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Starlab

Starlab

Nanoracks, based in Webster, TX, recently announced its collaboration with Lockheed Martin and Voyager Space (Nanorack’s parent company) to develop Starlab,  an inflatable space station slated to launch in 2027. Starlab will utilize both metal and inflatable components, enabling the space station to be launched, unfolded, and inflated from one rocket rather than transporting pieces using multiple rockets (and years) as was required to assemble the International Space Station.

Starlab’s main structure is a large inflatable habitat with a metallic docking assembly. The onboard, regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) will provide clean water and air, allowing four crew members to continuously live and work in the 340 cubic meter habitat.

The First-Ever Free-flying Commercial Space Station

The free-flying, continuously crewed commercial platform will host the first-ever science park in space – the George Washington Carver (GWC) Science Park. GWC will consist of four main operational areas: a biology lab, a plant habitation lab, a physical science lab, a materials research lab, plus an open workbench area.

The George Washington Carver Science Park was founded to honor George Washington Carver and his legacy of scientific discovery for the benefit of life on Earth. Nanoracks’ team of experienced utilization specialists are tailoring the GWC Science Park to meet the needs of researchers and commercial customers.

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You are the Star!

You are the Star!

You take the stage, the lights come up, you pick up the microphone, the music begins,  and you belt out your favorite song. When you sing Karaoke, you are the star.

Here are eight venues that will make you a star – at least for awhile.

Main Event Entertainment

Endless fun at 1125 Magnolia Avenue. The most fun you will find under one roof – state-of-the-art bowling, billiards, shuffleboard, multi-level laser tag, glow golf, Karaoke, and hundreds of arcade games. Come for the fun, stay for the chef-inspired cuisine and handcrafted cocktails. www.mainevent.com

Buck Wild Country Dance Club

This country western dance club, located at 1025 W NASA Parkway, features a 2,500 Sq Ft dance floor, the longest bar in Texas, Karaoke, a mechanical bull, and a full kitchen. FREE dance lessons on Fridays and Saturdays. Ages 18 and up. www.buckwildtx.com

Fun City Sk8 & Play

Fun City, at 1500 N Texas Avenue, offers the best in family fun for all ages – from birthday parties to teen nights, to an adult lounge, to roller skating lessons, and so much more. If you are planning a birthday party, private party, group party, corporate or school event check out our packages. www.funcitysk8.com

Rocky’s Piano Bar

The show at Rocky’s is a non-stop, high-energy event, where our customers control the all-request, sing-along performance on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. A convenient location, at 18313 Egret Bay Blvd., makes Rocky’s the perfect date night, friend meet-up spot, or special occasion gathering place! www.rockeysrrtx.com/rockeys-houston

Reno’s Billiards & Karaoke

Located at 20810 Gulf Freeway, Reno’s features Karaoke nightly, billiards, a full bar, and food. All ages are welcome. www.facebook.com/RenosKaraokePool

Tree House Restaurant & Bar

A long-time Webster favorite at 901 E. NASA Parkway. Tree House Restaurant & Bar is a great place to meet friends, relax, enjoy a meal, and sing Karaoke on weekends. www.treehouse.bar

Cut Foil Wine Lounge

Cut Foil hosts Karaoke Night every Thursday at 8 pm. The vibe is relaxing, the food is tasty, and the wine and cocktail selection is fabulous. www.facebook.com/Cutfoil

Carlos Beer Garden

This iconic Texas Icehouse offers the best hamburgers in town, ice-cold beer, Karaoke, a huge patio, and the best tailgating around. Located at 18018 Highway 3, www.facebook.com/carlossbeergarden

 

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Carnival Jubilee

Carnival Jubilee

Carnival announces a new cruise ship to dock in Galveston.

The Carnival Jubilee will join Carnival’s other ships sailing from Galveston – the Carnival Vista, Carnival Dream, and Carnival Breeze in 2023. Carnival began offering year-round cruising from Galveston in 2000. The cruise line’s presence has grown as the Port of Galveston grew.

The Carnival Jubilee is the third excel-class ship in Carnival’s fleet joining the Carnival Celebration and the Carnival Mardi Gras. The Carnival Jubilee will be fueled by clean-burning liquefied natural gas and features several fun surprises – such as the first rollercoaster at sea, six distinct onboard themed fun areas, and several new-to-Carnival surprises.

Planning a cruise?
Check out Space Center Houston for information about exciting things to do in the area, before or after a cruise. Springhill Suites, Staybridge Suites offer parking and storage options for cruise fans.

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Artemis – Return to the Moon

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This is the first in a series, leading to the return of astronauts to the Moon in 2024.

