Sands Space History Center
Learn about the development of U.S. missile technology and space exploration
Located just outside the south gate of Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, immediately behind the SpaceX launch and control center building, this museum offers visitors an overview of the history of the U.S. Space Program presented through artifacts, models, and contemporary video coverage of historic space flights. Named after Major General Harry J. ‘Bud’ Sands, Jr. who originally proposed the creation of a museum at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, it is accessible to visitors without prior reservation. Tours of the associated Air Force Space and Missile Museum at Launch Complex 26, within the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, which displays launch structures, missiles, and other space equipment, must be arranged in advance.
Audio
Images
![Atlas booster engine, XLR-89-NA-3, installed as one of two outboard booster engines to propel the Atlas missile at launch, had a thrust of 165,000 pounds with a burn time of 270 seconds.](https://history.titusville.com/files/fullsize/91cd0241d219de759b96589326b02bdc.jpg)
![This Mercury Boilerplate Capsule was originally used as a rescue trainer for recovery forces during the Mercury manned space flight program.](https://history.titusville.com/files/fullsize/3fc8bd2d44ba3dd4bbb99918c51764cc.jpg)
![Photo of Bumper 8,the first launch from Cape Canaveral, July 24, 1950](https://history.titusville.com/files/fullsize/78fbcf9c1f0ad1097d9aef53fa3b2b69.jpg)
![Main exhibits and educational area](https://history.titusville.com/files/fullsize/c4b923ae51a4f1b39dce4558461a19a3.jpg)