HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is proud to announce the naming of its new Space Camp Operations Center for Boeing, a global leader in aerospace and a longtime supporter of the Rocket Center and its Space Camp programs. Boeing is making a $3.5 million donation for the new 40,600-square-foot building that will include a permanent home for U.S. Cyber Camp as well as a 1,000-seat auditorium and 10 classrooms and laboratories to support the Space Camp family of programs.
Dr. Kimberly Robinson, CEO and executive director of the Rocket Center, and Jim Chilton, senior vice president of Boeing’s Space and Launch Division, made the announcement of the Boeing donation this morning at a ceremonial groundbreaking for the building. Boeing’s contribution is the Center’s single largest donation to date.
“Our friends at Boeing have been with us since Space Camp began in 1982, and we’re honored to partner with them in creating a space that embraces the future of exploration and will inspire generations to come,” Dr. Robinson said.
“The Boeing Company is investing in the U.S. Space and Rocket Center because it provides innovative exposure to STEM-based knowledge and hands-on learning that help students see themselves in the careers of the future,” said Jim Chilton, senior vice president of Boeing Space and Launch. “In fact, many of our Boeing space systems engineers are graduates of Space Camp, and credit their experiences here with inspiring them to reach for the stars.”
Also announced today is the naming rights for the multi-function lobby of the new operations building. The Allen Foundation made the funds possible for this soaring space, which will be named the Anthony Loumis Lobby in honor of 13-year-old Anthony Loumis, a Space Academy graduate.
The following donors contributed funds to outfit three of the 10 state-of-the-arts classrooms:
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama – Robotics Lab
- Gary Brukardt Foundation – Rocketry Propulsion
- Dr. Joyce Neighbors Trust – STEM Lab
Fuqua and Partners is the architect for the new building located between the Rocket Center’s Education Programs building and the Habitat 1 Space Camp dormitory. Fite Building Company of Decatur is the general contractor for the project.
The State of Alabama previously awarded the Rocket Center an economic development grant for the construction of the facility. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed the project, which is now underway and scheduled to open in March 2023.
About U.S. Space & Rocket Center
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center®, a Smithsonian Affiliate, is home to Space Camp®, Space Camp Robotics, Aviation Challenge® and U.S. Cyber Camp® as well as the Apollo 16 capsule, the National Historic Landmark Saturn V rocket, the INTUITIVE® Planetarium and world-class traveling exhibits. USSRC is the Official Visitor Center for NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and a showcase for national defense technologies developed at the U.S. Army’s Redstone Arsenal. To learn more about the exciting programs and activities at the USSRC, go to rocketcenter.com. https://www.facebook.com/RocketCenterUSA • twitter.com/RocketCenterUSA
About Boeing
As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future and living the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity. Learn more at www.boeing.com.