In Greek mythology, Artemis is the goddess of the hunt, the wilderness, and the moon. The daughter of Zeus and Leto and the twin sister of Apollo.

 

The Artemis program is a United States-led international human spaceflight program with mission objectives of returning astronauts to the Moon, landing the first woman and the first person of color on the Moon, establishing an expedition base with a long-term human presence on the Moon, and laying the foundation for crewed missions to Mars and beyond.

Artemis I, an unmanned flight of the next generation of spacecraft, will lay the foundation for future missions. Launching in early 2022, Artemis I will utilize the Space Launch System super heavy-lift launch vehicle (SLS) to lift the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (Orion) out of Earth’s gravity.

The SLS, a smaller yet more powerful rocket than the Saturn V rocket, consists of four internal RS-25 engines combined with two external solid rocket boosters. When the engines and boosters are at full throttle, the SLS provides over 5 million pounds of thrust.

Orion will orbit about 62 miles above the lunar surface for 6 days before it begins the return to Earth. Orion will travel farther from Earth than any human spacecraft, about 280,000 miles from Earth with a total flight distance of more than 1.3 million miles.

NASA, with its commercial and international partners, will establish the first long-term presence on the Moon with the Artemis program. The lunar base established by the Artemis program will focus on scientific investigations and exploration of the lunar surface, as well as developing the skills and technologies to travel to Mars and beyond.

To learn more about the Artemis program, the Apollo program, and NASA’s history from the beginning to the future, book a hotel in Webster and plan a visit to Space Center Houston, the Official Visitors Center of the Johnson Space Center.

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Continuing the Tradition

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The Space Shuttle program featured the first reusable spacecraft, SpaceX continues the tradition of reusable spacecraft. With the Falcon 9 Rocket Series, SpaceX demonstrates that it is possible to launch, land, and reuse a rocket.

Continuing the Tradition
On June 3, 2017, A Falcon 9 rocket (B1035) launched a Dragon capsule, filled with supplies, to the International Space Station (ISS). After lifting the Dragon capsule into orbit, B1035 returned safely to Earth. Marking the first time that a reuseable rocket stage transported supplies to the ISS.

B1035 is about 156 feet long, 12 feet in diameter, houses nine Merlin 1D engines. The booster is equiped with extendable landing legs that deploy when the booster returns to Earth, during the approach two retro burns are performed to ease the rocket into a safe landing. B1035 flew its second, and final, mission on Dec. 15, 2017.

Plan your visit to Space Center Houston and get a close-up view of the future with this space-flown marvel. The Falcon 9 First-Stage Booster is on display near Independence Plaza at Space Center Houston and is included with your general admission ticket.

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Five Great Burgers in Webster

Five Great Burgers in Webster

Among Webster’s 150 restaurants and entertainment venues, more than 50 offer what might be considered America’s favorite food—the beloved hamburger. A look into the huge variety of hamburgers served up at these establishments reveals that burgers, like people, have distinct DNA—no two are exactly alike. With so many components, ingredients, flavors, and factors working together, like the beef, bun, creative or traditional toppings, and condiments—burger hopping in Webster can be a full-time vocation or tasty pastime.

 

Stomp’s Burger Joint
Located at 300 West Bay Area Boulevard, Stomp’s is hamburger heaven, as owner Joel Sanchez offers over 20 opulent specialty burgers. Stomp’s burgers are fresh, delicious half-pound Angus beef with signature house-blend seasoning and an unbelievable, seemingly infinite array of top-quality ingredients. In fact, one could eat a different burger every day for months by adding a fried egg, avocado, bacon, or jalapeños or modifying anything on the extensive, highly creative menu. www.stompsburgerjoint.com

 

Delta Blues Smokehouse
Located at 19901 Gulf Freeway, elevates the hamburger to new heights, literally and figuratively. The Pit Boss is hands-down a culinary work of art and a guest favorite. Starting with 12 oz. of in-house ground ribeye and chuck, seared to perfection and topped with a thick slice of slow-smoked brisket, cheddar cheese, American cheese, mustard pickles, onions, and sweet original sauce on a homemade challah bun. Webster features the original Pappas Delta Blues, where pitmasters undergo an intensive six-month training program because this restaurant takes its extraordinary food, drinks, hospitality, and service very seriously. www.pappasdeltablues.com

 

