“Rise of Independence” at Space Center Houston Planned for August 14th

Press Release from Space Center Houston:
Rise of Independence Will Create International Landmark

What: The massive space shuttle replica Independence will be lifted by a 282-foot-tall (86 meter) crane to its permanent home atop Space Center Houston's historic shuttle carrier aircraft. The "Rise of Independence" is a free public event to celebrate this historic moment. Rain or other inclement weather will postpone* the event.
(*Updates will be posted on both the center’s website, and Facebook page,)

Where: Space Center Houston Parking Lot, 1601 NASA Parkway, Houston, TX 77058.

When: Thursday, Aug. 14. The lift will be at 8 a.m. A ceremony preceding the lift will begin at 7:15 a.m. with notable speakers.

Who: Speakers include NASA JSC Director Dr. Ellen Ochoa, Space Center Houston President and CEO Richard Allen Jr. and retired astronaut Col. Eileen Collins (USAF, Ret.), the first female to pilot and command a space shuttle.

Best Photo Ops

• The crane lifting and maneuvering the 160,000 lb. (72,600 kg) shuttle replica onto the historic SCA.
• Engineers and skilled crane personnel coordinating lift operations.
• The public, NASA and Space Center Houston representatives and government officials.
• The "Lift Crew" (a group of Houston-area music students) in hard hats, playing violins and leading the countdown.

Other Background: The SCA and Independence will be an unprecedented, international landmark standing over eight stories tall and featuring interactive exhibits once it opens in 2015. Visitors will be able to enter both vehicles -- an experience unavailable anywhere else in the world.

By Pamela Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty, LLC

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog