Houston, the shuttle has landed

Independence Plaza, presented by Boeing, opened to the public Jan. 23 at Space Center Houston. Visitors now have the opportunity to view and explore what life aboard a NASA space shuttle was like while their feet are still planted firmly on the ground.

This is the only facility in the world that has a high-fidelity shuttle replica, Independence, mounted on top of an original shuttle carrier aircraft, the NASA 905 aka Boeing 747. Both of the vehicles have been converted into learning exhibits focused on space exploration.

Meridyth Moore, public relations specialist for Space Center Houston, said Independence Plaza took four years to come to fruition.

“At the time, the plan was to build a beautiful complex and have the shuttle on display here for visitors to come and see from all around the world,” Moore said. “Then, along the way, we had the opportunity to acquire the 747, the original NASA 905.”

The shuttle replica, Independence, was formerly known as Explorer. The shuttle acquired its new name in a public contest held in 2013.

“Visitors would submit their names, and the winner, by far, was Independence,” Moore said. “It is very fitting for Texas, so it works beautifully.”

With the purchase of a Space Center Houston general admission ticket, visitors can enter the shuttle replica Independence and explore how astronauts lived during their mission.

A six-story tower was built alongside the shuttle and carrier aircraft to allow entrance into both vehicles. The top floor allows individuals to enter the flight deck of the Independence and envision how the astronauts piloted the shuttle.

Traveling down one level of the tower, visitors can enter the mid-deck of the Independence. This is where visitors can view what the astronauts living quarters would have looked like.

Below the Independence mid-deck is the entrance to the shuttle carrier aircraft NASA 905. The aircraft features science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) interactive learning stations that focus on problem-solving concepts, provide examples of innovation during the shuttle program era, and engage students in STEM related careers.

Robert M. Jones, professor of education at UHCL, was the director of the Aerospace Institute Program. The program trained educators in aerospace by providing briefings, field experiences and field trips to Space Center Houston.

Today, in collaboration with the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp , Jones arranges summer camps for children focused on STEM education.

“In the hundreds of camps we’ve run, for ten years, going to places like Independence Plaza are highest rated by the middle school kids that go to them” Jones said.

Jones said children in the program love to take field trips and list hands-on experiences among their favorite activities.

“I appreciate that Space Center Houston has updated their STEM exposures,” Jones said. “They are making something good, better.”

The NASA 905 aircraft also contains a variety of sections that explain the development and advancements of the shuttle program and how the shuttle carrier aircraft was modified to sustain and carry shuttles.

John R. Koons, retired aircraft maintenance technician transport (AMTT) for American Airlines, worked on the Boeing 747/NASA 905.

“American Airlines did a retrofitting of it,” Koons said. “They built a lounge upstairs, and I built all the stuff that went in the lounge.”

Koons visited Independence Plaza a few weeks after its grand opening. It was his first time seeing the carrier aircraft, NASA 905, after about 40 years.

“I was overjoyed to see the full spectrum of how the aerospace industry has evolved and meshed with the U.S. space exploration program,” Koons said. “I highly recommend any aircraft mechanic that worked on the Boeing 747 to visit Independence Plaza to experience firsthand, to see, the aircraft that once flew commercial skies and was refurbished for transporting the U.S. space shuttle. Also to experience the space program as it has evolved through aviation history.”

Space Center Houston is open seven days a week and offers many attractions for visitors. Guests can explore space artifacts up close and, with the addition of Independence Plaza, walk inside a shuttle replica. General admission tickets range between $20 and $25, and includes admission into Independence Plaza. For more information on more attractions Space Center Houston offers, visit spacecenter.org.