EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — After three years of construction, the Gene Roddenberry Planetarium in Northeast El Paso is set to reopen in September, offering students and the local community an updated and interactive experience.
The project, which began in 2016, involved relocating the planetarium from its previous location near El Paso International Airport to the former Crosby Elementary School gym.
The planetarium, originally built in 1969 on Boeing Drive, has undergone significant upgrades to meet modern educational needs.
“Physically, the space is a little bit smaller. However, because of the advances in technology and the capabilities that we have now, the space is expansive. We have so many more academic offerings and interactive experiences for students and community members who visit,” said Daniel Vasquez, the fund development and education foundation officer for the El Paso Independent School District (EPISD),
A key feature of the updated planetarium is the advanced Digit Star 7 system, which enhances the dome’s visual experience. The $1 million renovation was funded through a community block grant and additional support from the school district.
The renovations also extend beyond the dome. The planetarium’s lobby now features various interactive elements, including touch panels and QR codes that provide additional educational content.
For example, visitors can learn about how astronauts use the bathroom in space or how they drink water, adding an engaging layer to the overall experience.
Inside the main room, EPISD officials plan to expand the planetarium’s programming beyond astronomy.
“We can do history programs; we can do science programming. That’s just kind of like a fun experience,” Vasquez said.
“We have a coral reef program in there. When kids come through here, we do fine arts. We can teach them about the elements of sound, teach them how string instruments work and how music plays. And then they can go into the planetarium and watch the philharmonic or watch a Led Zeppelin concert on the dome,” Vasquez said.
Despite the excitement surrounding the planetarium’s reopening, the El Paso Independent School District recently faced scrutiny over funding inconsistencies highlighted in an internal audit.
The report found that only $70,000 of a $500,000 allocation was unspent. District officials said the audit represented a “point in time” snapshot and that $403,000 had been spent. Any unused funds will be returned to the district.
For more information about the planetarium, click here.
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