These innovations were national news in 1973 when the Reuben H . Fleet Space Theater and Science Center opened and influenced a generation of new science centers around the world .
Created by the community and born from imagination , inspiration and innovation , the Fleet Science Center is still part of moments of inspiration every day - the collective “ whoa !” from a class of fourth graders watching Hubble in the Heikoff Giant Dome Theater ; the screams of “ Look at this !” when a child figures out an experiment at an in-school workshop ; an adult having their mind blown when talking to scientists volunteering for the Fleet ’ s Two Scientists Walk Into a Bar program .
Civilian astronaut and electrical engineer Katya Echazaretta being interviewed in the Fleet ’ s space gallery for ABC ’ s Latina Leaders segment on GMA
Inside the world ’ s first tilted dome planetarium in 1973 , featuring the digital computercontrolled “ Space Transit Simulator ”
Throughout the Fleet Science Center ’ s 50th anniversary year , they will celebrate the stories of people who have had inspirational moments at the Fleet , like Gala Guest of Honor Katya Echazarreta , who was encouraged by a Fleet visit to stick with her childhood dream and flew to space in June 2022 .
Young women in the Fleet ’ s BE WiSE ( Better Education for Women in
Science and Engineering ) program
With the help of 50th Anniversary Lead Sponsors the Reuben H . Fleet Foundation Fund , Qualcomm , and the Shiley Foundation , the Fleet also will give back to the community - a weekend of 1970 ’ s prices , special exhibits in local libraries , community and school events , and more - to celebrate their community : the parents , teachers , STEM professionals , schools , nonprofits and businesses who partner with the Fleet to create moments of inspiration throughout San Diego County .
Since 1973 the work of the Fleet Science Center has been inspiring , innovative and at times , radical . The Fleet Science Center invites everyone in our community to join in the celebration and get inspired this year .
The Fleet Science Center ’ s 50th Anniversary Gala is Saturday , April 15 . For more information on the Gala and other Fleet 50th Anniversary activities go to www . fleetscience . org .
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