Boeing Awards Grant to Space Foundation Discovery Center for New Additive Manufacturing Space Lab
Boeing Awards Grant to Space Foundation Discovery Center for New Additive Manufacturing Space Lab
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Feb. 12, 2024 — Space Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in 1983, offering information, education and collaboration for the global space ecosystem, today announced that Boeing has awarded Space Foundation Discovery Center a grant to fund a new Addictive Manufacturing Space Lab. Devoted to 3D design, printing, and other additive manufacturing and fabrication methods, the Boeing Additive Manufacturing Space Lab will be a new immersive education lab serving students, teachers and industry across the globe.
The 826 square foot Boeing Additive Manufacturing Space Lab is designed to revolutionize student learning, enhance visitor experiences, and foster global engagement through interactive digital activities and cutting-edge physical technology. Within the Lab, displays on the additive manufacturing industry will educate and inspire museum visitors, showcasing groundbreaking technology that has significantly impacted manufacturing and the space industry.
Space Foundation CEO Heather Pringle commented, “Boeing’s commitment to education aligns seamlessly with our mission, and we are immensely grateful for their continued support in propelling our Space Foundation Discovery Center to the forefront of innovative educational offerings. This generous grant will fuel the creation of a new state-of-the-art Additive Manufacturing Space Lab, empowering educators, inspiring students, and connecting with partners worldwide. We are excited to continue this transformative partnership with Boeing, working hand in hand to inspire the next generation of space innovators.”
“The Space Domain is no longer the future of human discovery and national defense — it is the here and now, and students need the right skills to meet today’s moment,” said Kay Sears, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space, Intelligence and Weapons Systems. “We are proud to support the Space Foundation’s new additive manufacturing lab at the Discovery Center in Colorado, which will serve as an important resource for students to learn through hands-on training and experience.”
Boeing, a leader in advanced manufacturing for air and space, has extensively utilized additive manufacturing satellites, often surpassing traditionally produced parts. With plans to advance additive manufacturing in commercial, civil and government sectors, Boeing aims to be at the forefront of this technology for future crewed space missions. Recognizing a shortage of skilled professionals in related fields, Boeing seeks to partner with Space Foundation to address this gap. Lab programming, developed in collaboration with Boeing, will target students from first grade onward, fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment to nurture skills essential for additive manufacturing careers.
The Lab will seamlessly integrate with other Discovery Center experiences, enhancing the overall learning environment. This synergy with existing labs, such as the Drone Lab and Lockheed Martin Mars Robotics Lab, amplifies the educational journey by leveraging 3D printing technology. The Lab fosters cross-disciplinary connections, promoting a comprehensive understanding of cutting-edge technologies. As the design and development phase continues, Space Foundation welcomes Boeing’s insights to optimize the Lab’s components, ensuring an exceptional learning impact and highlighting Boeing’s remarkable capabilities.
As Space Foundation Discovery Center embarks on its transformative renovation and expansion, exclusive sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, contact Suzanne Musgrave, vice president of development, at smusgrave@spacefoundation.org.
About Space Foundation Discovery Center
Space Foundation Discovery Center is a hands-on, interactive space and science center focused on inspiring, educating and preparing the next generation of explorers and innovators in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Partnerships with government and commercial enterprises support exhibits like the El Pomar Space Gallery; Northrop Grumman Science Center, featuring Science On a Sphere®; and Lockheed Martin Space Education Center, including the Mars Robotics Lab, and the Education Activities Center. To learn more about Space Foundation Discovery Center, visit www.discoverspace.org.
About Space Foundation
Space Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 1983, offering information, education and collaboration for the global space ecosystem. Driven by partnerships, Space Foundation unites the entire spectrum of stakeholders — business, government, education and local communities — through support from corporate members, sponsors, fundraising and grants. Visit Space Foundation at www.SpaceFoundation.org, and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
About Boeing
As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity. Join our team and find your purpose at boeing.com/careers.
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Tags: Space Foundation, Space Foundation Discovery Center, Boeing, remodel, additive manufacturing, 3D printing, 3D design, STEAM, STEM, space education, space advocate, space exploration, science center, space museum, space ecosystem, Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak Region
Media Contacts:
Rich Cooper  
Vice President, Strategic Communications & Outreach
Space Foundation
(202) 596-0714
rcooper@spacefoundation.org
Dottie O’Rourke
TECHMarket Communications
(650) 344-1260Â Â
SpaceFoundation@techmarket.com