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Author Topic:   Space Center Houston: Independence Plaza
GoesTo11
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From: Denver, CO
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posted 07-07-2013 12:31 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for GoesTo11   Click Here to Email GoesTo11     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by SpaceKSCBlog:
It was Explorer here at KSC, dunno why they feel they have to change the name (other than to erase where it came from).

It is rather odd. I suspect poster JSC01 is onto the motivation for this...it's a publicity project. There's nothing intrinsically wrong with that, of course. It just seems so obviously contrived.

As for a name preference, I really like Nathan Moeller's suggestion. I'll let him share it here himself if he so wishes

jklier
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posted 07-24-2013 12:17 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for jklier   Click Here to Email jklier     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I just watched the trailers for the new move Gravity that will be out this fall. The shuttle is named Explorer. I'm assuming that came from the simulator.

Google the movie and watch the trailers. There's 3 of them so far. Definitely worth seeing.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 07-24-2013 12:59 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
We have a topic here: Alfonso Cuarón's "Gravity" (Warner Bros. Pictures).

My understanding is the naming of the orbiter was coincidental and that the film production was unaware of the orbiter mockup by the same name.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 08-22-2013 06:56 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
collectSPACE
NASA's shuttle-ferrying jumbo jet to go on display with Boeing's help

A NASA jumbo jet that for more than three decades ferried space shuttles across the country is now being readied for its own move, thanks to the support from the aerospace company that originally built the iconic Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA).

On Thursday (Aug. 22), Space Center Houston, the official visitor center for NASA's Johnson Space Center in Texas, announced The Boeing Company will provide the needed disassembly and reassembly of the modified Boeing 747 jet so that it can be featured in a new $12 million, six-story educational attraction.

Ronpur
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From: Brandon, Fl
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posted 08-22-2013 10:57 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Ronpur   Click Here to Email Ronpur     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
They are turning the inside of the 747 into a museum?! That is brilliant!! I must visit Houston.

Still no tail cone in the artwork...

Robert Pearlman
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posted 08-22-2013 11:06 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 Ronpur:
Still no tail cone in the artwork...
And, as it stands today, there will be no tail cone in the final display.

GoesTo11
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posted 08-22-2013 11:59 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for GoesTo11   Click Here to Email GoesTo11     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Ronpur:
They are turning the inside of the 747 into a museum?! That is brilliant!!
Agree... that is fantastic. Why park a jumbo jet and just leave it empty?

astro-nut
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posted 08-25-2013 10:49 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for astro-nut   Click Here to Email astro-nut     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I cannot wait to see this display. It will be neat to be able to go into the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA). Just another reason to go visit the Johnson Space Center.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 09-20-2013 03:35 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
collectSPACE
Houston's space shuttle replica to get new name in public event

Houston's mock space shuttle has a new name — and a date for its reveal.

Space Center Houston, which serves as the visitor center for NASA's Johnson Space Center, has announced Oct. 5 as the day it will christen its full-size space shuttle orbiter replica. The public is invited to attend the naming, which is set to begin at 9:30 a.m. CDT (1430 GMT).

JSC01
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posted 10-01-2013 08:04 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for JSC01     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
T minus 5 days to the shuttle name-reveal! Any last minute guesses? I think it will be interesting to see if they pick something more geared towards youth ('Adventure' or similar) towards history (some on this forum suggested Columbia, Challenger, or even both), or something along the sailing-ship tradition for orbiters (I favored 'Endurance').

I was by EFD yesterday, I didn't see the 747. Perhaps work is beginning to dismantle?

Ronpur
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posted 10-01-2013 05:27 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Ronpur   Click Here to Email Ronpur     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I think Eagle would be cool. Then it can be said "Houston, the Eagle has landed!"

Ronpur
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posted 10-03-2013 07:34 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Ronpur   Click Here to Email Ronpur     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Will the Oct. 5 event happen if the government is still shutdown?

Robert Pearlman
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posted 10-03-2013 07:58 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Yes, a notice was sent out to media:
Despite the government shutdown, Space Center Houston is and will remain open for business, and this event will take place as planned.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 10-05-2013 10:16 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
collectSPACE
Houston's shuttle replica christened 'Independence'

Houston's space shuttle mockup is no longer nameless.

