Hudson Takes Flight at Space Center Houston
Fifty years ago today, astronauts landed and walked on the moon for the first time. Apollo 11’s success, only four days after liftoff – and now a monumental moment in history – showcased mankind’s ingenuity and perseverance. While many perceived the lunar landing as one of the most integral feats of all time, the milestone achievement sparked the beginning of a new journey of discovery and exploration.
As the space race continued to boom, space popular culture permeated society. From movies and television to transportation design and modern art, the nostalgia of the space program had massive spillover into American culture. Over the coming years, the inspiration for Star Trek to Milky Way candy bars to Walt Disney World’s Space Mountain came from the space age. Society’s fascination with space will continue for years to come, and today, Hudson is proud to be a part of and continue the remembrance.
Since 2016, Hudson has operated two unique store concepts, Space Trader and Gift Station, as the official gift shops of Space Center Houston. Space Center Houston, a leading science and space exploration-learning center, is one of Houston’s top attractions in addition to being the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center and a Smithsonian Affiliate.
The shops, located in the Official Visitors complex and together totaling over 6800 square feet, offer an eclectic mix of product, ranging from apparel and toys to novelty items, such as astronaut icecream and official NASA mission patches. To celebrate the 50th anniversary, the stores also boast an official memorabilia collection, complete with shirts, framed photos, and even a replica flight suit. For space fanatics who aren’t able to visit the store or want to pick up an extra gift after their visit, the store’s products can be purchased on: https://spacetrader.shop/
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the moon landing as well as July’s recognition as Space Month, the Space Center Houston is hosting numerous space-themed events including pop-up science labs, a panel discussion featuring children of Apollo-era astronauts, and special tours of the newly restored Apollo Mission Control Center.