Understood that no one may know the answer yet, but I'm just curious...?

Question

When the Space Shuttle Program wraps up pretty soon, what will be done with the shuttles? They're not simply going to "throw them away" (for lack of better terms) are they? Will they be given to space museums, by any chance? If so, do you think it would be possible to view them maybe at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., when all is said and done with? I'd be interested in viewing a space shuttle that has been in orbit.

laurahal42 · Accepted Answer

I would expect one to end up in the National Air and Space Museum. Probably the place by Dulles Airport where they have the big stuff. The Shuttle is the size of a 727, and there aren't many museums big enough to hold one.

They'll probably scrap the others. The cost of transportation would be prohibitive.

Anonymous · Answer

There are 3 functional shuttles, plus Enterprise (which was never an orbital vehicle).

Enterprise is on display at the National Air and Space Museum (part of the Smithsonian).

Its likely that the other shuttles will be on display at any of several US museums such as:
- NASA's Kennedy Space Centre Visitor Complex
- CalTech (the university that manages the Jet Propulsion Lab in Pasadena)
- Vandenberg Air Force base

Stimpy · Answer

I would think that they would end up in museums.

Yuki · Answer

I think they will use it again for future missions

Understood that no one may know the answer yet, but I'm just curious...?

4 Answers