Boeing Rocket Lab, Discovery Science Center

Blast off with Discovery Science Center as we celebrate the opening of Boeing Rocket Lab - the first exhibit inside the cube!

It's out of this world fun at Discovery Science Center's new, permanent, exhibit, Boeing Rocket Lab, coming in for landing July 2, 2010. The new permanent exhibit includes the Blast Off Zone, Air and Water Rockets, Rocket Fuel and Nozzle Chamber exhibits.

"Boeing Rocket Lab is the first phase in the Space Exploration Gallery, a six-million dollar expansion project that will further Discovery Science Center's mission of engaging guests science, technology, engineering and math principles through interactive, hands-on exhibits," says Joe Adams, President, Discovery Science Center. "The cube is an icon of Discovery Science Center, and this amazing exhibit was the perfect choice to answer our most asked question, 'what's inside the cube?' We are proud to partner with organizations like The Boeing Company, California Cultural and Historical Endowment and Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne in making every child's dream of space exploration a reality."

Blast Off Zone
Suspended high inside the cube is an actual RS-68 rocket engine developed by Rocketdyne in 1995. When guests initiate the blast-off sequence they will experience the sensation of what it's like under the engine. Guests on the perimeter will be able to view the launch just like an actual launch. Permission was granted from the State Department and National Security to be able to display the engine.

Rocket Fuel Station
Learn about the chemistry behind different kinds of rocket fuels at the Rocket Fuel Station. Visitors discover why the RS-68 booster engine uses a mix of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen - and what happens when they combine.

Air and Water Rocket Launch
Interact with two types of model rockets: (1) compressed air rockets and (2) compressed air and water rockets. At the Air Rocket Launch the guest will walk up and hand pump air into their selected rocket. Once the launch button is activitated, the rockets (attached by guide cables) will soar up to 65' into the air.
Prepare to get wet at the Water Rocket Launch when guests select the amount of water they want in their rocket. The air and water mixture determines the height of the launch. Watch your rocket soar - and don't get wet!

The Boeing Rocket Lab was been made possible by The Boeing Company, California Cultural and Historical Endowment, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne.

"Boeing is a long-time partner with Discovery Science Center in promoting STEM education in Southern California, and opening the Boeing Rocket Lab takes this partnership to a whole new level," said Rick Baily, vice president of Engineering and Mission Assurance, Boeing Defense, Space and Security. "It's a one-of-a-kind hands-on exhibit that will make learning fun and at the same time recognizes the local heritage of Boeing and other great companies that created so many important space products. Kids are fascinated with anything to do with rockets and here they can literally have a blast with rocket science!"

California Cultural and Historical Endowment (CCHE) is also proud to partner with Discovery Science Center on its Delta Rocket Program exhibits and interpretive education. This is the only site in the country chosen to tell the story of the historic, economic and cultural impact that the Delta Rocket Program had on the lives, not just of Californians but people all around the globe. Through this project, visitors will feel how they are connected to the work that took place here in Southern California by a diverse group of people.