Independence Plaza at Space Center Houston to Open on January 23rd

Something big will open at Space Center Houston on Saturday, January 23rd. The newest international landmark, Independence Plaza, will open its doors to a one-of-a-kind, interactive experience featuring the first Space Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, NASA 905 (Boeing 747), and the high-fidelity replica of the Space Shuttle.

Photo by Pam Moore

But first, some background about how all this came together. In April 2011, NASA announced the new retirement homes for the four remaining space shuttles -- three historic orbiters and the program's test vehicle. The Johnson Space Center was selected to receive the 122.7 foot long by 54 foot tall (37.4 by 16.5 meter) shuttle mockup.

Photo by Houston Chronicle

The shuttle mockup arrived via barge from Florida on June 1, 2012, traveled through the Clear Lake Channel, docking on the bank of Clear Lake and then slowly transported via flatbed down NASA Road 1 to Space Center Houston. The Houston Chronicle article, “Space shuttle replica docks at Johnson Space Center”, contains a photo gallery that chronicles that journey. A contest was held to name the replica and “Independence” was the winning entry

After its final flight into Houston, NASA 905 was dismantled for transport. During two evenings, those sections were taken down Highway 3 and then down NASA Road 1 to Space Center Houston. The next step was to put the sections together and then position the NASA 905 into place.

The delicate “mating” of the shuttle mockup to the top of the aircraft was completed successfully. After that major task was completed, work began on completing the plaza and the visitor’s access ramp was built.

The countdown clock has officially begun and you can check the number of days, hours, etc. left until the grand opening date of the new international landmark, Independence Plaza at the Space Center Houston website.Space Center Houston is located at 1601 NASA Road 1, Houston.

Brockway Realty Blogs previously published about this topic are:  A REALLY BIG MOVE and Road Closures on April 28th - April 30th on 4/28/2014; Watch via Webcam as the Boeing 747 Space Shuttle Carrier is Reassembled on 5/27/2014; “Rise of Independence” at Space Center Houston Planned for August 14th on 8/13/2014.

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By Pamela Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty, LLC

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

“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

A REALLY BIG MOVE and Road Closures on April 28th - April 30th

Local area residents should be aware of a REALLY BIG MOVE scheduled for Monday, April 28^th through Wednesday, April 30^th. Not only will there be road closures, but this will be something you don’t see every day. The NASA Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier will be on the road, traveling to its new home at Space Center Houston.

The NASA Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier has been going through severe modifications; being dismantled for the move from Ellington Field to Space Center Houston. The project to disassemble and safely transport the massive airplane was done in partnership with 30 private, public, and government organizations, many of whom did the work for little or no charge.

(View more photos of the NASA Boeing 747 on the Space Center Houston Facebook Page)

Thanks to extensive pre-planning efforts, no utilities are expected to be interrupted. The convoy will travel at night for the safety of our neighbors and the workers involved in this complex transfer, as well as to minimize the impact on local residents, the traveling public and businesses.

Moving at walking speed, the convoy will carry the disassembled Boeing 747 sections on six different trailers from Ellington Field. The largest section moving intact is the fuselage, measuring 25 feet wide, 35 feet high and over 190 feet long, which will travel on a Goldhofer multi-wheeled, self-propelled trailer. This may be the only time a Boeing 747 Aircraft will take three days to travel approximately 8 miles!

April 28, 2014, 9 p.m.: The convoy of 747 sections will depart Ellington Field via the gate at Dixie Farm Road and Highway 3;
April 29, 2014, Early Morning: The convoy is scheduled to park on E. Commerce Street near NASA Parkway; 9 p.m.: The convoy will resume, moving east on the westbound lane of NASA Parkway.
April 30, 2014, Early Morning: The convoy is scheduled to arrive at Space Center Houston.

More information can be found at the following links: 747 Shuttle Carrier Makes Big Move to Space Center Houston; What’s the biggest thing you’ve ever moved?;Shuttle / 747 Carrier Project.; and Concept art for the "747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft" at Space Center Houston showing exhibits inside the aircraft and orbiter.

By Pamela Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty, LLC

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog