Fwd: and for some GOOD news --- Space Center Houston Will Be Home to Legendary Shuttle Carrier Aircraft

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Begin forwarded message:

From: "Moon, Larry J. (JSC-EA411)" <larry.j.moon@nasa.gov>
Date: May 6, 2013 6:22:55 AM GMT-06:00
To: "Moon, Larry J. (JSC-EA411)" <larry.j.moon@nasa.gov>
Subject: FW: and for some GOOD news  --- Space Center Houston Will Be Home to Legendary Shuttle Carrier Aircraft

Thanks to eBob for sharing this story about the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft's home for the public to enjoy her place in history.

 

From: E. Bob [mailto:ebobstew@comcast.net]
Sent: Sunday, May 05, 2013 4:17 PM
To: E. Bob
Subject: Space Center Houston Will Be Home to Legendary Shuttle Carrier Aircraft

 

                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                              Spotlight Communications

      Julie Kuenstle

281.745.1209

 

 

NASA SET TO TRANSFER HISTORIC SHUTTLE CARRIER AIRCRAFT

TO SPACE CENTER HOUSTON FOR UNPRECENDENTED ACCESS,

NEW EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

 

Space Center Houston Will Be Home to Legendary Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, Shuttle Model

and Serve as Landmark Tribute to Space Shuttle Program

 

(HOUSTON)  NASA officially agreed to transfer ownership of the iconic Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA-905) to Space Center Houston on May 2, 2013.   The Shuttle and 747 Carrier, a new, 12 million dollar complex that will include the legendary airplane and the full-scale Space Shuttle model where it is poised to become Texas' newest landmark tribute to America's legendary Space Shuttle.  In addition, Space Center Houston plans to utilize the Shuttle and 747 Carrier to implement new educational programs to its already impressive arsenal of award-winning activities as part of their ongoing mission to inspire students to consider careers in the field of math and science. 

 

The Shuttle and 747 Carrier will give visitors the world's first and only all-access pass to an authentic and realistic journey through the inside of the  Shuttle Carrier Aircraft as well as an unforgettable experience aboard the full-scale, Shuttle model.  The up close and personal access to American aviation history will reveal the Space Shuttle program's amazing ingenuity, clever innovation and awe-inspiring complexity. 

 

"This is an exciting day for Texans, as we accept the Shuttle Aircraft Carrier from NASA and assume the awesome responsibility for its modifications, showcasing its legacy and adding a one-of-a-kind experience to our complex," said Richard Allen, president and CEO of Space Center Houston. "We look forward to accepting the challenge of raising funds for this amazing endeavor as we prepare for the next phase of this major expansion."

Once the massive undertaking of getting the iconic airplane from Ellington Field to Space Center Houston is completed by November 2013, and the Shuttle model has been mounted, the six-story, 12 million dollar complex is expected to open to the public in February 2015.

 

Shuttle Carrier Aircraft Facts

Ø  JSC designed the innovative modifications in 1976, to carry the Shuttles from coast to coast.

Ø  The aircraft was used over 250 times to test & ferry all 6 orbiters across the US (1977–2012).

Ø  Speed: Mach 0.6 (397 knots, 457 mph, 735 km/h)

Ø  Length: 231 ft, 10 in

Ø  Wingspan: 195 ft, 8 in 

Ø  Height: 63 ft , 5 in

Ø  Max Landing Weight: 600,000 lb

 

About Space Center Houston

Space Center Houston is the official visitor center of NASA's Johnson Space Center and is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) education foundation with award-winning educational programs designed to inspire and encourage students to consider a career in math and science.  Space Center Houston features a multitude of permanent exhibits, attractions and theatres and is open every day with the exception of Christmas Day.  Space Center Houston is located at 1601 NASA Parkway; Houston, TX 77058.  Please visit www.spacecenter.org.

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