Carlos Beer Garden
Located at 18018 Highway 3, Carlos has been serving up delicious burgers since 1978. While there are only three burgers on the menu—the Burger, Cheeseburger, and Double Hamburger—they are big, tasty, and extremely popular. These home-style burgers that measure five inches wide are made with fresh half-pound patties cooked to perfection on a flat top grill and served on a bun made fresh from a local bakery and adorned with local produce—lettuce, tomato, and onions, as well as pickles, mustard, and mayonnaise. Bacon and jalapeños can readily be added to this classic burger. And for those who choose the Double Hamburger—that’s a pound of deliciousness. French fries and tater tots are hot and crisp and seasoned just right with a dash of pepper to complement burgers. www.facebook.com/carlossbeergarden

BB’s Tex-Orleans
BB’s Tex-Orleans, located at 1039 West Bay Area Boulevard, is legendary for its variety of unique recipes and delicious Tex-Orleans cuisine that produces a noteworthy burger—aptly called “Da’ Cheeseburger.” This burger stands out independently amid an expansive menu that includes Maw Maw’s Gumbo, Lloyd’s Crawfish Étoufée, Mama B’s Shrimp N’ Grits, Fish Tacos, Boudin Flautas, French Quarter Plate, salads, fried chicken and fish favorites, boiled seafood dishes, and lots of po’boys—because it can. Da’ Cheeseburger, highlighted on the menu as the “best burger ever,” is simply splendid. The wow factor is aresult of terrific architecture – including freshly ground beef, topped with a Texas Twist and a Louisana shout –  melted jalapeno cheese and signature BB’s sauce. www.bbstexorleans.com/locations3/webster

 

Topgolf
Inside the 65,000 square-foot sports entertainment venue where 102 climate-controlled hitting bays on three levels attract professional and novice golfers alike, there are some seriously delicious burgers served up in Topgolf’s restaurant, bays, and bars. A guest favorite, the Smokehouse Burger, like the Classic Burger, features a half-pound, freshly ground, hand-formed patty made from a tantalizing mix of Angus chuck and short rib, grilled to perfection on a flat top grill and placed on a homemade, lightly buttered, toasted brioche bun. The Smokehouse Burger touts crisp bacon, homemade BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onion and is a work of art. Simply put, this burger is flavorful, juicy, and delicious and needs no upgrades, although many are available, like a variety of different cheeses, avocado, or fried egg. www.topgolf.com/us/webster

 

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5 Great Hamburgers in Webster

Among Webster’s 150 restaurants and entertainment venues, more than 50 offer what might be considered America’s favorite food—the beloved hamburger. A look into the huge variety of hamburgers served up at these establishments reveals that burgers, like people, have distinct DNA—no two are exactly alike. With so many components, ingredients, flavors, and factors working together, like the beef, bun, creative or traditional toppings, and condiments—burger hopping in Webster can be a full-time vocation or tasty pastime.

Stomp’s Burger Joint
Located at 300 West Bay Area Boulevard, is hamburger heaven, as owner Joel Sanchez offers over 20 opulent specialty burgers. Stomp’s burgers are fresh, delicious half-pound Angus beef with signature house-blend seasoning and an unbelievable, seemingly infinite array of top-quality ingredients. In fact, one could eat a different burger every day for months by adding a fried egg, avocado, bacon, or jalapeños or modifying anything on the extensive, highly creative menu. www.stompsburgerjoint.com

Delta Blues Smokehouse
Located at 19901 Gulf Freeway, elevates the hamburger to new heights, literally and figuratively. The Pit Boss is hands-down a culinary work of art and a guest favorite. Starting with 12 oz. of in-house ground ribeye and chuck, seared to perfection and topped with a thick slice of slow-smoked brisket, cheddar cheese, American cheese, mustard pickles, onions, and sweet original sauce. Webster features the original Pappas Delta Blues, where multiple pit masters undergo an intensive six-month training program because this restaurant takes its extraordinary food, drinks, hospitality, and service very seriously. www.pappasdeltablues.com

Carlos Beer Garden
Located at 18018 Highway 3, Carlos has been serving up delicious burgers since 1978. While there are only three burgers on the menu—the Burger, Cheeseburger, and Double Hamburger—they are big, tasty, and extremely popular. These home-style burgers that measure five inches wide are made with fresh half-pound patties cooked to perfection on a flat top grill and served on a bun made fresh from the local bakery and adorned with local produce—lettuce, tomato, and onions, as well as pickles, mustard, and mayonnaise. Bacon and jalapeños can readily be added to this classic burger. And for those who choose the Double Hamburger—that’s a pound of deliciousness. French fries and tater tots are hot and crisp and seasoned just right with a dash of pepper to complement burgers. www.facebook.com/carlossbeergarden

BB’s Tex-Orleans
Located at 1039 West Bay Area Boulevard, is legendary for its variety of unique recipes and delicious Tex-Orleans cuisine that produces a noteworthy burger—aptly called “Da’ Cheeseburger.” This burger stands out independently amid an expansive menu that includes Maw Maw’s Gumbo, Lloyd’s Crawfish Étoufée, Mama B’s Shrimp N’ Grits, Fish Tacos, Boudin Flautas, French Quarter Plate, salads, fried chicken and fish favorites, boiled seafood dishes, and lots of po’boys—because it can. Da’ Cheeseburger, highlighted on the menu as the “best burger ever,” is simply splendid. www.bbstexorleans.com/locations3/webster

Topgolf
Inside the 65,000 square-foot sports entertainment venue where 102 climate-controlled hitting bays on three levels attract professional and novice golfers alike, there are some seriously delicious burgers served up in Topgolf’s restaurant, bays, and bars. A guest favorite, the Smokehouse Burger, like the Classic Burger, features a half-pound, freshly ground, hand-formed patty made from a tantalizing mix of Angus chuck and short rib, grilled to perfection on a flat top grill and placed on a homemade, lightly buttered, toasted brioche bun. The Smokehouse Burger touts crisp bacon, homemade BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onion and is a work of art. Simply put, this burger is flavorful, juicy, and delicious and needs no upgrades, although many are available, like a variety of different cheeses, avocado, or fried egg. www.topgolf.com/us/webster

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National Drink-A-Beer Day

National Drink-A-Beer Day

September 28 is officially National Drink-a-Beer day, but every day is a good day for a beer.

Beer lovers have more choices available today than ever before. From ales to wheat beers, the choice is yours. Flavored beer is all the rage in certain areas – raspberry, orange-cream, cherry, and pumpkin are but a small sampling of flavors.

National Drink-a-Beer day is the perfect opportunity to get out and enjoy a malty brew at one of these Space Coast Texas establishments.

  • Beers Looking At You – While not a brewery, Beers looking at you certainly has a large selection of beers. 39 Taps plus bottles and cans. Enjoy a taste with friends and take home a crowler (like a growler, but in a can). 17074 Hwy 3, Webster. beerslookingatyou.com
  • BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse – Committed to brewing and serving award-winning, carefully crafted beers since 1996. Today, BJ’s offers signature handcrafted beers, plus an array of seasonal beers. BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse has been awarded more gold medals over the last five years than any other restaurant-brewer. They believe unique, high-quality beer can make the world a better place; and that’s refreshing. 515 W. Bay Area Blvd., Webster, TX. bjsrestaurants.com/locations/tx/clear-lake
  • Carlos Beer Garden – This iconic, old-time, open-air beer joint serves ice-cold beer, great food, and the best tailgating in town. 18018 Hwy. 3, Webster, TX. facebook.com/carlossbeergarden
  • Nobi Public House – This local favorite features a vast selection of craft beers – over 100 beers, ciders, and wines on tap, bottles, or cans – and Asian fusion fare, including banh me, gourmet stir fry, salads and more. 241 E NASA Parkway. nobipub.com.
  • Saloon Door Brewing – Established in 2016, Saloon Door brings a wide variety of beers – each brewed on-site. If you like a flavored beer, try the cream ales. For a stronger, darker beer Saloon Door has a selection of stouts. Try a flight of beers (4 oz. glasses of 5 beers) and take a growler of your favorite home. 105 Magellan Circle, Webster, TX. saloondoorbrewing.com

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On the
Bar B Q Trail

On the
Bar B Q Trail

Bar-B-Q has evolved over hundreds of years. German and Czech settlers brought their cooking traditions to Texas in the mid-1800s. Smoking meats in closed pits would allow longer storage and butcher shops became the first Bar-B-Q restaurants. In Texas, beef Bar-B-Q is the most popular, though most restaurants offer a selection of meats for their hungry guests. Traditionally, customers ordered meat by the pound, at a counter and could eat-in or take their orders to-go. Today, many Bar-B-Q restaurants offer seated meals brought to the table by waiters, while others stick to the traditional service. Either way, in Texas it’s hard to go wrong with slow-smoked meal.

Here are four favorite Bar-B-Q purveyors…

Pappas Delta Blues Smokehouse
Delta Blues serves delicious USDA prime meats and traditional Southern fare in a blues-themed atmosphere that creates an unforgettable Bar-B-Q experience. 19901 Gulf Freeway, Webster, TX. www.pappasdeltablues.com

Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q
Using the same recipes since they began business, the 100% oak-fired pits combined with time and skill produce extra moist, flavorful brisket, turkey, chicken, ribs, sausage, pulled pork, and prime rib at this self-serve, order at the counter restaurant. Texas Monthly magazine describes Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q as one of the best Bar-B-Q chains in the state. 21361 Gulf Freeway, Webster, TX. www.rudysbbq.com

Texas Pit Stop Prime
This award-winning, family-owned, born on the competition Bar-B-Q trail, restaurant serves up some of the best fork-tender brisket, burgers, ribs, and delicious sides n the region.  20794 Gulf Freeway, Webster, TX.   www.txpitstopbbq.com

Ryan’s Smoke House
For the last 20 years, Ryan’s Smoke House has been serving up some of the best Bar-B-Q and friendliest service in the region. This family-owned business has perfected the chopped beef sandwich by adorning it with a unique, mouth-watering sauce. 103 Henrietta Street, Webster, TX.

 

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Historic Mission Control
Reopens

Historic Mission Control
Reopens

“Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed.” Neil Armstrong transmitted these famous words to Mission Control in Houston upon landing on the moon.

The Apollo Mission Control Center at NASA Johnson Space Center is the site where NASA’s flight control team planned, trained, and executed a series of human spaceflight missions to land a man on the Moon and return him safely to Earth.

On July 20, 1969, the Apollo 11 mission achieved that historic goal – one of the most significant achievements in human history.

The Mission Control Center was used for nine Gemini missions, all Apollo missions, and the early Space Shuttle Missions.

In 1985, the Historic Mission Control, a “cathedral of engineering,” was named to the National Register of Historic Places in recognition of its historical significance.

Passing years, wear and tear, and budget decline took a toll on this much-revered site. The result was the condition of the Apollo Mission Control Center deteriorated to the point that the National Park Service listed it as “threatened” in 2015.

In 2017, The City of Webster funded a two-year project to restore the landmark Mission Operations Control Room. The room appears just like it did in 1969 with the historic Apollo 11 spaceflight to the Moon. New Old Stock carpet and wallpaper were located, period-correct ashtrays and coffee cups were obtained, and electronics were made to function once again.

In 2019, the Apollo Mission Control Room reopened to visitors on Space Center Houston’s tram tours.

In 2020, COVID-19 restrictions forced the closure of the historic Apollo Mission Control Center to public tours.

Today, restrictions at the Christopher C. Kraft Mission Control building have been relaxed and the iconic Apollo Mission Control is once again on the Space Center Houston Tram Tour.

Space Center Houston Tram Tour

The Tram Tour is your chance to go on-site at NASA Johnson Space Center for a behind-the-scenes look at human space exploration and is included in admission to Space Center Houston.

In addition to the Historic Mission Control, visitors may tour ROCKET PARK where one of only three of the remaining actual Saturn V rockets is displayed, along with other rockets that propelled space exploration and the ASTRONAUT TRAINING FACILITY where NASA astronauts train for missions and scientists develop the next generation of space exploration vehicles.

Boarding Passes

A FREE NASA Boarding Pass is required to visit Apollo Mission Control Center. Guests can obtain a boarding pass the day of their visit via the Space Center Houston app or at the Guest Services Desk.

 

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Five things to do and see on Galveston Island
(besides the beach)

Five things to do and see on Galveston Island
(besides the beach)

Moody Gardens

Enjoy the Rainforest and the Aquarium Pyramids, view movies in 3D and 4D, with giant-screen
4K laser projection system and state-of-the art sound. Take a day cruise around
Offatts Bayou on the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat or enjoy an evening dinner
cruise. In addition, visitors will find seasonal attractions such as Palm
Beach, a ropes course and zip line, and a yearly Christmas light festival. www.moodygardens.com

Galveston Island
Historic Pleasure Pier

Stroll down the Pleasure Pier, fly over the crowds and water on the amusement rides, play
classic midway games, shop for the perfect souvenir, and conquer your cravings
at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company or one of the other eateries. www.pleasurepier.com

Schlitterbahn Waterpark
Designed to thrill all ages, Schlitterbahn offers some of the most exciting water rides,
slides, coasters, and wave rivers in Texas. From thrill-seeking teens to small
children, there’s something for everyone at Schlitterbahn. www.schlitterbahn.com/galveston

Moody Mansion
Come tour the 28,000 square-foot home of W.L. Moody, restored to its
1895 splendor, where members of the Moody family lived until 1986. Self-guided
and guided tours are available. www.moodymansion.org

Galveston Naval Museum
Immerse yourself in Naval History while exploring the WWII vessels at Galveston
Naval Museum. The museum is home to a Gato Class Submarine, the Cavalla, and the only
remaining Edsal Class Destroyer Escort, the USS Stewart. www.galvestonnavalmuseum.com

 

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