Senator Hickenlooper visits Space Foundation
The U.S. Senator emphasized the importance of inspiring the next generation about the future of space and exploration, while families spent the day having a blast exploring the world of science and technology.
'Nothing makes my heart sing like when I see little kids turned on by science,' said Senator Hickenlooper.
The senator described the Space Foundation as 'amazing,' saying he is a fan of space and is hoping to share his passion with Southern Colorado's youngest community members.
'Colorado Springs is 'space city' and this is kind of ground zero of how we get young people excited about science so we can have the next generation of scientists to help us make sure that we continue to lead the world in space,' he said.
The center, located at 4425 Arrowswest Drive, near Garden of the Gods Road and Centennial Boulevard, just reopened after a remodel and expansion that added more than three thousand feet of floor space, eight exhibits, and four interactive labs.
The senator wasn't the only person having fun over the weekend, as many families also explored the upgraded exhibits.
'He really enjoys the Legos, and so he can see and he can touch a lot of that,' said Kristin Bailey, whose son was interacting with the exhibits. She said she loves taking her kids to the Space Foundation because of all of the visual learning opportunities it offers.
The community can now test their flying skills in the new Drone Zone, by flying the drone through a series of obstacles, threading needles, and carefully descending onto the landing pad.
Another new attraction at the Discovery Center is a robotics lab where kids of all ages can build, design, and create.
The Space Foundation is a non-profit organization that fosters collaboration in the space industry and promotes STEM education. It is the region's only dedicated space, science, and technology center.
'We look at the challenges we face around the globe right now and everything comes back to space,' said Senator Hickenlooper.
As young minds dream of the next space discovery, discussions persist about the possibiliy of the U.S. Space Command relocating out of Colorado.
'I think we're safe for now, just because to spend $2 billion… and there's no way to move it without weakening it right now,' said Senator Hickenlooper. 'It's in what they call full operating capability, which means we are doing everything we can to keep our adversaries at bay.'
In other space news, the Broadmoor is preparing to host the annual Space Symposium. This event draws visitors from around the world and will take place this year from April 3rd through April 10th.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Bloomberg
22-07-2025
- Bloomberg
US Defense Fuels Expanding $613 Billion Global Space Economy
The Pentagon's spending on space grew faster than space-related military outlays by other nations in 2024, with the American total likely to soar as President Donald Trump's administration moves ahead with his proposed Golden Dome missile shield. The US defense space expenditure increased 7.7% from a year earlier to $49.5 billion, more than the 2.3% growth by all other nations, which spent a combined $11.3 billion for defense space programs, according to a report from the Space Foundation.
Bloomberg
22-07-2025
- Bloomberg
Global Space Economy Grows to $613 Billion
The global space economy has grown to $613 billion according to the Space Foundation. Heather Pringle is the group's CEO. She says the industry is not just all about Elon Musk's SpaceX. She speaks on "Bloomberg Surveillance." (Source: Bloomberg)
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Yahoo
Google funds STEM program for Denver Public Schools
DENVER (KDVR) — Google has awarded Denver Public Schools $150,000 in funding for STEM programs that will be used across the DPS system, the Denver Public Schools Foundation announced in a press release. 'No Kings' protest to go on in Parker despite town's requested cancellation DPS said that the funding will be used to help open new pathways for students and educators to engage with emerging technologies, with a special focus on quantum computing. 'Introducing students and educators to quantum computing early matters. Thanks to we are building a foundation for lifelong curiosity, innovation, and success in STEM careers,' said Sara Hazel, President & CEO of DPS Foundation, in the press release. 'We are grateful to for their commitment to supporting innovative learning opportunities for our students and educators. We know that the future in tech is limitless and want to ensure DPS students have the opportunities they need to be at the forefront of this industry.' Part of the funding will support Quantum Camp, also known as QCaMP, which is a program that will take place over the summer and allows students and educators to participate in the innovative industry. 'The quantum revolution is here. We need curious young minds to unlock its full potential,' said United States Senator John Hickenlooper. 'This funding will help position Colorado and our students at the front of the next scientific era of innovation.' Colorado officials are investing resources into QCaMP at DPS to help students be 'future ready' and want to help students open new career pathways through the programs and investments. 'As a former principal, I've seen firsthand the impact investments like these can make in a student's life,' said Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. 'I want to thank the funding and the DPS Foundation for opening new doors and creating new pathways for our future innovators and dreamers here in Denver.' The program will have DPS educators complete a training course, which will help them understand the concepts themselves, while also teaching them fun lesson plans and ready-to-use classroom concepts. The teachers will also be able to apply the education to real-world situations and the societal impact of quantum computing. At the end of the training, 10 DPS educators and two instructional coaches will commit to bringing quantum learning to their classrooms. 'Colorado is leading the way in quantum technology, and as the largest school district in the state, it's crucial that Denver Public Schools educators have the resources they need to bring these groundbreaking concepts directly to students,' said DPS Superintendent Dr. Alex Marrero. 'Our mission is to ensure that every DPS student has the skills and knowledge to thrive in the industries of tomorrow. A big thank you to for their support in making this vision a reality.' Driver with suspended license clocks over 100 mph on I-70: police QCaMP begins on July 21 and will last for a week. After the camp is completed, a professional development week will commence on July 28 for DPS educators and the instructional coaches. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
