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Elon Musk at Chabot Space & Science Center December 19

31-year-old international entrepreneur & PayPal founder discusses the future of commercial space travel 

2 December 2002 – OAKLAND, CA: Chabot Space & Science Center will be the site for an exciting presentatioon by Elon Musk, entrepreneur and founder of the highly-successful online e-commerce site, PayPal. Musk will speak as part of Chabot “Honoring All Traditions” Winter Solstice celebration, Thursday, December 19th at 7:30pm, about the future of commercial space travel. The event is sponsored by Chabot’s major donor campaign, “The Stellar Society”. 

“Elon Musk is a true visionary,” said Chabot Foundation President Dr. Mike Reynolds. “Long before anyone else saw the Internet as a place for safe commercial ventures, Musk was leading the way. Now, he has the same visionary outlook for the future of space. Besides being a place where youth and families can come and learn about space as it now exists, Chabot Space & Science Center continues to develop its reputation as a center for dialogue and new ideas such as those offered by Elon Musk.”

Musk’s new company, SpaceX (www.spacex.com) is developing a family of launch vehicles (ie, rockets) intended to substantially reduce the cost of reliable access to space. The company officially began operations in June of this year and is located near the Los Angeles International Airport. Their first launch vehicle, named Falcon, is a two-stage liquid oxygen and kerosene powered rocket capable of placing half-a-ton payloads into low Earth orbit. Pending US Government approval, Falcon’s first flight is scheduled for early 2004.

The evening’s program include entertainment provided by Oakland’s Head Royce School Chorus singing ‘Under the Stars’ of Chabot’s Ask Jeeves Planetarium, the talk with Elon Musk, followed by a dessert reception in the Rotunda. Seating is limited. Those interested in attending should contact Fara Gold at (510) 336-7314, or fgold@chabotspace.org.

The new Chabot Space & Science Center opened to the public on August 19, 2000. It is an innovative teaching and learning center focusing on astronomy and the inter-relationships of all the sciences. Its telescope and observatory complex, domed-screen Tien MegaDome Theater, Ask Jeeves Planetarium, exhibits and natural park setting are a place where students, teachers and the public can imagine, understand and learn to shape their future. Set amid thirteen trail-laced acres in Joaquin Miller Park, with glorious views of San Francisco Bay and the Oakland foothills, the $76-million complex offers a hands-on celebration of sights, sounds, and science. 

Chabot Space & Science Center is located at 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland (in Joaquin Miller Park in the Oakland Hills). General admission to the galleries and classrooms is $8.00 adults/$5.50 seniors & children. The first Wednesday of each month is FREE general admission for visitors. There is an additional charge for programs in the Ask Jeeves Planetarium and Tien MegaDome Theater.

For complete information about Chabot Space & Science Center programs and hours of operation please call (510) 336-7300, or visit www.chabotspace.org. 

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