Crushing: "Stay Focused," and also, "No Shuttle For You," Says NASA
After great anticipation, this morning NASA named the locations that would be receiving four retired space shuttles. For years, insiders and civilians alike have speculated as to where the spacecraft would land, as manned space programs begin to wind down in the face of tough economic times. Unfortunately, the Emerald City was not among the chosen ones.
NASA Administrator Charles Bolden and his amazing mustache, making the announcement
During this morning's commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the first space shuttle launch at Cape Canaveral, NASA Administrator Charles Bolden named the four lucky cities. The event was emotional, tearful, and also included a documentary, narrated by William Shatner, which you can (and should) watch online.
Seattle's Museum of Flight put up a good fight: they've been gunning for one of the shuttles--with the help of members of congress and Patty Murray. But alas, it wasn't to be. We are heartbroken.
The chosen locations and spacecraft were:
- Kennedy Space Center -- Atlantis
- California Science Center LA -- Endeavor
- The Smithsonian -- Discovery
- New York's Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum -- Enterprise
Bolden did make it clear, however, that the locations which were not chosen would receive "important hardware" and other valuable items. Seattle's Museum of Flight is rumored to be getting a fuselage trainer. But really, it's no space shuttle.
Space shuttle Endeavor's last scheduled mission, STS-134, will depart on April 19.
