The restoration of Historic Mission Control at NASA Johnson Space Center is on track for completion in mid-June of 2019, well ahead of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing on July 20.
As you can see from these photos, the Mission Operations Control Room (MOCR) is missing its defining feature: the consoles that monitored the Apollo missions.
One group of consoles were restored and reanimated at Cosmosphere in Hutchinson, Kansas last year. These were returned to Ellington Airport via the Super Guppy on Nov. 8, 2018, and are now in storage. A second group being restored and reanimated at Cosmosphere is set to return in mid-May 2019.
With the consoles out of the room, the restoration team can focus efforts on the outer shell of the Mission Operations Control Room (MOCR). For example, carpet has been completely removed from all the computer floor tiles and damaged tiles are being repaired. The new carpet has been received and is being stored until time for installation. The team is also focusing on electrical work and lighting, repairing damaged sheetrock, and preparing the walls for wallpaper.
The Visitors Viewing Room also looks vacant. As you can see in the photo, the team has removed all seating for repair and restoration. Cushions inside the seats are being replaced, but the seating fabric itself requires nothing more than a deep cleaning.
After more than 60 years of service to mission control, accommodating astronaut spouses and families, high level NASA officials and political dignitaries observing Apollo missions from the room, the original seating fabric will continue to accommodate visitors for years to come!
The fully restored Mission Operations Control Room (MOCR) will be open for tours this summer. Stay tuned for more updates and information about the anniversary celebrations!
