Economic-development leaders hope an exhibit on Colorado’s aerospace industry captures the imagination of youths and the attention of grown- ups as they travel through Denver International Airport.
The exhibit, running through Sept. 23, lines the pedestrian walkway between the terminal and Concourse A. Because it’s located on the terminal side of the security checkpoint, the display is accessible to people without tickets.
“We’re really hoping that … travelers coming to Denver to do business will notice the exhibit and maybe learn some things about the industry that they didn’t know,” said Janet Fritz, director of marketing at the Metro Denver Economic Development Corp.
It could also spark interest in space among young people, said Tom Allee, the senior director of government and community affairs for Frontier Airlines, who first envisioned the exhibit.
Local economic-development leaders say recent aerospace job gains could help push Colorado from its position as the third-largest aerospace industry in the nation past Texas into the No. 2 spot, behind California.
“It’s a really growing, booming industry,” Fritz said.
The exhibit includes information on the history of aerospace in the state, a look at amateur rocket builder Art Hoag’s Project Event Horizon, and displays about Colorado projects such as the New Horizons mission to Pluto and Cassini mission to Saturn.
Staff writer Kelly Yamanouchi can be reached at 303-954-1488 or kyamanouchi@denverpost.com.
