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*	The new NSTL Visitors Center is part of a plan to attjact World's Fair tourists	|Q5^|
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NSTL Visitors Center is dedicated
By EDITH BIERHORST BACK
BAY BUREAU CHIEF
BAY ST. LOUIS — Schoolchildren joined Navy brass, politicians and scientists in the dedication Friday of the expanded Visitors Center at the National Space Technology Laboratories in Hancock County.
The official opening of 4,500 square feet of exhibits was heralded by NSTL director Jerry Hlass, who said plans for the Louisiana World Exposition in New Orleans inspired NASA officials to enhance the NSTL visitors’ program.
“We’ve had the program since 1980,
and there were 40,000 visitors that year. By 1983, there were 90,000,” Hlass said. Estimates of visitors who will include NSTL in their trips to the World's Fair are upwards of 250,000.
The center’s “Space-Oceans-Earth” theme reflects the missions of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the resident agencies at NSTL. A new “Hall of Achievements” traces the history of rocketry and describes NASA’s current space program. Exhibits include video displays and authentic scale models.
In the reception area are a lunar
sample displiy and artifacts, including a spacesuit, /eaturing the careers of Mississippi /stronauts Fred Haise of Biloxi, Dicl/rruly of Fayette and Don Peterson ofWinona.
Displayaand videos of the work of the U.S. Navyat NSTL, including oceanography and data-buoy experimentation, as well as Earth science aA-ivities are included in the multilevel center.
Until n w, the center has been available to visitors only on weekdays. Under its new schedule, the center is open da.il • including holidays, from 9
a.m. until 5 p.m., with tour guides available. Added to the renovated observation tower is a snack bar. A picnic area on the grounds has also been added.
Participating in the dedication ceremonies were astronaut Terry Hart, a mission specialist crew member on last month’s flight of the space shuttle Columbia, and Rep. Trent Lott of Mississippi Representing NASA was Frank Johnson, public affairs director.
Speeches were brief and congratulatory.