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Space Shuttle Artifacts May Be Coming To Columbus

Space Shuttle Artifacts May Be Coming To Columbus (Added: February 10, 2010)

The used parts are worth $17 million (more)

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Space Shuttle Artifacts May Be Coming To Columbus

The used parts are worth $17 million.

By Mark Edmonston
Published: February 10, 2010

» 0 Comments | Post a Comment

Next January, the Coca Cola Space and Science Center could possibly be the new home for nine rare NASA artifacts.

The used parts are worth $17 million.

One of the artifacts will be an escape basket. Astronauts use escape baskets when they must abort from a shuttle if there are problems before launch. The basket operates similar to a zip-line. The most impressive piece will be an actual engine nozzle; it's one of the conical shaped intruments at the base of the shuttle. Essentially, it helps blast the shuttle into space.

Lance Tankersley with the Science Center says these artifacts could be 'huge' for the Center if NASA follows through on their generous donation.

The artifacts are currently in three different states: California, Florida, and Texas. Tankersley says some of the Science Center staff members are planning a road trip to retrieve the parts. They hope to make a documentary chronicling their trip.

*According to Tankersley, there is a slight chance NASA could retain an item if a technical use was found for it.

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