A Destination for Exploration & Discovery

A development by the… Spaceflight Concepts Foundation 501(c)(3) incorporated in the State of Washington Jeff Williams President August 2025

Table of Contents

• Introduction

• Mission and Thematic Vision

• Strategic Setting & Rationale

• Functional Elements

• The Master Plan & Facility Elements

• Early Operational Capability, Content Development, & Deployment

• Complimentary & Strategic Collaborations – Active & Potential

• Scope and Capital Needs

“Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them.” Psalm 111:2

Introduction

Encouraged by Greater Vancouver grass-roots interest among leaders in business, ministry, foundations, education, and development, and motivated to faithfully steward the experience the Lord has providentially given me in spaceflight, this project seeks to fulfill a bold vision.

The idea originated as a “space-themed family center” after we hosted friends for a tour of NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston in February 2020 and matured to what I called the “discovery stage” in concept in October 2024. The working name for the development is the PNW Science & Wonders Center (referred to herein as the Center).

Since October, we have grown a small team of interested men and women who joined me in May & July 2025 for tours of the Creation Museum and Ark Encounter near Cincinnati and meetings with Ken Ham, Joe Boone, and other leaders of Answers in Genesis. We are also collaborating with the Institute of Creation Research in Dallas, the Wonders Center & Science Museum in Dixon, Tennessee, and The Master’s University in Santa Clarita, California.

We have stood up a 501(c)(3), incorporated in the State of Washington as SpaceFlight Concepts Foundation and governed by a board of directors. We have several candidate properties that are being evaluated, have selected WestGroup Research based in Phoenix, Arizona as a research partner (recommended by AIG), as well as Risepointe Architecture & Design based in Chicago, Illinois as a design partner.

This document is an update to that initial conceptual white paper and includes the elements of the detailed plan currently being considered and developed to support the pre-capital campaign. In broad categories, capital needs will include (1) initial funding for feasibility studies, property studies, architectural and site planning, community engagement, and development; (2) funding for early operational capability; (3) prime site construction funding (currently assuming phase 1 & phase 2) and (4) endowment funding.

Mission and Thematic Vision

Mission: To create an educational, inspirational, and entertaining environment stimulating interest and providing opportunities in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, & mathematics) education with a biblical worldview.

Thematic Vision: The Center will blend the best of museum elements, science center activities and displays, and educational programs. Taking advantage of Colonel Williams’ personal experiences, the wonders associated with space flight will serve as a common design element.

Woven throughout the experience will be reminders of the wonders of God’s works as Creator, Sustainer, Provider, Governor, all portrayed through the lens of His work as Redeemer.

All elements of the Center will support two central themes. The first concerns the amazing wonders of God’s lawful (which demands a Lawgiver) and precisely ordered creation and the incredible provision in that ordering. The second and complementary theme concerns mankind—bearing the image of the Creator and charged with subduing the provisioned creation—having an amazing inclination and ability to search out, discovery, develop, and utilize that provision. Scientific endeavor – and STEAM topics, in general – rest on those two central truths; the objective provision found in God’s creation and the subjective subduing of that provision by the creature.

Strategic Setting & Rationale

The project and its operations will seek to serve as both a local and regional resource for regular and periodic use as well as a national destination. This goal will mitigate anticipated seasonal traffic cycles—peaking as a destination in the summer months and a local resource during the school year.

As a destination, the strategic setting & rationale for the PNW Science and Wonders Center includes thematic purpose (STEAM with a biblical worldview), regional location (the Pacific Northwest), personal identification (Astronaut Jeff Williams), and cultural timing in history (contemporary search for grounding and truth). Ken Ham articulated the strategic considerations well and strongly supports the initiative largely because of that strategic opportunity.

The Center’s broad thematic purpose of applying a Biblical worldview to science and scientific endeavor will serve as a perfect complement to the Creation Museum and Ark Encounter’s focus on the creation account and the flood as recorded in Genesis, The Truth Traveler’s focus on stories of the Bible, and the Museum of the Bible’s focus on the history of the Bible.

All of those listed collaborative operations are in the eastern half and the United States giving the location in the Pacific Northwest strategic significance. The unique terrain and natural attractions already make the region a significant destination so the Center will take advantage of the existing draw. Additionally, the location is within easy reach of the Greater Portland and Greater Seattle area with a location in the Interstate 5 corridor. Finally, Portland International Airport (PDX) provides convenient accessibility using air travel.

The opportunity for the Center to manifest the identity of an American astronaut with broad spaceflight experience with a very public life as a Christian as well as an extensive national and international network is of strategic significance. Astronauts are uniquely admired by the public and attract a broad and deep curiosity. The Center will have the identification of the area’s hometown astronaut as the founder.

Finally, the cultural and historical timing provide strategic opportunities for this project. Just 20-30 years ago, many people had little interest in religion, church, or questions of philosophical meaning in life. But recently, especially after the COVID-19 shutdowns, social issues, and increasing political polarization, confidence in societal institutions has diminished and the questions of life and ultimate meaning have grown, both nationally and globally. The sense of security has diminished and the search for transcendent meaning has grown. A major component of that trend, the perceived authority of “science” as portrayed historically in opposition to the Bible, has been called into question providing an opportunity to sow the seeds of a biblical worldview in all things STEAM.

Functional Elements

Supporting both destination and community roles, functional elements of the project will include family activities, educational displays and activities, museum-like exhibitions, presentations, simulations, interactive displays, virtual displays, social events, evening programs, stargazing/astronomy, and seasonal field trips.

The priority from now through the design phase will be to maximize clarity in what we want to develop and do with the facility. The following principles, goals, and activities will be considered in the overall design:

• Each element will be designed as a component of the integrated visitor experience so to maximize impact and interest and motivate periodic use. The integrated experience will weave a compelling narrative to clearly portray a Biblical worldview, stimulating delight in the study of the work of His hands (Psalm 111:2).

• Though the design seeks to engage all ages, targeting 10–12-year-olds where applicable has been shown to maximize engagement, stimulating the greatest family interaction and interest.

• Space exploration is the overarching thematic element integrating the broad range of STEAM topics.

• To the extent possible, each display, exhibit, vendor, and element contains a teaching element in support of the mission & purpose.

• Optimizing the thematic and functional continuity in the flow of activity/experiences from approaching the entrance (launch) to departure (landing) from the site.

• Maximizing interactivity to engage visitors/families making it a lively place for education & discovery.

• Strategic use/flexibility of technology / software to keep things fresh & changing. Constantly refreshed through cutting-edge software and digital integration, providing new experiences with each seasonal visit.

• Integrating VR/AR/3D/AI, digital integration, immersive, and other latest technology (sound/light/mist/etc.) for immersive experiences.

• Explore virtual museum activities and displays; LED walls, etc.

• Consider rotating “this day/week/month in history” exhibition.

• Touch screens with simulations modeling scientific concepts and data exploration.

• Story-telling approach that weaves the Biblical worldview into the narrative of science, ensuring coherence and understanding that scientific endeavor flourishes in the soil of biblical presuppositions and the moral sanction given by the dominion mandate of Genesis 1.

• Hands-on invention/problem-solving workspace activities.

• Science camps / STEAM discovery clubs / field trips / robotics teams.

• Astronomy activities.

• An indoor place for young families to go on rainy winter days with daily & weekly rhythm.

• An indoor/outdoor space for the rest of the year; bring your own lunch and enjoy the outdoor space.

• Hosting selective business retreats; church staff retreats, etc.

• Hosting evening auditorium special events & presentations (talks, astronaut Q&A, science presentations, concerts, etc.).

• Hosting academic courses for accredited institutions (e.g. The Master’s University).

• Laboratory opportunities, e.g. chemistry, microscopes, drone flight, wind tunnel, etc.

• Hosting a “science & technology institute” providing opportunity for student driven research/development and innovation center.

• Vocational trades introduction activities (courses, practical training, etc.).

• Bookstore / giftshop that directly supports the mission/purpose.

• Crafting / artwork / 3D printing opportunities.

• Selected activities to establish weekly or daily rhythm of visitors. Various recurring events, seasonal programs, special exhibitions and activities, outreach initiatives. [tourist season focused on destination visitors & winter focused on area population – courses, etc].

• Extensive educational outreach including courses, workshops, lectures, field trips, & special exhibitions.

• Integrates elements of nature/history from the PNW, Columbia River, Mount St. Helens, Lewis & Clark, regional Native American tribal history, and Slavic immigration.

• Potential host location for research and scholarship.

• Introduce various fields of study and trades – a view toward stimulating potential interest in vocations.

The overall functional design will ensure security and accessibility. Every space will be designed with functional and operational safety, reconfiguration, and navigational ease in mind.

The Master Plan & Facility Elements

The Master Plan (buildings, grounds, landscape, etc.) will be designed to maximize the support of the functional elements. The overall architecture design will incorporate a clean modern look with elements that support the theme of spaceflight with location-appropriate accents accentuating the PNW outdoor environment (e.g. timber framing, rustic wood trim, etc.).

The master plan design process will include the objective of making the overall design part of the mission and thematic narrative and setting. In other words, the interpretive design will extend into architecture (e.g. incorporating into the design the DNA double helix, a rocket ascent trajectory, timber framing accents in the entrance, etc.).

Ideally, elements will be incorporated into the master plan that become part of the tour-guided narrative in areas such as regional history, culture, science, and Biblical truth. The overall floorplan layout/proportions could incorporate, for example, the “divine proportion” (also known as the golden ratio) or linkage to the Fibonacci sequence. The exhibits / buildings / landscape will be purposely integrated to support the narrative.

