NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Communications Department, (281) 244-2122, [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-storytall 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
NEWS RELEASE
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 multimedia 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
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Astronauts, fireworks and skydivers marked the opening of #IndependencePlaza http://bit.ly/1ZP0H0r (99
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1601 NASA Parkway • Houston, TX 77058 • 281-244-2100 | spacecenter.org