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  [Discuss] NASA/GSA shuttle artifact disposition

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Author Topic:   [Discuss] NASA/GSA shuttle artifact disposition
Robert Pearlman
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From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 09-14-2009 12:00 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Editor's note: In an effort to keep the topic NASA/GSA: space shuttle artifact disposition focused on new artifact release announcements and NASA updates, readers' feedback and opinions are directed to this thread.

Please use this topic to discuss the NASA and General Services Administration (GSA) space shuttle artifact disposition process.

SpaceAholic
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Posts: 4437
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 09-14-2009 02:54 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SpaceAholic   Click Here to Email SpaceAholic     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
There are a few neat items being offered on the site right now (flown shuttle nose cap, middeck galley and window). Only about 141 total line items at present but that appears to be growing as the site is being populated now.

Philip
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From: Brussels, Belgium
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posted 09-15-2009 03:17 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Philip   Click Here to Email Philip     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Interesting indeed, how about flown items that were brought back during shuttle missions to Hubble? I believe HST solar panels were brought back on STS-61, and COSTAR completely on STS-125...

SpaceAholic
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From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
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posted 09-15-2009 09:46 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for SpaceAholic   Click Here to Email SpaceAholic     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
One of the two solar panels was returned back to ESA (the other was jettisoned); as discussed elsewhere on cS, COSTAR will ultimately be transferred to NASM.

In any case, the scope of this dispersal is focused on the flight vehicle, direct support and affiliated GSE - not payload. Any residual HST items, if available would make their way out via Goddard Space Flight Center's property disposal system.

spaceman1953
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From: South Bend, IN
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posted 09-22-2009 06:56 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for spaceman1953   Click Here to Email spaceman1953     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Maybe when they run out of museums and other places to ship this stuff out to, they will make arrangements for us to be able to apply for stuff...

SpaceAholic
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From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 09-22-2009 08:59 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SpaceAholic   Click Here to Email SpaceAholic     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
An unofficial SITREP per the GSA site on some of the significant items listed (currently 141 line items, only a small representation below) vs what has actually been requested as of this evening by institutions. Its still early and not everybody who requests material will necessarily be permitted to take receipt. The majority of items on inventory have no pending requests:
  • Block II Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) Nozzle
    14 available, so far 4 requested
  • Astronaut Watch Omega (Speedmasters)
    9 available 1 requested
  • Crew Compartment Trainers:
    2 available 0 requested
  • EVA gloves (Flight) 12 total (6 left and 6 right)
    6 of 12 requested
  • EVA gloves (Training) 14 total (7 left and 7 right)
    8 requested
  • ACES gloves (5 each left and right)
    12 requested
  • ACES helmet
    6 available 9 requested
  • ACES Suits
    77 available 9 requested
  • Orbiter Drag Chute set
    2 available 2 requested
  • Orbiter nose cap
    1 available 0 requested
  • Orbiter window panes or windshields
    15 available 1 requested
  • Orbiter leading edge wing RCC panels
    44 available 2 requested

Robert Pearlman
Editor

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posted 09-22-2009 09:09 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
For those reading and wondering why not more is requested, keep in mind that until October 1, only the Smithsonian and NASA visitor centers can file requests.

From October 1 through November 30, the requests open wider to state-sponsored museums and qualifying educational institutions.

SpaceAholic
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From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
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posted 10-06-2009 06:08 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SpaceAholic   Click Here to Email SpaceAholic     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Here's an update.

Total line items available 93 (reduced from 141 - obviously some lots were either pulled or awarded).

  • Block II Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) Nozzle
    7 now available (from 14 previously), 7 requested
  • Astronaut Watch Omega (Speedmasters)
    6 available (from 9 previously); 2 requested
  • Crew Compartment Trainers:
    1 available (from 2 previously) 1 requested
  • EVA gloves (Flight) - all delisted or awarded (12 previously)
  • EVA gloves (Training) - all delisted or awarded (from 14 previously)
  • ACES gloves - all delisted or awarded (from 10 previously)
  • ACES helmet - all delisted or awarded (from 9 previously)
  • ACES Suits
    50 available (from 77 previously); 35 requested
  • Orbiter Drag Chute set - all delisted or awarded (2 were available)
  • Orbiter nose cap
    1 available 0 requested (unchanged)
  • Orbiter window panes or windshields
    7 available (15 previously) 11 requested
  • Orbiter leading edge wing RCC panels
    34 available (44 previously) 12 requested

kr4mula
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From: Cinci, OH
Registered: Mar 2006

posted 10-07-2009 12:38 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for kr4mula   Click Here to Email kr4mula     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Interesting that they have 44 RCC leading edge panels available, yet they had to pull ones off of Enterprise to test for the Columbia investigation.

Matt T
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From: Chester, Cheshire, UK
Registered: May 2001

posted 01-20-2010 01:26 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Matt T   Click Here to Email Matt T     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Some nice Apollo suits in the preview slideshow.

SpaceAholic
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From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 01-29-2010 03:52 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SpaceAholic   Click Here to Email SpaceAholic     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
A look at some of the Apollo artifacts on offer:
  • Apollo Cover Layer Assy, Extravehicular Mobility Unit Suit (2 each)
  • Audio Tape, Apollo 8
  • Electric Harness, Apollo Constant Wear Garment (12 each)
  • Jacket, Inflight, Apollo (8 each)
  • Model, Apollo Command 1/20 Scale, Plexiglass
  • Model, Apollo Lunar Module, 1/25th Scale
  • Suit, Cover Layer Assembly, Apollo, Evan
  • Suit, Cover Layer Assembly, Apollo, Brand
  • Suit, Inflight Coverall, Apollo
  • Suit, Integrated Torso Limb Suit Assembly w/Boot, Apollo
  • Suit, Integrated Torso Limb Suit Assembly, Apollo, Pressure Garment
  • Suit, Integrated Torso Limb Suit Assembly, Pressure Garment Assembly
  • Suit, Intravehicular Cover Layer Assembly, (1 Arm Cover Only)
  • Suit, Mercury Mockup Suit
  • Tether, Extravehicular Activity, Apollo
  • Trousers, Inflight, Apollo (19 each)

Robert Pearlman
Editor

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From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 02-04-2010 03:37 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
To my knowledge, this is the first museum to provide a specific listing of the shuttle artifacts they received from the first round of awards.

The Press-Enterprise: March Field Air Museum to get six space shuttle items

"This is the start of our journey to build a huge educational center," said executive director Patricia Korzec.

She learned Saturday that in January 2011 the museum will receive dehydrated astronaut food, two stowage bags, a box, and an emergency exit chute. But the centerpiece is a nozzle, valued at $15 million, from a side rocket booster.

Robert Pearlman
Editor

Posts: 42981
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 02-12-2010 03:31 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
WRBL-TV: Space Shuttle Artifacts May Be Coming To Columbus
Next January, the Coca Cola Space and Science Center could possibly be the new home for nine rare NASA artifacts.

...below is the list of approved artifacts for donation to the Science Center:

  • Astronaut Dehydrated Food (Box, Mixed)
  • Launch Pad Escape Basket
  • OPF Processing Tool Box
  • Firing Room Console (Bio-Med)
  • On-Board General Purpose Computer
  • Orbiter Window Assembly or Pane
  • Orbiter Wing Leading Edge RCC
  • Shuttle Tire (Nose, Complete)
  • Shuttle Engine Nozzle
As noted in the article, artifacts that are still of (future) use are being retained by NASA. From what I understand, the escape baskets are to be kept by the agency.

Lunar_module_5
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posted 04-23-2010 06:48 AM           Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Does anyone know what is going to happen to any of the shuttle simulators, training mock-ups, etc. after the training of the last shuttle crew?

I am hoping that like some of the Apollo leftover hardware some might be saved. We don't want another LUT scenario!

