Lights Out for USSRC's Saturn V

It stands as a silent sentinel, a majestic icon representing the accomplishments of a previous generation. Since its construction in 1999, built to commemorate the 30th anniversary of mankind reaching the moon, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center’s Saturn V replica has become the symbol of Huntsville’s and Alabama’s continuing contribution to America’s manned space flight program.

Now, the lights have been turned off on Huntsville’s Saturn V replica in order to make room for the real deal. Following years of planning and fund raising efforts, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center is poised to begin the construction phase for a new 43,500 sq. ft. building to house the real Saturn V rocket vehicle, one of only 3 in existence.

“The Saturn V replica everyone has grown to recognize will serve as a kind of anchor for the new facility,” according to Larry Capps, the USSRC’s CEO. “Next year, once we have three walls and the roof in place, we’ll move the real Saturn V rocket in there so we can preserve it for future generations,” he adds.

The Saturn V replica will remain where it is, but the lights that have illuminated the 36-story replica at night will be temporarily removed as part of the necessary pre-construction site preparation. The flashing clearance lights will remain operational throughout the period, as required by Federal Aviation Administration regulations.

When the lights come back on, in approximately 16 months, they will reveal the Saturn V replica standing erect at the foot of a world-class facility whose centerpiece is the only vehicle ever to escape the gravity of Earth. Huntsville’s amazing legacy in space will have a home.
More Huntsville Articles l Free Huntsville Newsletter l Huntsville Events