On May 25, 2010, CCST and the California Space Authority (CSA) jointly sponsored a special viewing of the newly released Hubble 3D movie at Sacramento's IMAX Theater. Approximately 300 CCST & CSA members and guests (including California Legislators and other senior officials and their families) experienced the mesmerizing story of the Hubble Space telescope as well as a pre-viewing reception. A welcome and introductory remarks were provided by cohosts Andrea Seastrand, Executive Director, CSA, and Charles Kennel, CCST Council Chair followed by Assembly Member Anthony Portantino's charge to CCST to conduct a comprehensive assessment of California's "science and technology (S&T) innovation ecosystem," and recommending actions that should be taken to sustain the state's role as a global leader in science and technology.

Assembly Member Portantino's closing remarks reminded us not only of Hubble's past accomplishments, but also the future promise. "The Hubble 3D movie we are about to see captures the innovation ecosystem -- science, wonder, innovation, world renowned, unimagined, unsurpassed. Scientists, engineers, educators, administrators, and others in this theater tonight have worked on the Hubble Space Telescope program in many different dimensions in California and throughout the country. Yet I want to address my closing to the children and their parents here tonight. You children are the future; you are the innovators; you will be the explorers and discoverers in so many different realms -- the only limitation is your imagination; hard work, only limitation is your imagination; hard work, education, perseverance, and excitement about everything you do. You could be the engineer to design the next Hubble, or the architect of space colonies, or the next Steve Jobs. You parents have the ability to encourage and support your children in being successful in their studies, imagining possibilities, experiencing, learning, and guiding them to be the innovators and leaders for our state and our nation."

Hubble 3D captured the essence of the innovation ecosystem. Narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, Hubble 3D allowed viewers to journey through distant galaxies to explore the mysteries and beauty of celestial surroundings while accompanying spacewalking astronauts in their servicing of the Hubble Space Telescope. The film provided an inspiring and unique insider's view into the Hubble's remarkable legacy while highlighting its profound impact on the way we view the universe and ourselves. A tribute to American ingenuity, innovation and a can-do spirit, Hubble 3D is a must see.

For more information, go to http://www.imax.com/hubble/