the moon by conducting a fly-by in a Lunar Lander and program a fish to avoid its predator. The best way to learn is to do!
Observatory
Nothing is quite so spectacular as a perfect open sky. During the day, witness the energy and power of the Sun’s surface with our state-of-the-art Sun Scope. After dark, our educators and astronomers will focus your gaze on bright constellations, the moon and planets.
Jeanne Gerulskis Science Playground
Open in the warm months, our newest addition to the Discovery Center is out of this world! Get out some energy and imagine all the possibilities on the rocket playground structure! Find your inner musician with our outdoor music equipment.