By Jim Gerard, INSPIRE Education Specialist, KSC, FL
On the 31st anniversary of the first launch of the Space Shuttle, 44 INSPIRE OLC members gathered to hear my presentation on the History of the Space Shuttle. My goal was to show students some of the engineering design process that went on in the 70's and 80's that led to the vehicle we have today. My hope is that they saw some parallels between that time and where we are today waiting for the next vehicle that will launch Americans to space.
I also talked about the retirement of the orbiters and where they will eventually be placed on display. Kennedy Space Center right now is gearing up for the immanent departure of Discovery, which will fly up the east coast on the back of the 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (find out more of the orbiter's arrival in Washington DC here: ow.ly/acok3). How close will you be to one of these historical craft, or the astronaut trainers that will also find their way to museums?
Before each LiveChat we are opening the floor to encourage students to opine about a Pre-chat Topic Question. Our question for last night was "Did we retire the Orbiters to early?" We had a lively discussion with most students think we should have had a new vehicle in place before setting aside the old one. Try to log in early and be part of the fun!
Next week, Brittani Sims from the Commercial Crew office here at KSC will talk about the different vehicles competing to be the next American orbiter. Find out what the future holds by signing up now for the LiveChat on April 19 at 8pm CT!
Discuss this blog here: http://tinyurl.com/bloginspire
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