LiveChat Round Up 10/11/12

By Jim Gerard, NASA INSPIRE Education Specialist, KSC, FL

What would YOU do with a retired Space Shuttle? 3 years ago the decision was made as to where the decommissioned orbiters would spend out their days. This is no small decision, as the spacecraft are not easily moved. Once placed, it would take an extraordinary effort to relocate them. So, what planning must be done to prepare for the arrival of this historic artifact?

Our LiveChat last night introduced to the INSPIRE Online Learning Community my good friend Luis Berrios who also works here at Kennedy Space Center. Luis is responsible for the creation of a new home for orbiter Atlantis. 40 participants were on hand to hear Luis talk about the planning involved to design a facility that will tell the story of the space shuttle. As Luis quoted a mentor of his, "The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing." Luis described the archeticture of the building: "A metallic upward swoosh to signify the ascent, and the orange returning swoosh to signify reentry of the reusable vehicle".

Inside, guests will be led through a series of galleries to explain the development and history of the shuttle, ending with a dramatic reveal of the Atlantis portrayed as it flew in space. With payload bay doors open, the orbiter will be mounted in front of an LED wall that will display orbital sunrise and sunset with coordinated lighting to give the impression of orbiting the earth. From this main display hall, smaller galleries will offer insight to living in space, the construction of the International Space Station, and the Hubble Space Telescope (featuring a full size model). There will also be a memorial gallery to honor the memory of Challenger, Columbia, and their crews.

As this is being written, Endeavour is being transported from LAX in Los Angelos to its new home at the California Science Center. Atlantis will make the short trek to its new home net month. Discovery is already installed at the Udvar-Hazy Center near the Dulles International Airport. Are you close to any of these? Why not visit and share your experience in a blog? Just post in the drop box named Blog and you can receive 10 points!

Next week, our theme 'Behind the Scenes at NASA' will continue with 'Women at NASA' presented by returning guest Aprille Ericson from GSFC. Remember, no need to sign up, just click on the link on the home page! Come early to be part of the INSPIRE Cafe, a time of fun discussion, Q & A with staff, and a few surprises! See you next Thursday!