The Adler Planetarium Hopes To Bring A Shuttle Orbiter To
Chicago To Inspire The Next Generation Of Explorers
The Adler Planetarium released a rendering on Wednesday of the
state-of-the-art glass pavilion and learning center it would build
to house a Space Shuttle Orbiter. The Adler, one of 21 institutions
across the country vying for a retired shuttle orbiter, hopes to
permanently locate a shuttle along the shores of Lake Michigan to
serve as a focal point for inspirational experiences for millions
of people from around the world.
On Tuesday, April 12, the 30th anniversary of the first shuttle
flight, NASA is expected to publicly announce where the retired
shuttles will be displayed.
"Chicago is simply the best place for a shuttle for many
important reasons," said Adler President Paul H. Knappenberger Jr.,
PhD. "The Shuttle has a rich Midwest story. So many of the people
who served the shuttle program hail from, or have spent a
considerable amount of time in, Chicago and the Midwest –
from astronauts to technicians and engineers. Placing a shuttle
orbiter in Chicago will bring unparalleled visibility to America's
accomplishments in space exploration. As a global city and the
Midwest's largest metropolitan area, Chicago is positioned to
provide access to the shuttle for millions of people each
year."
Chicago and the Adler Planetarium would provide a NASA
experience like none other in the world. The architectural
rendering by Gensler envisions a stunning new space exploration
pavilion to house the shuttle. According to Knappenberger, "In one
direction, the shuttle would be framed looking out over Lake
Michigan, and in the other direction, it would face Chicago's
beautiful skyline."
The Adler, a world-class science museum with more than 80 years
experience educating and inspiring new generations of explorers,
has a strong, historic partnership with NASA. The lead Education
and Public Outreach (EPO) partner on numerous NASA missions, the
Adler is uniquely qualified to link the iconic shuttle with proven
science learning experiences.
The Adler's bid for one of the orbiter shuttles is strongly
supported by the museum's Board of Trustees, which includes
astronaut Jim Lovell, a veteran of several NASA missions including
Apollo 13.
"Very few people will ever have the opportunity to experience
what it is like to be in space. I was among the lucky few to see
our Universe in its magnificent glory, and it was simply and truly
amazing," said Capt. James A. Lovell, Jr. " We have a tremendous
learning opportunity in these shuttle orbiters. I believe the Adler
Planetarium is the best equipped science museum to inspire today's
young people and ignite a life-long enthusiasm for learning. I hope
Chicago gets the shuttle: and if we do, I'll fly it here
myself!"