(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Senator John Hickenlooper made a stop in Colorado Springs on Saturday, Feb. 22. He spent the afternoon visiting the Space Foundation Discovery Center to celebrate Colorado’s role as a leader in aerospace and innovation.

The U.S. Senator emphasized the importance of inspiring the next generation about the future of space and exploration, while families spent the day having a blast exploring the world of science and technology.

“Nothing makes my heart sing like when I see little kids turned on by science,” said Senator Hickenlooper.

The senator described the Space Foundation as “amazing,” saying he is a fan of space and is hoping to share his passion with Southern Colorado’s youngest community members.

“Colorado Springs is ‘space city’ and this is kind of ground zero of how we get young people excited about science so we can have the next generation of scientists to help us make sure that we continue to lead the world in space,” he said.

The center, located at 4425 Arrowswest Drive, near Garden of the Gods Road and Centennial Boulevard, just reopened after a remodel and expansion that added more than three thousand feet of floor space, eight exhibits, and four interactive labs.

The senator wasn’t the only person having fun over the weekend, as many families also explored the upgraded exhibits.

“He really enjoys the Legos, and so he can see and he can touch a lot of that,” said Kristin Bailey, whose son was interacting with the exhibits. She said she loves taking her kids to the Space Foundation because of all of the visual learning opportunities it offers.

The community can now test their flying skills in the new Drone Zone, by flying the drone through a series of obstacles, threading needles, and carefully descending onto the landing pad.

Another new attraction at the Discovery Center is a robotics lab where kids of all ages can build, design, and create.

The Space Foundation is a non-profit organization that fosters collaboration in the space industry and promotes STEM education. It is the region’s only dedicated space, science, and technology center.

“We look at the challenges we face around the globe right now and everything comes back to space,” said Senator Hickenlooper.

As young minds dream of the next space discovery, discussions persist about the possibiliy of the U.S. Space Command relocating out of Colorado.

“I think we’re safe for now, just because to spend $2 billion… and there’s no way to move it without weakening it right now,” said Senator Hickenlooper. “It’s in what they call full operating capability, which means we are doing everything we can to keep our adversaries at bay.”

In other space news, the Broadmoor is preparing to host the annual Space Symposium. This event draws visitors from around the world and will take place this year from April 3rd through April 10th.