Sun, Jan 22, 2012
NASA Considers Museums Another Mission Phase
NASA's Space Shuttles won't fly again, but the agency doesn't
view that as the end of their mission. In the case of the shuttle
Atlantis, NASA says its next mission -- to inform and inspire
generations of visitors to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
in Florida -- is one step closer to reality. A groundbreaking
ceremony Wednesday officially launched construction of a new,
65,000-square-foot exhibit at the complex's Space Shuttle Plaza,
where Atlantis will be the main attraction.
"It is an honor to create the home for space shuttle Atlantis
and to work with NASA to tell its story to the world," said Jeremy
Jacobs, chairman and chief executive officer of Delaware North
Companies, which operates the visitor complex for NASA.
Chris Ferguson, who commanded Atlantis on its final mission,
STS-135, participated in the groundbreaking ceremony and said,
"It's very fortunate we can celebrate this milestone, fortunate we
had the foresight and the resources to preserve Atlantis to serve
as a reminder of the limitless potential of the citizens of the
United States of America, and inspire those who will come after
us."
The vehicle will be displayed as if in flight with its payload
bay doors open, offering a view of its 60-foot-long cargo area.
Additionally, a variety of simulators and interactive elements will
offer visitors the chance to experience the challenge of grappling
a satellite or move through a model of the International Space
Station.
Atlantis flew nearly 126 million miles during a total of 307
days in space. Each of the craft's three main engines will be
replaced with mock-ups. The other shuttles will go to new exhibits
outside of Florida. Discovery is destined for the Smithsonian's
National Air and Space Museum in Chantilly, VA, and Endeavour will
be displayed at the California Science Center in Los Angeles.
Enterprise will move to New York‘s Intrepid Sea, Air and
Space Museum.
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