As News from California, across the nation and world - Los Angeles Times reported, a large gathering highlighted by the presence of about 800 schoolchildren marked the official opening of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center. The momentous occasion brought together notable space explorers, special guests, and students of various ages to witness the unveiling of the new institution and its massive exhibits.
Among the prominent astronauts participating in the opening events was Mark Kelly, who flew aboard Endeavour twice. Discussing the profound historical context of the space program, Mark Kelly told News from California, across the nation and world - Los Angeles Times, "We launched in December, right after this horrible tragedy. The spaceship was actually born out of a tragedy: Challenger. This is the replacement for Challenger." Sharing further personal reflections regarding his missions, Mark Kelly also told News from California, across the nation and world - Los Angeles Times, "She was still in the hospital when I was in space."
The scale of the newly displayed aerospace artifacts left a deep impression on those closely connected to the center. Lynda Oschin was moved to tears seeing the massive, 200-foot-tall spacecraft that now forms a centerpiece of the exhibition spaces. The celebration also welcomed other seasoned veterans of spaceflight, including Tom Marshburn, who spent 330 days in space conducting missions and research.
The opening drew young learners from across the region to experience the facility firsthand. Among the student attendees were Areli Castillo, who is a 10-year-old student attending Grove Center, and Emmanuel Montenegro, who is a 17-year-old student attending Covina High School. They joined the approximately 800 schoolchildren who flooded the halls for the grand opening festivities.
In addition to viewing the monumental spacecraft and exhibits, visitors watched notable figures take part in the facility's interactive features. Chuck Lorre and Iain Armitage made the very first descent on the 45-foot shuttle descent slide, officially christening the prominent recreational element of the new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center as the crowd of students, astronauts, and community members looked on.