The full-size replica is now space shuttle "Independence," its new name symbolizing the spirit of Texas.

Officials with Space Center Houston, the visitor center for NASA's Johnson Space Center, revealed the name — the winning entry from its recent "Name the Shuttle" statewide contest — during a public christening ceremony Saturday (Oct. 5).

"We received a total of 10,263 [contest] entries from all across Texas, and our elite panel of judges sorted through a widespread collection of possibilities," Richard Allen, the president of Space Center Houston, said. "It was a tough decision, but we ultimately chose a name that celebrates the Lone Star State and highlights its distinct contribution to America's space shuttle program."

SpaceAngel
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posted 10-05-2013 01:26 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SpaceAngel   Click Here to Email SpaceAngel     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
How ironic that they name the shuttle Independence, the same name that was used for the movie Armageddon.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 10-05-2013 01:32 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
As noted in the article, Independence has a longer association with the real space shuttle than appearing as a fictional ship in "Armageddon."

Ronpur
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posted 10-05-2013 10:32 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Ronpur   Click Here to Email Ronpur     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I think it is a great choice.

JSC01
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posted 10-07-2013 06:04 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for JSC01     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I think it's a fantastic name. Interesting that it was #2 on Rob's list of original orbiter names on the previous page... With the contest happening, I really thought they would go for something a bit more novel. But I do love the quasi-link to the heritage of the original shuttle program. And the patriotism. Kudos SCH.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 10-17-2013 02:17 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Space Center Houston video release
The Space Shuttle Carrier Time-lapse

Space Center Houston is in the process of placing the massive 747 Space Shuttle Carrier at our front entrance. This video documents every move made since it was officially handed over.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 11-27-2013 03:52 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
collectSPACE
Space shuttle replica vandalized, sprayed with graffiti in Houston

A replica of a NASA space shuttle on display in Houston was defaced Wednesday (Nov. 27), when vandals sprayed racial and political graffiti on the side of the full-size mockup. The offending markings were quickly covered over within hours of their being found.

"Unfortunately, someone vandalized our high-fidelity mock shuttle," said Melanie Johnson, the director of education for Space Center Houston, the visitor center for NASA's Johnson Space Center where the model is located. "They wrote some offensive words and political statements."

The graffiti, which included the phrase, "Houston, we are the problem," was limited to the side of the space shuttle that faced away from the center's parking lot.

Cozmosis22
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posted 11-28-2013 11:13 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Cozmosis22     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
ABC-TV local news is reporting that written on the starboard wing was the phrase "Sorry, drugs made me do it." Still no clue as to the socio-political agenda, if any, of the stupid tagger/vandal.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 12-17-2013 06:46 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
collectSPACE
Space shuttle parking shuffle: Mock orbiter moved in Houston for jet display

Space shuttle Independence has a new parking spot.

Space Center Houston's full-size shuttle replica embarked on a short trip on Tuesday (Dec. 17) as it was moved from its outdoor display location of more than a year to a spot in the adjacent parking lot.

Riding on top of a motorized transporter similar to the 144-wheel vehicle that in June 2012 brought it to Space Center Houston, the visitor center for the NASA Johnson Space Center, the 123-foot-long (37 meters) shuttle mockup was moved from its place alongside the center's main building into the lot, where it will stay for the next several months.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 12-18-2013 07:38 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
See here for more photos from Tuesday's (Dec. 17) short move of space shuttle Independence.

JSC01
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posted 12-18-2013 02:14 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for JSC01     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Great to hear the project is moving along, and we're only a few short months away from seeing the 747 spread it's wings over the space center.

For Independence, looks the rear portions of the wings were taken off... any reason for that? Perhaps some repairs are underway?

Ronpur
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posted 12-18-2013 05:10 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Ronpur   Click Here to Email Ronpur     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
And the name still looks temporary.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 12-18-2013 05:21 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
The elevons were removed for refurbishment and the entire orbiter mockup will be going through an overhaul inside and out before (and, as needed after) its mounted atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft.

collectSPACE will be providing coverage of each step of the way, both behind the scenes and at each milestone event leading up to the opening in 2015.

