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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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For Sale: Space Shuttle, $42M

NASA seeking museums to purchase spacecraft after retirement

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(Newser) – NASA is taking the unprecedented step of offering to sell the three space shuttles to museums when the workhorse vehicles are retired some time after 2010, reports the Orlando Sentinel. The space agency is seeking at least $42 million—including $6 million for shipping and handling, and the cost of decontaminating each shuttle.

NASA is contacting science museums, educational institutions and other organizations in a hunt for potential buyers able to come up with such a large sum for a piece of space history. Insiders say the agency needs every cent for the shuttle's replacement, the Ares 1 rocket and Orion capsule, which are over budget.

NASA is offering to sell the space shuttles after retirement to a museum. The price tag, including flying it piggy-back from the Kennedy Space Center, is $42 million.
NASA is offering to sell the space shuttles after retirement to a museum. The price tag, including flying it piggy-back from the Kennedy Space Center, is $42 million.   (AP Photo/NASA - Tom Tschida)
The space shuttle Endeavor approaches the International Space Station. NASA wants $42 million for a space shuttle when the vehicles are retired some time after 2010.
The space shuttle Endeavor approaches the International Space Station. NASA wants $42 million for a space shuttle when the vehicles are retired some time after 2010.   (AP Photo/NASA)
Space shuttle Endeavour lifts off from the pad at the Kennedy Space Center. NASA wants $42 million for a space shuttle when the vehicles are retired some time after 2010.
Space shuttle Endeavour lifts off from the pad at the Kennedy Space Center. NASA wants $42 million for a space shuttle when the vehicles are retired some time after 2010.   (AP Photo/John Raoux)
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