Is NASA planning on selling the Shuttle Training Aircraft?

Editor's note: Threads merged.

Robert Pearlman
Editor

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From: Houston, TX
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posted 04-23-2010 06:54 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Lunar_module_5:
Does anyone know what is going to happen to any of the shuttle simulators, training mock-ups, etc. after the training of the last shuttle crew?
Johnson Space Center's static and motion-base simulators are to be have been awarded to museums under the historic artifacts program being run by NASA and the General Services Administration.

Fezman92
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posted 04-23-2010 01:56 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Fezman92   Click Here to Email Fezman92     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
They should keep at least one there for display.

Neil Aldrin
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posted 06-02-2010 06:06 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Neil Aldrin     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Does NASA (or another company on their behalf) auction to the public hardware or other items that they no longer need?

If so how does one find out about these events?

It seems that with the shuttle era coming to an end many items will be obsolete to NASA.

Robert Pearlman
Editor

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From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 06-02-2010 06:11 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
They do, see: NASA General Service Admin (GSA) auctions

dfox
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posted 06-02-2010 08:18 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for dfox   Click Here to Email dfox     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I made inquiry a week or so ago. I was told it was not open to private indivduals. Museums and institutions only.

That's too bad, I am pretty sure if I clean out the garage I could squeeze an orbiter in next to the my leaf blower.

Fezman92
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posted 11-29-2010 11:01 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Fezman92   Click Here to Email Fezman92     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Is there any word on what NASA will do to all of the shuttle trainers and mock-ups they have at Houston?

Editor's note: Threads merged.

Robert Pearlman
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From: Houston, TX
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posted 11-29-2010 11:03 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
The disposition of the mockups and simulators was reported as part of our article NASA delays deciding where retired space shuttles will be displayed.
  • The Adler Planetarium, Chicago - Shuttle Fixed Base Simulator (Bldg. 5)
  • The Museum of Flight, Seattle, Wash. - Full Fuselage Trainer (Bldg. 9)
  • The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, Dayton, Ohio - Crew Compartment Trainer-1 (Bldg. 9)
  • The Smithsonian Institution National Air & Space Museum, Washington, D.C. - Crew Compartment Trainer-2 (Bldg. 9)
  • Texas A&M Aerospace Engineering Department, College Station, Texas - Shuttle Motion Base Simulator (Bldg. 5)
  • Virginia Air & Space Center, Hampton, Vir. - Shuttle Single System Crew Trainer (Bldg. 4)
  • Wings of Dreams Aviation Museum, Starke, Fla. - Shuttle GNS Simulator (Bldg. 35)

Ken Havekotte
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posted 12-10-2010 06:45 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Ken Havekotte   Click Here to Email Ken Havekotte     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Here is a question that I don't know was answered before or not. Once an approved museum, school, or other institution has possession of a space artifact from NASA/GSA's newly release program, what happens to them afterwards? Do they go back to the space agency (I don't think so) after a period of time? Can they be sold at a later time from the organizations that would have them on display earlier? Thanks!

Robert Pearlman
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From: Houston, TX
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posted 12-10-2010 07:13 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
All recipients must sign a letter of intent that clearly states that the artifact(s) "will be used solely to preserve and promote the history of the NASA and for no other purpose." The terms of this agreement include:
  • The Property shall be placed in use for the purpose stated in the Letter of Intent no later than 12 months after acquisition thereof and used for that same purpose for a 12-month period thereafter.

  • There shall be a further period of restriction beginning on the date the Property has been used for the period prescribed above. This period will expire after the Property has been used for the purpose stated in the Letter of Intent for an additional period of 4 years. During this additional period of restriction, the Property shall be used only for the purpose(s) stated in the Letter of Intent.

  • During the periods of restriction prescribed above, the Direct Transfer Recipient [DTR] shall not sell, trade, lease, lend, bail, cannibalize, encumber, or otherwise dispose of the Property without the prior written approval of NASA.

