NASA Mission Control Room Restoration Facing Problems, Repairs Cost More Than $3 Million

Mission Operation Control Room 2 at the Johnson Space Center in Houston was the main area from where Apollo moon missions and other high-priority projects were directed. Yet, despite the history imbued within its walls, the space agency is facing a major delay with regards to its restoration and repair.

The preservation of the control room has long been discussed by officials at NASA for more than 20 years. Yet, the plans still remain in limbo.

"This is a place of history. But what I see is a tired Mission Control, worn of its heart and soul," stated Gene Kranz, the flight director during the Apollo and Gemini missions, adding, "It's time to start the battle for its restoration."

To restore the mission control room to its former glory, reports state there is quite a lot of work to do. According to the proposal, repairs would take approximately $3 million. As for the length of repairs, it would take roughly a year and a half.

Though long and incredibly expensive, the restoration and repairs will restore the Apollo Mission Control Room to exactly how it looked like in the past - from the seat cushions to the ashtrays. NASA is hoping the project would begin by 2017 to make it in time for the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing, which would take place in 2019.

"We are certainly excited about the whole restoration project," said Ellen Ochoa, the director of the Johnson Space Center, adding, "And we're also committed to doing it in time for the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11."

While the restoration of the Mission Operation Control Room 2, which is a historical landmark, may be a priority, NASA is focused on other priorities which include managing space flights in the active control room.

The Texas State Historical Association and the National Park Service have also shown interest in restoring Johnson Space Center's' Mission Operation Control Room 2.