Hometown Live: Shuttle Independence

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- It was an exciting day at Space Center Houston Wednesday after officials offered a sneak peek inside shuttle Independence.

The shuttle is a part of an exhibit that opens on Saturday that will feature skydivers, fireworks, astronauts, hands-on science activities and live presentations. NASA Administrator and astronaut Charles Bolden Jr. and NASA Johnson Space Center Director and astronaut Dr. Ellen Ochoa are expected to speak.

President and CEO of Space Center Houston Richard Allen says visitors will get to see the cockpit of the shuttle, the mid-deck and the cargo bay.

"I'm just tickled to death to open this to the public," Allen said.

Opening ceremony begins at 8:25am Saturday. Parking is free.