Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Uproar After NC State Agent 'Fixes' Girl's Lunch Preschooler has to eat chicken nuggets instead of mom's meal »

For Sale: Space Shuttle, $42M

NASA seeking museums to purchase spacecraft after retirement

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 18, 2008 2:58 AM CST
Email

(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)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
Mr.C
Dec 17, 2008 11:54 PM CST
N Korea will buy them

NASA likely to give away space shuttles
CNET

Tough decision looms on space shuttle's fate
Wall Street Journal

 
NASA • museum • space shuttle • Kennedy Space Center • Smithsonian • Orion • Ares I • Air and Space Museum

More Newser Stories

Righty Blogger Infiltrates DC Protest, Ignites Uproar

NASA Reveals Massive Mars Rocket Plans

Atlantis Makes Final Landing

Post-Shuttle Era NASA: Now What?

'Godspeed:' Atlantis Leaves ISS a Final Time
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne