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.

FMI: www.nasa.gov