Videos from the Starship Century Symposium

Via Rocketeers comes a pointer to the gallery of videos of lots of interesting talks and discussion panels at the recent Starship Century Symposium. The symposium was a gathering of scientists, engineers, and science fiction writers to discuss the future:

See, for example,

Panel: The Future Of New Space
moderated by Peter Schwartz
Freeman Dyson
Neal Stephenson
Allen Steele
Geoffrey Landis

Space Center Houston launches “Name the Shuttle” contest in Texas

The  Name The Shuttle contest will allow Texans to name the full scale Space Shuttle replica that will go on display at the Johnson Space Center:

Space Center Houston to launch “Name the Shuttle” contest throughout Texas
Beginning July 4, Texans will have the unique opportunity to name an iconic piece of history

WHAT:   Space Center Houston, the official visitor center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center (JSC), will launch a free, statewide contest that gives one lucky Texan the opportunity to name the high-fidelity Shuttle replica that will sit atop the massive 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) as part of a new $12 million, six-story attraction currently under development. Launching at noon CST on July 4, residents can visit www.nametheshuttle.com and submit an original name that symbolizes the spirit of Texas and its unique characteristics of independence, optimism and can-do attitude. The contest closes at noon CST, Labor Day, Sept. 2.

Full contest details will be available at www.nametheshuttle.com on July 4.

WHEN:   Thursday, July 4, 2013 at 10 a.m. CST – contest opens to Texas residents

Monday, Sept. 2, 2013 at noon CST – contest closes

Mid-September – winner to be announced

WHO/WHERE:  Richard Allen, president of Space Center Houston, is available for media interviews to discuss the contest in more detail.    

OTHERThe state-of-the-art Space Shuttle attraction is slated to open in 2015 and will provide a one-of-a-kind visitor experience exclusive to Space Center Houston. It will be the only place in the world where guests can climb aboard the huge 747 SCA and the Shuttle replica and experience the 30-year Space Shuttle program in the most dynamic, hands-on environment imaginable. The attraction will also expand Space Center Houston’s current educational programs, which aim to inspire students to consider careers in math and science.

Space Center Houston is the official visitor center of NASA’s Johnson Space Center and is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) education foundation with award-winning educational programs designed to inspire and encourage students to consider a career in math and science. Space Center Houston features a multitude of permanent exhibits, attractions and theatres and is open every day with the exception of Christmas Day. Space Center Houston is located at 1601 NASA Parkway; Houston, TX 77058. Please visit www.spacecenter.org.