Contract for INFINITY Signed, Center to open in 2011

Years of design work, fund raising and determination all came together today at the contract signing between INFINITY Science Center, Inc. and the Roy Anderson Corporation. INFINITY® at NASA Stennis Space Center is a $40 plus million, state-ofthe-art science and education center that, when open in 2011, will provide not only a major tourist attraction, but will also be the region’s first interactive science center.

The project is spearheaded by INFINITY Science Center, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, in partnership with NASA, the State of Mississippi and a host of private sector donors. INFINITY® is being built on more than 200 acres just west of the Mississippi Welcome Center at Exit 2 on Interstate 10. The location is just south of the entrance to Stennis Space Center and will also serve as the official Stennis Welcome Center.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation, another partner, will be constructing a road to INFINITY®, making it easily accessible from I-10 and from the Mississippi Welcome Center.

Construction of the $28 million facility will begin within months and is expected to be open in the fall of 2011. The unique building, designed by Stantec Architecture and Ely, Guild, Hardy will house more than $10 million is exhibits, interactive galleries, theatre, a gift shop and cafeteria.

INFINITY Chairman, George Schloegel spoke at the contract signing ceremony and praised the financial support of NASA, the state of Mississippi and corporate donors and acknowledged the hard work of INFINITY’s first chairman, Leo Seal, Jr. Seal was one of the founders of INFINITY and served as the board’s only chairman until his death. Mr. Scholegel added, “Leo is with us today, and I am incredibly honored to have a hand in completing this work started by him over ten years ago.”

Roy Estess, INFINITY board member and former director of Stennis Space Center in Hancock County, MS, was also on hand to provide a brief history of the project highlighting the donors whose belief and commitment sustained INFNINITY even during 9-11, hurricane Katrina and economic downturns.

“At a time when our nation faces a critical need for scientists, engineers and technicians, INFINITY® is designed to spark an interest in thousands of students of all ages. The journey to build INFINITY® will be a bit longer than a typical space mission; but when we are done, it may be this place that helps ensure that we have young people inspired and willing to take on the next big challenges in science and technology,” explained Mr. Estess.

“The cost of building such a unique facility is a big challenge but so are the rewards in terms of inspiration for our young people, continued economic development, and the chance to show the world how Mississippians are involved in cutting-edge exploration from the bottom of the oceans to the far reaches of space,” explained INFINITY® education program development director John Wilson.