Center Created to Inspire and Renew American Pride and Leadership in Space

/EINPresswire.com/ -- AUSTIN, TX--(Marketwired - October 21, 2015) - The Apollo and Beyond Center will host a live, two-way conversation from the LBJ Presidential Library with LBJ Early College High School students and Astronaut Scott Kelley on the NASA International Space Station this Friday, Oct. 23, from 9 a.m. to noon. The event marks the official launch of the Apollo and Beyond Center created to provide a platform for the next generation of Americans through education, industrial events and outreach activities. Its focus is to preserve the individual contributions of the men and women that helped America get to the moon. The "Beyond" portion is focused on the commercial application of space technologies and the national and international advancement of space science and education.

"We must build on the accomplishments and legacy of our space pioneers. We want to inspire the new generation to dream big. America must lead again," said Julie Shepard Jenkins, daughter of Astronaut, Admiral Alan Shepard, the first American in space who also walked on the moon. Julie Shepard Jenkins, along with Jeff Lovell, son of Astronaut, Captain Jim Lovell of Apollo 13, are serving to mobilize the Apollo era families for the Apollo and Beyond Center.

"We want to thank the LBJ Library for their support of our launch and this event. President Johnson's leadership and vision started America on this journey. The timing is upon us as we as we are approaching the 50th anniversary of landing a man on the moon. We look forward to empowering the next generation and to building on this legacy," said Billy Burge, who is leading the Apollo and Beyond Center.

The LBJ Library is a fitting venue for the event as a tribute to former President Lyndon B. Johnson who made space exploration a reality for this nation. Because of his efforts, we took our first steps on another planet and embarked on one of mankind's greatest accomplishments.

Program highlights include:

• A two-way conversation from Space with Astronaut Scott Kelley and LBJ Early College High School students
• Project Apollo: A Personal Historical Briefing -- Julie Shepard Jenkins, daughter of Astronaut Alan Shepard and Jeff Lovell, son of Astronaut Jim Lovell
• The Space Adventure: Recalling What It was Really Like -- A Panel Discussion
• A Briefing on the Apollo and Beyond Center -- Billy Burge, lead organizer of the Center
• Astronaut Statue announcement: Artist David Adickes

About Apollo and Beyond Center

The Apollo and Beyond Center aims to provide a platform for the next generation of Americans through education, industrial events and outreach activities. Its focus is to preserve the individual contributions of the men and women that helped America get to the moon. The Beyond portion is focused on commercial application of space technologies and advancing space science and education. The center will be part of a mixed use development, sponsored by Medistar and Ayrshire that will be comprised of a 100 foot Astronaut statue by sculpture David Adickes, Apollo era museum, hotel, conference and retail centers and international commerce park.

About the LBJ Early College High School

The Mission of Lyndon B. Johnson ECHS is to inspire, prepare, and empower all students to apply their acquired knowledge and critical thinking skills while pursuing a post-secondary education or career as they become contributing members of an ever changing society.

About the LBJ Presidential Library

The LBJ Presidential Library is one of 13 presidential libraries administered by the National Archives and Records Administration. Its mission is to preserve and protect the historical materials in the collections of the library and make them readily accessible; to increase public awareness of the American experience through relevant exhibits and educational programs; and to advance the LBJ Library's standing as a center for intellectual activity and community leadership while meeting the challenges of a changing world. For more information about the Library, please visit www.lbjlibrary.org.

Contact:
Sarah Marshall
Cell: 512-699-8208
Email: sarah@sarahleemarshall.com

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