Zach121k
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posted 12-22-2013 03:18 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Zach121k   Click Here to Email Zach121k     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Does anyone else HATE that OV-100 just has a cloth over the old name? Shouldn't they make new tiles to make it look at least slightly nicer?

Robert Pearlman
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posted 12-22-2013 03:24 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
The cloth name banner is temporary. The mockup will be completely repainted, including having its name properly added, before being mounted on the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft.

Despite what Wikipedia describes, I've never seen any reference to the mockup being referred to as OV-100 at Kennedy Space Center or now at Johnson Space Center. In fact, as Wikipedia properly notes:

The vehicle number is sequentially assigned within the series, beginning with 1. Therefore, there can never be an OV-100 as it would read "Orbiter Vehicle Series 1 Vehicle 0".

Robert Pearlman
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posted 02-06-2014 11:41 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Work is now underway to lay the foundation for the Shuttle 747 Carrier plaza and to restore the space shuttle Independence mockup. Photographs taken Feb. 6, 2014.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 02-17-2014 05:15 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Space Center Houston photo release
The space shuttle replica "Independence" undergoes cosmetic and structural alterations in preparation for installation on top of the shuttle carrier aircraft.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 02-17-2014 05:16 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Space Center Houston photo release
The foundation for the Shuttle & 747 complex undergoes final preparations before the big move. On February 15, contractors poured 340 yards of concrete.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 02-17-2014 05:17 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Space Center Houston photo release
This morning (Feb. 17) an elite group of Boeing engineers, simply known as the "Aircraft-on-Ground (AOG) Team," arrived at Ellington field to deliver 14 tractor trailers of equipment for the disassembly of the 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 02-22-2014 05:52 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Space Center Houston photo release
The Boeing AOG (aircraft on ground) team is working through the weekend to get ready for the BIG move at the end of April.

Here, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft's vertical stabilizer being lowered.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 02-26-2014 06:37 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Space Center Houston photo release
Work continues to progress on the 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft disassembly.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 03-06-2014 08:57 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
collectSPACE
NASA's shuttle-ferrying jet dismantled for move to Space Center Houston

The historic NASA jumbo jet that ferried retired space shuttles piggyback to their museum homes is now being prepared for its own lift to where it will be put on public display.

Parked on a remote tarmac at Ellington Field in Houston, NASA's original Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) can still be recognized as the specially-modified Boeing 747 it is, but seen from a distance its silhouette looks wrong. A closer inspection reveals why; the plane's tail (vertical stabilizer), ailerons, engine nacelles and landing gear have now been removed.

And it is soon to shed even more of its parts.

Hart Sastrowardoyo
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posted 03-06-2014 11:45 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Hart Sastrowardoyo   Click Here to Email Hart Sastrowardoyo     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
If the SOFIA program gets stopped, will 905's engines wind up back on the SCA or get stored for a time when SOFIA gets reactivated?

Robert Pearlman
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posted 03-06-2014 01:49 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I inquired about this, and almost included mention of it in today's article. The engines are not likely to return (whether they are retained by SOFIA or used elsewhere wasn't known).

Space Center Houston is still working with Boeing and the exhibit designers on whether replica engines will be used or if other real but retired engines will be sourced.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 03-27-2014 11:55 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
collectSPACE photo update
The disassembly of NASA 905 was completed on Wednesday, March 26, 2014 by Boeing's Aircraft on Ground team at Ellington Field. The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) will embark for Space Center Houston in late April (specific dates to be announced soon).

Robert Pearlman
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posted 03-27-2014 11:56 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
collectSPACE photo update

JSC01
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posted 03-27-2014 12:56 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for JSC01     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
It's simply amazing to watch this unfold. Extremely impressed with the Space Center Houston folks for pulling this off... Also with the ongoing renovations to Independence. She's almost glowing now, with her new exterior renovations and tile work. Kudos!


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