posted 08-14-2014 01:57 PM               

quote:

---

Originally posted by sev8n:
Can anyone provide a link or reference?

---

posted 08-18-2014 10:09 AM               

Houston, you can see a space shuttle from here

Exiting the interstate onto the parkway, drivers first catch view of it — its iconic black-and-white tail protruding over the trees.

It is not every day you see a space shuttle on your daily commute. Although now, for a good many Houstonians, it is.

When Space Center Houston mounted its full-size space shuttle replica on top of NASA's historic Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, a modified Boeing 747 jumbo jet, it didn't only advance its plans for a new $12 million public attraction, it also changed the skyline in and around the city's Clear Lake community.

Now, you really can see a space shuttle from here...

posted 10-09-2014 03:41 PM               

Justin Michael Purdy, 20, of Friendswood, was arrested Tuesday and charged with graffiti, a class A misdemeanor. Bond was set at $1,000.

posted 08-12-2015 08:30 AM               

Launch date set for Space Center Houston shuttle carrier aircraft attraction

The countdown is on to the launch of a new eight-story-tall attraction dedicated to the history of NASA's space shuttle and the jumbo jet that was used to ferry the fleet of winged spacecraft across the country.

Space Center Houston, which serves as the visitor center for the NASA Johnson Space Center, has announced Jan. 23, 2016 as the opening date for Independence Plaza, its new $12 million complex featuring a full size replica of the shuttle orbiter mounted on top of the historic first Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA).

"Completing Independence Plaza is the result of years of planning," Richard Allen, the president and CEO of Space Center Houston, said in a statement. "Thanks to hundreds of supporters, this incredible exhibit will challenge visitors to think about innovation and creativity."

posted 10-23-2015 03:51 PM               

Reattaching the engines of a 747 shuttle carrier aircraft is no small feat, but all four engines are now attached thanks to Kalitta Air's generous donation of one complete engine and the parts to attach the other three engines!

posted 11-12-2015 07:52 AM               

Independence Plaza special airs Nov. 21

Innovative thinking turned an impossible dream into reality. Plenty of ingenuity and perseverance led to the creation of both the shuttle carrier aircraft program and the newest international landmark, Independence Plaza.

Discover the history and story behind Space Center Houston's newest exhibit in a 30-minute special airing at 7 p.m. Nov. 21 on Houston's KHOU television station.

Hosted by Deborah Duncan, "Independence Plaza: Innovation at Work" will go behind the scenes inside the world's only exhibit complex, where visitors soon will enter both the high-fidelity shuttle replica Independence and the shuttle carrier aircraft NASA 905, on which it is mounted.

Get a sneak peek at the incredible exhibits and learn why Houston, the state of Texas and the world are about to experience a one-of-a-kind attraction.

Be sure to join us for the grand opening of Independence Plaza on Jan. 23.

posted 01-18-2016 01:30 PM               

Astronauts and skydivers to help celebrate Houston 747-shuttle exhibit opening

The countdown is on to the grand opening of Houston's newest landmark — a $12 million, eight story tall attraction dedicated to the largest single artifact saved from NASA's 30-year space shuttle program.

Independence Plaza, featuring the space agency's original Shuttle Carrier Aircraft — a modified Boeing 747 jumbo jet — topped by a full-scale model of a space shuttle orbiter, will open on Saturday (Jan. 23) at Space Center Houston, the visitor center for NASA's Johnson Space Center. A full day of special activities will celebrate the attraction, which has been almost four years in the making.

"Join us Saturday, when the colossal new Independence Plaza opens with fireworks, skydivers, astronauts, hands-on science activities and live presentations," Space Center Houston announced on its website.

posted 01-22-2016 12:01 AM               

Bigger on the inside: First look at Houston's new 747-shuttle exhibit (photos)

A large sign outside the entrance to Space Center Houston promotes the six-story-tall centerpiece of the new Independence Plaza as "bigger on the inside."

Starting on Saturday (Jan. 23), the public will have a chance to see for themselves as general boarding begins of the largest single artifact saved from NASA's space shuttle program: the original Boeing 747 jumbo jet that ferried the shuttle orbiters across the country between missions. Making the 8-story-tall exhibit even bigger is the addition of a full-size space shuttle replica.

"It is a world-class [exhibit]," said Frank Marlow, who was among the NASA pilots who flew the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. "It was such an honor to fly it."

posted 01-23-2016 01:49 PM               

Mission accomplished! 747-space shuttle exhibit launches in Houston

Under a banner proclaiming "Mission Accomplished," Space Center Houston officials celebrated on Saturday (Jan. 23) the opening of Independence Plaza, a new $12 million exhibit featuring NASA's historic space shuttle-carrying jumbo jet topped by a full-size mock-up of the iconic winged orbiters.

With astronauts in attendance and flag-carrying skydivers having just landed nearby, the officials counted down to a spectacular daytime fireworks display to launch the eight-story-tall exhibit and welcome the public to begin boarding both vehicles.

"With the ability to walk through both air [and spacecraft], you will experience a behind-the-scenes look at life in the shuttle era," said Richard Allen, the president and CEO of Space Center Houston. "It is a visitor experience that can't be found be found anywhere else in the world."

posted 01-26-2016 01:39 PM            

The view from the driveway into the parking lot area seemed the most impressive. The exhibit is absolutely beautiful.

The main outdoor ceremony was at 8:25 and by the time that Space Center Houston opened at 9:00 more and more people began arriving. Walk through tours of the SCA began at 10:00 and the timed-ticket tours of the orbiter began at 11:00.

It has been suggested that rear engines cover may be installed in the future. I like it as it is, but maybe with one slight change. Would paint the outer openings on the main engines and OMS pods a deep red.

Realize that red rocket motor coverings were not used during transport however it would not be the only anomaly in the presentation. The forward mounting attachment point is altered probably to provide added long term stability to the orbiter perched atop the SCA.

posted 01-26-2016 02:36 PM               

quote:

---

Originally posted by Cozmosis22:
The forward mounting attachment point is altered probably to provide added long term stability to the orbiter perched atop the SCA.

---