Downey facility highlights Americas space innovation
America’s pioneering efforts in space are well known, and local leaders recently broke new ground in Downey for a new building project highlighting U.S. accomplishments in space exploration.
A groundbreaking ceremony for expansion of the Columbia Memorial Space Center occurred on November 17. The event marks the beginning of a project that includes several aims; one of those is the return of Downey’s space shuttle model—the Inspiration—back to the viewing public.
Local leaders trust the project will bring new visitors and visibility to the area and highlight Downey’s importance in the U.S. space program. Mario Guerra, mayor of Downey when the space center opened in 2009, expressed his appreciation for the project:
Prior to the development of the space shuttle fleet, engineers in Downey developed the shuttle mockup to help them consider component sizing, layout, cargo bay configuration, and other design features. The model drew the admiration of federal officials and helped Downey obtain the contract for the Space Shuttle Program. The city witnessed shuttle production for the next 25 years.
Upon Rockwell’s plant closure in 1999, Inspiration was relocated to a storage facility. Hidden and sealed for over a decade, the new project promises to return Inspiration to its original home. Locals may enjoy observing the construction, expected to take about two years. Banner printing is often used to announce opening dates.
A groundbreaking ceremony for expansion of the Columbia Memorial Space Center occurred on November 17. The event marks the beginning of a project that includes several aims; one of those is the return of Downey’s space shuttle model—the Inspiration—back to the viewing public.
Local leaders trust the project will bring new visitors and visibility to the area and highlight Downey’s importance in the U.S. space program. Mario Guerra, mayor of Downey when the space center opened in 2009, expressed his appreciation for the project:
“Our children, grandchildren, and visitors from all over California will be able to come here to learn, dream, and reach for the stars.”
Prior to the development of the space shuttle fleet, engineers in Downey developed the shuttle mockup to help them consider component sizing, layout, cargo bay configuration, and other design features. The model drew the admiration of federal officials and helped Downey obtain the contract for the Space Shuttle Program. The city witnessed shuttle production for the next 25 years.
Upon Rockwell’s plant closure in 1999, Inspiration was relocated to a storage facility. Hidden and sealed for over a decade, the new project promises to return Inspiration to its original home. Locals may enjoy observing the construction, expected to take about two years. Banner printing is often used to announce opening dates.