NASA opens its doors to the public during Inauguration Weekend

Space · Published 14 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: While Washington prepares for a presidential transition, NASA is hosting open houses at its headquarters. Visitors can step inside the James Webb Auditorium to get an exclusive look at the agency's most ambitious future missions and current space exploration milestones.

NASA’s participation in the city's Presidential Inaugural activities includes two specific open houses at its Washington Headquarters. These events serve as a public gateway for citizens to engage directly with high-level leadership, including Administrator Charles Bolden and Deputy Administrator Lori Garver. The sessions are designed to provide transparency regarding the agency's current trajectory and long-term goals.

The programming covers a wide spectrum of space exploration, ranging from established infrastructure like the International Space Station (ISS) missions to cutting-edge concepts such as robotic refueling. Specific highlights mentioned include updates on the Curiosity rover, monitoring air quality, and discussions surrounding Bigelow's BEAM (Bioregenerative Life Support Assistant). The agency also uses these opportunities to highlight individual achievements, such as the Draper Medal.

Beyond physical visits, NASA maintains a robust digital presence through its streaming service, NASA+. While the platform provides free on-demand content and live broadcasts of launches and landings, it operates independently of third-party services which may charge fees. This dual approach—combining high-profile public events in D.C. with accessible global streaming—ensures that space exploration remains a visible part of both national civic life and international scientific discourse.

The timing of these events coincides with broader cultural milestones, such as university homecomings and presidential inaugurations, reflecting how space science is woven into the fabric of American public life. By hosting these open houses, NASA bridges the gap between complex orbital mechanics and the general public's curiosity about our place in the universe.

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