  • The DTR shall immediately report lost, stolen or unaccounted Property received pursuant to this conditional transfer document.

  • If at any time, from the date the DTR receives the Property through the periods of restriction prescribed above, the Property is no longer suitable, usable, or further needed by the DTR for the purpose for which acquired, the DTR shall promptly notify NASA and shall:

    • Release the Property to another DTR;

    • Release the Property to a department or agency of the United States;

    • Release the Property to such other institution or agency as may be determined to have need thereof;

    • Assist in the sale of the Property for the benefit and account of the United States of America with the proceeds remitted promptly from the DTR to NASA;

    • Render the Property completely unfit and useless for any purpose except for the recovery of its basic material content, the same to be performed in a manner satisfactory to NASA and the material content to be disposed of in accordance with instructions of NASA; or

    • Otherwise dispose of the Property as directed by NASA
Based on this agreement, there is a period of (at least) five years when the recipient (DTR) must retain and use the property as prescribed, after which they are released to do with the items as they see fit.

Ken Havekotte
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From: Merritt Island, Florida, Brevard
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posted 12-10-2010 08:22 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Ken Havekotte   Click Here to Email Ken Havekotte     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Thanks, Robert, so after a five year (at least) period, can the recipient (DTR) actually sell any of the NASA artifacts in their possession? Such a policy seems very odd to me coming from a governmental agency.

Does this mean in years from now we may be seeing the space memorabilia market flooded with such museum-type pieces available to the American people, but at a price?!

Robert Pearlman
Editor

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From: Houston, TX
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posted 12-10-2010 08:38 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
These artifacts are not being loaned, they are being given away. Think of it as surplussing but having education and preservation rather than recycling as the primary purposes.

NASA cannot, nor does not, want to have the responsibility of tracking all these hundreds, if not thousands, of items for all time.

The (at minimum) five year period requires recipients to invest in the artifact(s) preservation and display such that it creates a deterrent for a quick sale. Further, the organizations eligible for the artifacts are institutions and museums, which have their own established deaccession policies to follow.

So while some of this material may change ownership from public to private hands in the years and decades to come, I suspect most will either stay with their original recipient or be traded among like organizations.

SpaceAholic
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posted 12-10-2010 08:40 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SpaceAholic   Click Here to Email SpaceAholic     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
What's the alternative? The government doesn't want the items back and had the the institutions declined to acquire the artifacts originally much of this material would have been sold via GSA to the general public in any case.

frank3si
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From: Blackwood NJ
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posted 08-15-2011 01:47 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for frank3si     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
This press release from NASA notes that with the conclusion of the shuttle program many artifacts will be made available to museums, educational institutions, etc. after which:
The remainder will be considered for federal and state reuse and then offered to the general public for sale.
How/where would one monitor this upcoming sale?

By the way, one item that would certainly be cool to add to any collection:

In addition to artifacts, NASA also is offering a Shuttle Training Aircraft (STA) through another GSA hosted web-based site.

The STA is a modified Gulfstream II that allowed pilots to simulate orbiter landings under controlled conditions. Other STAs will be displayed at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Dryden Flight Research Center in California, and the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Ala.

Editor's note: Threads merged.

Robert Pearlman
Editor

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From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 08-15-2011 04:19 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by frank3si:
How/where would one monitor this upcoming sale?
NASA hasn't said more than what you've read in the release.

It may be that the items are simply released through normal surplus channels (GSA Auctions) or it may be that NASA puts together something like the tile disposition process they did for teachers, or the tire loan program like they did for "non-traditional" organizations.

Time will tell (and you can bet the news of whatever is decided will be here on collectSPACE).

Beau08
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From: Peoria, AZ United States
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posted 04-18-2012 08:52 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Beau08   Click Here to Email Beau08     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Now that the shuttle fleet is officially grounded forever, I can only imagine the number of surplus parts there are that will never be used. Do you think NASA will officially release ownership of items and auction some of them off? If so I bet it will be much better organized than all the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo items...

Editor's note: Threads merged.

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