Specific elements to be considered include:

• Easy entrance and sufficient parking with clear directional signage. Progressive thematic elements and “teasers” on the walk from car to entrance that ease navigation and build anticipation.

• Outdoor covered entrance easily identified from parking lot with reconfigurable displays, ticketing, daily programming, upcoming events, and perhaps small retail.

• Facility spatial design integrated into overall theme to enhance exhibits, information transfer, and visitor flow… consider the space as an essential element of what is being exhibited.

• Design details maximizing functional flow (day visitors, staff, logistics, students, etc.).

• Large and spacious indoor lobby (launch pad) that communicates the theme, brings strong first impressions, builds anticipation, directs and manages traffic flow with clear “signage” elements that draw foot traffic and lead to various exhibits and activities. Assume multiple parallel loops for visitor flow.

• Include near the entrance/exit in the lobby: bookstore/gift/resource shop & [Space Galley] food court and/or food trucks; bookstore/gift/resource shops duplicated at strategic points and any alternate exit(s).

• Priority Section: Discovery Space Center with museum artifacts and other elements, classroom(s), library, laboratory, and/or flight-following elements; possibly includes flight/mission control simulation for team building and practical learning exercises (e.g. space camp element).

• Priority Section: Age of Science with focus on history and famous scientists, their discoveries & faith. Demonstrates that, historically and in fact, the Christian faith provided both the biblical intellectual presuppositions and the moral sanction of the dominion mandate for the development of modern experimental science and that the conflict between science and Scripture is a fabrication – what I refer to as the most successful propaganda campaign in modern history.

• Exhibits/sections: physics; chemistry; mathematics; electromagnetics; optics; etc.

• Exhibits/section: The mathematical ordering of the arts; fractals; the science of music.

• Section: biology (e.g. DNA, cell engineering & function, system engineering & function, organism, human anatomy, conception & gestation…).

• Section: astronomy displays leading to planetarium.

• Individual classroom(s) with technology/laboratory elements; consider separate entrance/accessibility for classrooms functioning in support of periodic attendance and not Center access. (e.g. weekly classes, etc).

• Theater / planetarium with seating of 100-350.

• Indoor/outdoor play area with teaching elements / periodic activities.

• Outdoor picnic area, short hike to viewing platform.

• Auditorium for major events, live or virtual presentations with supporting IT, green room, etc. Perhaps initially an auditorium with seating of ~250-400 and future phase to include a venue for major events/conferences with seating up to ~1200?

• Studio facilities for video/audio recording.

• Maximizing lighting design throughout.

• Efficiently designed and placed public restrooms.

• Non-public staff offices, meeting areas, conference rooms, workshop areas.

• Storage areas designed for anticipated needs, loading docks, warehouse, shipping, etc.

• Access doors/panels/paths for installing/removing large display/exhibition items.

• Detailed design considerations for security, accessibility, navigation, reconfiguration, etc.

• Located convenient to greater Vancouver area but with surrounding PNW outdoor elements… ideally, view of surrounding mountains (at least from elevated observation point).

• Energy-efficient, environmentally responsible, “smart-building/city” technology.

Early Operational Capability, Content Development, & Deployment

Given the scope of the overall vision and the associated schedule and cost challenges associated with property acquisition and development, early operational capability and activities are priority components of the overall strategy. Early deployment elements will be both virtual and physical.

The virtual elements will include the development of a high-quality website environment that allows for the exploration and visualization of both the facility conceptual elements as well as the STEAM-related content and activities.

Early deployment will also include physical elements in the greater Vancouver area. Physical space will be developed for purposes that include public presentations, local educational opportunities, and staff office facilities. Additionally, educational resources will be developed for deployment in places such as the Firmly Planted Homeschool Resource Center and/or local Christian schools.

Complimentary & Strategic Collaborations – Active & Potential

Local (not including local churches nor Christian schools)

• Design Science Association – (Portland, OR) DSN is an association dedicated to providing opportunities for education and adventure in the field of Creation Science. They offer monthly meetings featuring prominent speakers, operate a bookstore for resourcing, and conduct periodic field trips. They are a strong advocate for the Center.

• Firmly Planted Homeschool Resource Center – (Vancouver, WA) Firmly Planted has agreed to provide space and programmatic integration for early exhibits and Center activities at their Vancouver location during the Center build process. This will allow stakeholder engagement among their homeschool communities. Firmly Planted is envisioned to be a primary collaborative entity in the local area.

Regional

• Apologetics Forum of Snohomish County — (Snohomish County, WA) The Forum was founded to help equip Christians in the defense of The Faith in the postmodern world in three related areas: 1) Creation vs. Evolution, 2 Christian Apologetics and 3) Biblical Worldview. Jeff has agreed to be one of their featured speakers in 2026.

• Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum – (McMinnville, OR) Showcasing more than 150 aircraft, spacecraft, and exhibits that tell the story of flight and space exploration, the museum is most famous for housing the Spruce Goose. At their invitation, Jeff has toured the facility and agreed to help advise the staff on updates to the space flight exhibits.

• Mount St Helens Creation Center – (Castle Rock, WA) With a focus on Mount St. Helens’ recent history, the Creation Center is dedicated to presenting the scientific evidence derived from the 1980 eruption that is in harmony with God’s Word.

National

• Answers in Genesis – (Petersburg, KY) Founded by Ken Ham, AIG is a Christian apologetics ministry with a focus on the first eleven chapters of Genesis. Featured sites include the Creation Museum , Answers Academy (K-12 Christian school), and the Ark Encounter (Williamstown, KY). Recently opened in 2026 are immersive virtual reality Truth Traveler attractions in Bransom, MO and Pigeon Forge, TN. Jeff has been a keynote speaker for AIG, both domestically and internationally. AIG is actively collaborating with us on the Center project.

• Institute for Creation Research – (Dallas, TX) ICR is devoted to scientific research and educational programs that support a biblical worldview and affirm the Bible’s accuracy and authority regarding scientific observation and discovery. ICR’s Discovery Center exhibits the incredible harmony that exists between science and the Bible. Jeff serves on the Board of Directors. ICR has committed to collaborating with the Center project.

• Museum of the Bible – (Washington, DC) A museum dedicated to the rich history, narrative, and impact of the Bible, and located within blocks of the Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum. Jeff gave the keynote presentation for the VIP grand opening of their 2023 Scripture and Science exhibition.

• The Master’s University – (Santa Clarita, CA) TMU is a top rated university who’s mission is the empower students for a life of enduring commitment to Christ, biblical fidelity, moral integrity, intellectual growth and lasting contribution to the Kingdom of God worldwide. Jeff serves as an advisor for the University’s School of Science, Math, Technology & Health and is on the Board of Directors for the affiliate ministry, Grace to You. He is an alumnus of The Master’s Seminary. He has also been a keynote speaker for the university as well as affiliates Grace to You, The Math3ma Institute and Grace Community Church. TMU extension courses hosted by our Center in direct affiliation are being proposed.

• Wonders Center & Science Museum – (Dixon, TN) At more than 100,000 square feet, the Wonders Center is the largest science museum in Tennessee, and the largest in the world that holds to a biblical worldview. It also includes one of the top ten planetariums in the world. Jeff has been a featured speaker for the Wonders Center and is already collaborating by providing space artifacts and photography in the ongoing development of space-related exhibitions as well as the development of new planetarium shows.

Scope and Capital Needs

Considering the goal to compliment the Creation Museum, the Science Museum & Wonders Center, and the Museum of the Bible, the size of the main facility in the first phase is assumed to be in the range of 75,000 – 100,000 sq ft. The market studies along with the capital budget will be considered as we converge on the final scope, but excellence and a high level of quality will not be compromised. A conservative assumption of $500/sq ft puts the facility cost at upwards of $50M. Adding property acquisition and development, along with functional content and outfitting results in a total ROM (rough order of magnitude) of $100M.

Property requirements assume a minimum of 40 usable acres with available adjacent tracts for future expansion. Excessive development costs for access, traffic flow, and utilities will likely eliminate potential candidate properties from consideration.

The capital budget will include a 15% capital reserve as well as a post-opening reserve for startup remediation or bespoke options incurred after the capital work is completed to preclude the operating budget from having to incur such expenses.

It will be strategically important to achieve early operational capability and avoid a long, multi-year build schedule. To achieve that early opening (i.e., <3 years), it will likely be necessary to plan the first phase so that a core operational capability can be achieved while adjacent facility components are still under construction and/or outfitting.

The size, scope, and phasing will be informed by early studies, collaboration, and design development with the research and design partners. The goal is to preserve the option for a second major phase of development that will include a conference center.

We have at least two candidate properties. The near-term seed funding required to continue the process in support of the feasibility & demographic studies as well as securing the property to complete the associated studies and vetting is estimated as a ROM of $1M.

Given the scope of the overall vision and the associated schedule and cost challenges associated with property acquisition and development, early operational capability and activities will be a key component of the overall strategy. Early deployment elements will be both virtual and physical.

The virtual elements will include the development of a high-quality website environment that allows for the exploration and visualization of both the facility conceptual elements as well as the STEAM-related content.

Early deployment will also include physical elements in the greater Vancouver area. Physical space will be developed for purposes that include public presentations, local educational opportunities, and staff office facilities. Additionally, educational resources will be developed for deployment in places such as the Firmly Planted Homeschool Resource Center.