Does NASA have a store?

So, You Want to Snag Some NASA Swag? Here’s the Lowdown.

Dreaming of owning a little piece of space history? A t-shirt, maybe, emblazoned with the iconic NASA logo? Or perhaps a mission patch to remind you of humanity’s incredible journey beyond Earth? Well, you’re in luck! NASA does have ways for you to get your hands on official merchandise. However, it’s not quite as simple as popping into one giant “NASA Store.” Let’s break it down, shall we?

Think of it less like a single, centralized superstore and more like a network of awesome outlets. NASA partners with different organizations and runs its own internal “exchanges” to offer cool gear. These exchanges are kind of neat – they’re not funded by your tax dollars. Instead, the money you spend goes right back into supporting the hardworking folks at NASA centers. Pretty cool, right?

So, where can you find these treasures?

First up, we have the NASA Exchanges themselves. Many NASA centers operate these little shops. For example, there’s “My NASA Store,” run by the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) NASA Exchange. Buying something here means you’re directly supporting the KSC workforce. They’ve got everything from apparel to collectibles, and even special merchandise tied to specific launches. I remember seeing a patch for a recent SpaceX mission there – seriously tempting! Then you’ve got “Shop NASA MSFC” at the Marshall Space Flight Center, and gift shops at Goddard Space Flight Center and Johnson Space Center (JSC). JSC’s shops are run by Starport, so keep an eye out for that name.

Don’t forget the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex! They boast “The Space Shop,” which they claim is the “world’s largest store devoted to space memorabilia and NASA gear.” It’s a must-see if you’re ever in the area, and they have an online store too, so you can browse from home.

And then there’s “Official NASA Gear,” an online store where, get this, 100% of the proceeds support the morale, welfare, and recreation of NASA employees. Talk about a win-win!

Okay, so what kind of goodies are we talking about? The possibilities are practically endless! You can find t-shirts, hoodies, jackets, hats, even socks! Accessorize with patches, backpacks, pins, and keychains. If you’re a collector, keep an eye out for mission patches, coins, maybe even some space food! And for the kids (or the kid in you), there are space-themed toys, model rockets, and building kits. Want to bring a little space into your home? Mugs, water bottles, posters, and home décor items abound.

But wait, there’s more! Beyond these official channels, tons of retailers are licensed to sell NASA merchandise. You can find everything from apparel to collectibles at places like Merchoid, The Space Collective, City Souvenirs, Sons of Gotham, NASASpaceFlight.com, and even Capelli Sport (through a link on the NASA Online Store). And let’s not forget The Space Store, another great place for NASA and space-themed gifts.

Now, a word to the wise: always make sure you’re buying from a reputable source. Look for that “officially licensed” label. This not only guarantees you’re getting the real deal, but it also ensures your money is actually supporting NASA’s mission in some way, shape, or form. After all, we want to keep those rockets launching and those discoveries coming, right? Happy shopping!