PPG recently completed a COLORFUL COMMUNITIES project to revitalize the Saturn V rocket replica displayed at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC) in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. 

 

The project brought together approximately 150 employee volunteers from PPG, USSRC and Boeing, who spent a half-day in March painting sections of the Saturn V replica and other highly visited areas around the center. The project continued through June with the support of professional contractors and was completed in advance of this week’s anniversary celebrations.

 

The Colorful Communities program provides PPG volunteers and paint products along with financial contributions to bring color and vitality to communities where the company operates around the world, such as in Huntsville, Alabama, where PPG operates an aerospace transparencies manufacturing facility.

 

Often referred to as Rocket City U.S.A., Huntsville was key to the development of the propulsion systems on the Saturn V rocket that would take the U.S. to the moon. Today, the National Historic Landmark Saturn V and the 363-foot-tall (111-meter-tall) Saturn V replica rocket at USSRC serve as regional icons and signify the entrepreneurial spirit ignited by mid-century space exploration.

 

“Visitors from around the world will visit Huntsville this month to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 first moon landing, and we are grateful to PPG for helping us restore our Saturn V replica to its full glory,” said Dr. Deborah Barnhart, CEO, USSRC. “We are in awe of the generous spirit of PPG’s employees and know their efforts will make a lasting impact on the center’s hundreds of thousands of guests each year.”

 

PPG provided approximately 340 gallons (1,287 liters) of specialized products from its protective and marine, aerospace and architectural coatings businesses to complete the project. The PPG Foundation also granted $15,000 to USSRC for AVIATION CHALLENGE scholarships.

 

“At PPG, we know the powerful difference a fresh coat of paint and color can make in our homes, workplaces and schools. To experience the impact of fresh paint on such a monumental and historic structure as the Saturn V replica is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Tom Meyer, PPG plant manager, Huntsville. “We are proud to help carry the Saturn V replica into the future to inspire the next generation of explorers and scientists.”