ShareThisFor this post, I'm once again moving away from normal aviation, and focusing on an important day in aerospace. A pair of anniversary's in human spaceflight as well as the end of an era, with the announcement of the retirement homes for the space shuttle fleet.
The decision was made on a historic day in Space Flight history. April 12, 2011 is the 50th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin's flight into space, becoming the first human to break the bonds of Earth, and soar in the beauty of space for 108 minutes. It is also the 30th anniversary of the first shuttle flight, STS-1, Shuttle Columbia.
The commemoration of the 30th anniversary was held in front of the Orbital Processing Facility for Shuttle Atlantis, currently undergoing preparations for her final flight, STS-135, no earlier than June 28, 2011.
This was also when NASA Administrator, was due to announce the final resting place as I call it for the current shuttle fleet and the test prototype orbiter, Enterprise. It is what I consider a very premature retirement.
These craft are still well within their functional worklife, still capable of carrying man and machine into space. It is a shame the program is ending as early as it is. The shuttle should continue to carry NASA astronauts to the ISS and low earth orbit for at least the next decade.
The ceremony began with an amazing video of the Space Shuttle Program, narrated by none other than William Shatner (or as space geeks will always refer to him, Captain James T. Kirk).
The video summarizes the shuttle program beautifully, though it almost plays as a eulogy, the end of an era. When Bolden spoke, he was nearly overcome by emotion a few times, choking back tears, his voice cracking when praising the shuttle program and the hard work and dedication of all those that made, and make, each and every flight possible.
The first announcement was for Shuttle Atlantis, displayed proudly sitting in her orbital processing facility behind the stage. She would remain here at her home, Kennedy Space Center, on the 'Space Coast'. She will move to what will be a newly constructed exhibit building at the KSC Visitor Center.
It's fitting for KSC VC to retain a flown shuttle, the location where every shuttle lifted off from, and where the majority ended their missions. KSC has seen all US manned space launches, and will most likely see more in the future. The retention of a shuttle at Kennedy Space Center is a fitting final resting place for Atlantis. She will remain near the Saturn V rocket, Mercury, Gemini and Apollo capsules, not to mention all the rockets in the rocket garden. It will be a great destination for those heading to KSC to experience the history of NASA, but also the future commercial launches of companies like SpaceX.
Discovery, as expected, will be headed to the Smithsonian. She will reside in the current resting place of the Shuttle Enterprise, the National Air and Space Museums, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. The facility is located on the outer perimeter of Dulles International Airport.
Discovery will join the dozens of other space craft between the Air and Space Museum on the National Mall campus and the Udvar-Hazy center, including such notables the lunar modules, Mercury capsules, multiple military rockets, satellites and other notable airplanes as well. The museum, between its two campuses boasts one of the largest aviation and aerospace collections.
With Florida and Washington D.C. being very popular vacation destinations, for both domestic tourists and international visitors, the locations will provide tremendous exposure for both vehicles. Both locations offer multiple educational opportunities, interactions with schools and other organizations providing multiple opportunities for children to be introduced to the topics of science, engineering and mathematics.
The next two selections were probably the most controversial. Johnson Space Center in Houston was left off the final selections, upsetting many who work there as well as aerospace enthusiasts across the country. Johnson Space Center can be considered the brains and heart of NASA spaceflight. With the Mission Control Centers for ISS and STS located there, along with the astronaut offices and residences along with multiple training facilities. It was almost a given that a shuttle should be awarded to the Space Center there; however, the goal of the museum awards wasn't based on historical or current NASA usage. NASA stated in the beginning, the decision would be based on the ability of the location to provide as much domestic and international exposure for the shuttles along with a focus on education. This was intended to expose as many people, young and old to the program and hopefully encourage and entice the next generation to pursue engineering, science and aerospace studies.
I understand the disagreement (and in some cases utter hate) for the next two decisions by some in Houston, Ohio and other locations that missed out, but please understand the initial purpose of the Shuttles being sent to museums like I said above. No matter what arguments I, or anyone else, provide, there will always be theories of political intervention, bribes, etc.
The third shuttle, Endeavour, the newest in the fleet, is being sent to the California Science Center in Los Angeles. At first, I was a little thrown off by the decision until NASA explained the reasoning. Southern California is obviously where Dryden Flight Research Facility, Edwards Air Force Base and Rogers Dry Lake at Edwards are located. In addition the shuttles themselves were constructed/born at the Rockwell (and then Boeing) facilities in Downey, CA among other companies and facilities involved in the lives of the orbiters. With the location on the West Coast, it will also provide a shuttle for visitors for that half of the country, along with international visitors from Central and South America and the asian and pacific countries, including Australia.
Finally, the most hushed response from the crowd, and the announcement that sent ripples across social media sites, web forums and new outlets, came stating that the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in New York was getting the Enterprise, currently displayed at the Udvar-Hazy museum where Discovery will be going. The backlash almost started immediately, with employees from JSC immediately posting comments feeling snubbed and ignored by NASA. Ohio politicians called for an investigation into the selection process as the Air Force museum was skipped as well.
The Intrepid aircraft carrier does itself have a history with NASA. It was used as the recovery craft for the Mercury and Gemini programs. The astronauts, after landing their capsule in the Atlantic Ocean, were brought aboard the Intrepid for their return home to the States. The museum will not leave Enterprise exposed to the elements like their other displays like Concorde, but is scheduled to build a hanger next to the carrier to house the Enterprise and her associated exhibits.
In addition, New York is the location of Grumman that constructed the shuttle wings, and Fairchild/Republic that constructed the rudder and speed brakes. There isn't as much connection and NASA history (not even close!) as Houston, but there is a small connection. Add in the fact that New York is THE tourist destination, holding the number 1 spot for many years, it will provide the largest opportunity to showcase the shuttle to the greatest number of people, from across the US, Europe and just about every other country. If there is ONE city that someone from another country will know, it's New York.
So let's get over the political arguments, the disagreements with the decision and let's support the organization that even made any of this possible in the first place, NASA. We have a long hard road ahead for a replacement vehicle, a HUGE political battle for funding and continued support of NASA by the US government. Let's support the museums that have received the honor of hosting such a tremendous, capable. vehicle.
Finally, it's been discussed and mentioned during the press conference that the shuttles will have the opportunity for a 'farewell' tour of the US prior to arriving at their final destination. It would be amazing to see the orbiter, piggybacked atop the modified Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft.
Imagine, the combination pictured here, landing at O'Hare Airport in Chicago, Atlanta Hartsfield, Boeing Field and many other airports. I for one will stand by and watch, and bid our orbiters (for they truly belong to the people) farewell. and plan a trip to all the museums as well. God Speed Enterprise, Discovery, Atlantis and Endeavour and a great flight to STS-134 and STS-135.
