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[b]Original Space Shuttle Mock-Up to be on Display July 12th[/b] The much anticipated move of the original full-size Space Shuttle Mock-Up is scheduled to take place on Thursday, July 12, 2012. Built in 1972 by Rockwell International, the 122-foot-by-78-foot Shuttle will be moved from its current warehouse location to the Downey Studios parking lot where it will be housed under a temporary tent for public viewing. The City will host a special event during the day to celebrate the relocation of the Shuttle. The event will take place at the Downey Studios parking lot, 12214 Lakewood Boulevard, from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and will feature entertainment, interactive activities for children, and a special ceremony at 12 noon. The public is invited to attend and view the actual move of the Shuttle as it is transported to its new location. The first section of the Shuttle is scheduled to arrive in the parking lot at approximately 11 a.m. A designated area will be sectioned off for the public to view the move of the Shuttle from a safe distance. Parking will be available around the neighboring area, including along Columbia Way and Steve Horn Way. As the engineering birthplace of both the Apollo Program and the Space Shuttle, the former NASA/Downey site played a vital role in the evolution of space flight and exploration. The Space Shuttle Mock-up is owned by the City of Downey and has the distinction of not only being the first full-size Space Shuttle ever built, but it was used for two decades for detailed engineering fittings and testing. "We are excited to have this historic shuttle on display here in Downey. Our City is proud to have such a rich Aerospace history and we hope that this is the first of several steps to getting a permanent home for our Mock-Up," said Mayor Roger Brossmer. The full scale Mock-up has remained in storage for decades and the City hopes to preserve and restore the Shuttle by building a permanent facility for the model, which is expected to cost approximately $2 million. The Shuttle will remain under a temporary tent until the City has the funds necessary to construct a permanent building to house the Shuttle. The City hopes that with the help of sponsorships, it will be able to raise funds. The new Shuttle building would be adjacent to the Columbia Memorial Space Center, the City's own hands-on learning center dedicated to teaching children about science and space exploration. "Having this exciting Shuttle Mock-Up attraction next to the Columbia Memorial Space Center will not only help further the Space Center's educational programs, but it will provide visitors with a unique experience that will help engage and inspire the next generation of explorers," added Mayor Roger Brossmer.
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