Restoration Of NASA's Control Room Is Still On Hold; Plans Would Bring Back Memories Of The First Moon Mission

The NASA mission control room that plays an important role for the Apollo missions, such as when the man first reached the Moon, has been talked about for the last 20 years. But the restoration and preservation are not quite clear because up to now, it does not have a starting date for the work to begin.

The officials at Johnson Space Center say that the restoration of the Mission Operation Control Room 2 is a priority. In contrast, NASA has its own sets of priority, too.

The room had its highlights during the decades of Apollo, Gemini and the shuttle programs. The room was labeled as a National Historic Landmark in 1985 and retired seven years later, according to Houston Chronicle.

Flight director during the NASA's Apollo and Gemini missions Gene Kranz "told a group of preservationists touring the room last month. This is a place of history. But what I see is a tired Mission Control, worn off its heart and soul. It's time to start the battle for its restoration."

Gene Kranz calls the room by its acronym MOCR2. The most recent proposal to bring back the room would cost up to $3 million and would take 18 months of work. The restoration will bring back what it looks like during the Apollo missions 11 to 17, including the headsets amber glass ashtrays and pencil holders. As a result, the MOCR2 would be the crown jewel of the Space Center in Houston, as per a report by ABC News.

On July 16, 2019, it would be the 50th anniversary of the first Moon landing. If that is the target, then the room should begin its restoration by the end of 2017.

Director of the John Space Center Ellen Ochoa said that "We are certainly excited about the whole restoration project and we're also committed to doing it in time for the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11. Have to make sure we concentrate on the current work and the future as well."