Established in 1965 by the State of Alabama, empowered by the U.S. Congress and in cooperation with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center is one of the nation's premiere hands-on space science museums, fostering national and international educational outreach programs through its world-renowned SPACE CAMP® and AVIATION CHALLENGE® programs. Located in Huntsville, Alabama, birthplace of America's manned space flight program, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center remains Alabama's top tourist attraction, welcoming approximately 400,000 visitors each year.