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Space Center Houston Opens Independence Plaza with a Bang
HOUSTON, Jan. 23, 2016 – A spectacular grand opening celebration marked the unveiling of Space Center Houston’s newest exhibit, complete with fireworks, astronauts and an incredible interactive experience inside the one-of-a-kind exhibit, Independence Plaza presented by Boeing.
“It was an unforgettable day for the world and our center,” said Richard E. Allen Jr., president and CEO of the educationally focused nonprofit museum, Space Center Houston. “Visitors celebrated the historic day and the launch of the world-class exhibit symbolizing one of America’s greatest accomplishments in space exploration.”
Years in the making, the extraordinary day themed “Mission Accomplished” welcomed visitors from all over the world to be a part of the historic opening. For the first time, the nonprofit opened the eight-story- tall multiple-exhibit complex, featuring the first shuttle carrier aircraft NASA 905 and the high-fidelity shuttle replica Independence.
Set around the magnificent new exhibit complex, the day kicked off with an exciting opening ceremony and a T-10 countdown to celebrate the monumental day. Visitors heard from NASA Johnson Space Center Director and astronaut Dr. Ellen Ochoa, who was integral in obtaining the extraordinary vehicles featured in the international landmark. Laura Husband, daughter of the late astronaut Col. Rick Husband, sang the National Anthem while RE/MAX skydivers landed at the event and the U.S. Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard presented the colors.
Space Center Houston President and CEO Richard Allen told the crowd about the ambitious project and why bringing such a grand exhibit to life was important to the nonprofit. U.S. Rep. Brian Babin joined the ceremony and presented Space Center Houston with a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol Building. John Elbon, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space Exploration, discussed the importance of Independence Plaza and the significance of the shuttle carrier aircraft program to the Space Shuttle Program.
The excitement filled the air when visitors took their first steps inside the exhibit complex and entered both the shuttle carrier aircraft NASA 905 and the high-fidelity shuttle replica Independence.
The action continued throughout the day with activities for the whole family. Visitors watched a space adventure during a special viewing of the new animated movie “Capture the Flag;” participated in interactive Pop-Up Science Labs; and had fun with hands-on space-related educational activities. People of all generations enjoyed a special opportunity to have Lunch with an Astronaut and meet space veterans Jerry Ross and Ken Cameron. Visitors took home the ultimate souvenir during astronaut autograph signings with Anne McClain, Ken Cameron and Jerry Ross, who also signed copies of his book “Spacewalker: My Journey in Space and Faith as NASA Record-Setting Frequent Flyer.”
During three panel discussions, visitors gathered to hear about the rich history of the shuttle program and the exciting future of aerospace from the pioneers of human space exploration. Among the panelists were astronauts Jerry Ross, Dr. Jan Davis and Ken Cameron; shuttle carrier aircraft pilot Frank Marlow; Tony Antonelli, Lockheed Martin; Mark Mulqueen, Boeing; astronaut Brian Duffy, Orbital ATK; Chris Sanders, Aerojet Rocketdyne; George Nield, Federal Aviation Administration; Peter McGrath, Boeing; Jeff Siders, OrbitalATK; and Benji Reed, SpaceX.
1601 NASA Parkway • Houston, TX 77058 • 281-244-2100 | spacecenter.org
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Unlike anything else in the world, Independence Plaza immerses visitors in the science and history of the shuttle era with hands-on exhibit displays inside an unprecedented interactive experience. It honors those who designed, built and flew in America’s Space Shuttle Program by recounting stories from astronauts, engineers and pilots. Visitors learn about the key role NASA Johnson Space Center played in the shuttle’s development and see firsthand the future of space exploration through the interactive multi- media educational displays.
To visit Independence Plaza, visitors who have purchased an admission ticket can reserve a free timed ticket to view the smaller shuttle, enter the larger plane via a first-come, first-served line or walk around the plaza without waiting in lines. The new timed tickets were a suggestion from our visitors. We will continue to modify the program to ensure our guests have the best experience possible. To learn more about timed tickets, visit spacecenter.org/timed-ticketing.
For tips on planning your trip, go to the spacecenter.org/visitor. Admission to Independence Plaza is included with a full-price ticket. Purchase a Space Center Houston membership for a few dollars more than full-price admission and return free as often as you like during the year with free parking, special events and much more. For more information on Space Center Houston, visit spacecenter.org.
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The Manned Space Flight Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit space museum with an extensive science education program. The cornerstone of its science education mission is Space Center Houston, which USA Today called “The Big Draw” in the greater Houston area with nearly 1 million visitors annually and a $73 million economic impact on the greater Houston area. Space Center Houston is Houston’s first and only Smithsonian Affiliate and the official visitor center of NASA Johnson Space Center. The center draws more than 100,000 teachers and students annually from around the world. For more information, go to www.spacecenter.org. SOURCE: Manned Space Flight Education Foundation
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The one-of-a-kind #IndependencePlaza officially opened on Jan. 23. http://bit.ly/1ZP0H0r (89 characters plus PHOTO AND LINK)
We have lift-off! #IndependencePlaza is officially open. Plan your visit now. http://bit.ly/1ZP0H0r (100 characters plus PHOTO AND LINK)
Astronauts, fireworks and skydivers marked the opening of #IndependencePlaza http://bit.ly/1ZP0H0r (99 characters plus PHOTO AND LINK)
1601 NASA Parkway • Houston, TX 77058 • 281-244-2100 | spacecenter.org