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[email protected] 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.