In 1958, the United States launched its first satellite into Earth orbit, turning the dream of spaceflight into reality. Space tourism may be inching closer, but until off-planet travel is within reach for everyone, the best way to dive into all things intergalactic is to visit a space museum. In addition to being a fun way to spend an afternoon, these institutions can help inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers.

From coast to coast, here are the best space museums in the U.S.

Rose Center for Earth and Space, New York City

Scales of the Universe, featuring Jupiter and Saturn, at the Rose Center for Earth and Space. Alvaro Keding/© AMNH

Inside the American Museum of Natural History's glass cube, the Frederick Phineas and Sandra Priest Rose Center for Earth and Space offers some of New York City's best astronomy programming.…