Rise of Independence
2014-08-12
Space Center Houston is ready for the Rise of Independence, a special event where the space shuttle orbiter model, Independence, will be hoisted atop Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) NASA 905 by an enormous crane to create a one-of-a-kind display on Aug. 14 at 7:15 a.m. Visitors will be welcomed to Space Center Houston by a local children’s orchestra, remarks by local officials and Johnson Space Center Director Ellen Ochoa. The lift is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m.
Once piggybacked on the SCA, Independence will sit close to 70 feet off the ground. The combined exhibit will tip the scales at approximately 689,105 pounds. This landmark attraction will be the world’s only shuttle orbiter replica mounted on another aircraft, and it will be the only such exhibit where the public can enter and experience both vehicles.
NASA 905 is the largest intact artifact from the famed Space Shuttle Program (SSP). The SCA carried shuttles 222 times and amassed 11,017 flight hours during more than 42 years of service. Independence, previously an exhibit at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, was remodeled to offer unparalleled access to previously restricted areas within. The remodel was accomplished through a unique three-way partnership between Space Center Houston, NASA and the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership (BAHEP).
Ochoa and other senior NASA and BAHEP management recently viewed the modifications to the shuttle’s interior during a walkthrough prior to the closing of the hatch for the big lift.
The attraction promises to provide spectators a unique and interactive experience promoting education in science, technology, engineering and math. Exhibits will focus on examples of innovation supported by the SSP. Independence has been stocked with a collection of artifacts to help bring an element of realism to the experience and share the program’s historic contributions.
For now, the SCA and shuttle replica combination will strictly be a static visual display—a new landmark alongside of Space Center Houston. However, future plans open up the attraction to the public in 2015, after the addition of elevators to provide ease of access to both vehicles.
Beth LeBlanc
NASA Johnson Space Center
Once piggybacked on the SCA, Independence will sit close to 70 feet off the ground. The combined exhibit will tip the scales at approximately 689,105 pounds. This landmark attraction will be the world’s only shuttle orbiter replica mounted on another aircraft, and it will be the only such exhibit where the public can enter and experience both vehicles.
NASA 905 is the largest intact artifact from the famed Space Shuttle Program (SSP). The SCA carried shuttles 222 times and amassed 11,017 flight hours during more than 42 years of service. Independence, previously an exhibit at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, was remodeled to offer unparalleled access to previously restricted areas within. The remodel was accomplished through a unique three-way partnership between Space Center Houston, NASA and the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership (BAHEP).
Ochoa and other senior NASA and BAHEP management recently viewed the modifications to the shuttle’s interior during a walkthrough prior to the closing of the hatch for the big lift.
The attraction promises to provide spectators a unique and interactive experience promoting education in science, technology, engineering and math. Exhibits will focus on examples of innovation supported by the SSP. Independence has been stocked with a collection of artifacts to help bring an element of realism to the experience and share the program’s historic contributions.
For now, the SCA and shuttle replica combination will strictly be a static visual display—a new landmark alongside of Space Center Houston. However, future plans open up the attraction to the public in 2015, after the addition of elevators to provide ease of access to both vehicles.
Beth LeBlanc
NASA Johnson Space Center
Before the closing of the hatch for the big lift, JSC Director Ellen Ochoa and other senior NASA and BAHEP management view the modifications to the shuttle’s interior during a walkthrough. Image Credit: NASA/Robert Markowitz
Space Shuttle Program exhibits and artifacts are sprinkled throughout Independence and will create an interactive experience promoting education in science, technology, engineering and math. Image Credit: NASA/Robert Markowitz
Ochoa (center right) takes a look at a hatch inside Independence. Image Credit: NASA/Robert Markowitz