Full Fuselage Trainer Schooled Astronauts In Emergency Procedures, Cockpit Controls

Most likely by the time you read this, NASA's Johnson Space Center will have officially handed over the "keys" to the Space Shuttle Full Fuselage Trainer to the Seattle Museum of Flight. The ceremony is planned for 0830 CST Thursday, and will include an official signing of the Space Act Agreement that will transfer ownership of the trainer, which includes both a crew cockpit and shuttle cargo bay area.

The mockup was was used to familiarize astronauts with shuttle cockpit controls and emergency exit procedures over the life of the Space Shuttle Program. The museum will accept responsibility for the Full Fuselage Trainer, and its transportation to Seattle. By donating Johnson Space Center's shuttle training resources to outside partners, NASA hopes to find areas of common interest that will foster new technologies that improve life here on Earth, and pave the way for future human exploration in space.

JSC Director Michael L. Coats and Mission Operations Director Paul Hill will welcome guests, including the Museum of Flight's President Douglas King, who will provide remarks on the partnership agreement. The signing ceremony will be followed by a question-and-answer session for media. (NASA Image)

FMI: www.nasa.gov/johnson