posted December 12, 2003 02:39 PM               

For a poetic preview of the new museum, see:
http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-121203a.html

Yesterday's ceremony began at 11:00am, though we had to arrive much earlier to pass through security. When the museum opens to the public on Monday, visitors will pass through metal detectors operated by museum staff. As the Vice President was attending the ceremony, security was under the direction of the Secret Service.

After the Presentation of Colors by the United States Armed Forces Color Guard and the National Anthem performed by "The President's Own" United States Marine Band, General Jack Dailey, Director of the National Air and Space Museum welcomed everyone attending. He introduced the Under Secretary of the Smithsonian Sheila P. Burke, who in turn introduced the Center's namesake Steven F. Udvar-Hazy.

Hazy is president and CEO of International Lease Finance Corp. (ILFC), the leading commercial aircraft owner/lessor operating worldwide, with a portfolio of more than 400 jet aircraft valued at more than $18 billion. In 1999, he pledged $60 million dollars for the new facility. At the time, it was the largest-ever contribution by an individual to the Smithsonian. He later increased his pledge by $5 million.

Next came John Travolta, who in addition to be a Hollywood actor is also an accomplished pilot. He flew to the ceremony in his 707, the same plane he will fly -- along with 99 other aircraft -- over Kitty Hawk on the 17th. Travolta introduced a slide show assembled by the Smithsonian Archives that followed the development of flight (and spaceflight) to modern day. The presentation was excellent; it brought a tear (of joy) to my eyes.

After the multimedia, Travolta introduced several of the aviation pioneers in attendance, including Neil Armstrong and John Glenn. Armstrong and Paul Tibbets elicited the greatest applause. Though not recognized, I saw that Jim Lovell, Gene Cernan, Buzz Aldrin, Frederick Hauck, and Tom Jones were also present in the audience.

After the pioneers took their seats, Travolta introduced Lawrence Small, Secretary of the Smithsonian who in turn introduced Chief Justice and Chancellor of the Smithsonian William Rehnquist. He described the Engen Observation Tower as “the best airplane watching spot in the world."

Rehnquist introduced Vice President Cheney. Instead of summarizing what he said, you can read his full statement here:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/12/20031211-5.html

Following the Vice President, a taped video was shown of Michael Foale and Alexander Kaleri on-board the ISS, who counted down to the dedication. At zero, a full scale replica of the Wright Flyer flew on a guide wire over our heads down to the stage where it came to rest. A very moving (literally!) show!

Lunch was served afterwards and visitors could freely roam the museum. Many of the VIPs quickly disappeared (Armstrong), but several mingled including Travolta (who was very approachable), Amanda Wright Lane, John and Annie Glenn (briefly), Buzz Aldrin, and Burt Rutan.

posted December 12, 2003 02:44 PM               

Buzz Aldrin posing between an F-86 Sabre like the one he flew during 66 combat missions in the Korean Conflict and a MiG-15 like those he shot down.

John and Annie Glenn signing an autograph for a fan.

John Travolta and Amanda Wright Lane with friends.

posted December 12, 2003 04:29 PM               

quote:

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Originally posted by Rick Boos:
Boy, Jim Irwin's spacesuit sure is clean! For moondust being a "national treasure" it seems a shame to clean the suits like that and let the dust go down the drain!

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In past discussions with their curator, the only spacesuits that were cleaned were Armstrong's and Aldrin's -- which were dry cleaned by NASA before they were given to the Smithsonian (the curatorial staff later interviewed the dry cleaner to learn what had been done).

Irwin's suit is really quite gray. If you were to walk up to it with a patch of clean white beta cloth you would really see the difference.

posted December 12, 2003 05:17 PM               

Looks like fun!

posted December 12, 2003 07:07 PM               

I am a bit unclear though on whether Enterprise will be on display immediately. I read that it will be refurbished in coming months. Will it be on public view during that time? If not I will have to make yet another trip later.

posted December 12, 2003 11:08 PM               

I need to go now, I need to wipe the drool off my chin before I dribble into my laptop keyboard.....

posted December 12, 2003 11:13 PM               

quote:

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Originally posted by tncmaxq:
I am a bit unclear though on whether Enterprise will be on display immediately.

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Enterprise can be seen now from the entrance to the James S. McDonnell Space Hangar. You cannot enter the area to walk around the orbiter until the restoration is complete.

posted December 13, 2003 08:07 AM               

quote:

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Originally posted by AuthenticItems:
No Michael Collins at any of the events?

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posted December 15, 2003 08:05 PM               

quote:

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Originally posted by Tom:
Was wondering if the Block 1 Apollo spacecraft (011) from the SA-202 mission on Aug 25, 1966 was on display?

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I asked about that CM, having seen it earlier in the same storage hangar where Enterprise had been:

http://collectspace.com/ubb/Forum23/HTML/000330.html