Rep. Turner, Sens. Voinovich and Brown Ask NASA to Send Retired NASA Space Shuttle Orbiter to Ohio

Press Release

Today U.S. Congressman Michael R. Turner (OH-3) and U.S. Senators George V. Voinovich (R-OH) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) authored a letter signed by the Ohio Congressional Delegation to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) reiterating support for the transfer of a retired Space Shuttle orbiter to the National Museum of the United States Air Force (NMUSAF) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

The Secretary of the Air Force has requested a retired space-flown orbiter for long-term preservation and public display at NMUSAF. The Air Force was instrumental in determining the orbiter's design and capabilities and many of the shuttle astronauts have been members of the Air Force. NMUSAF has identified the Air Force Space Mission as its most important exhibit priority.

"The National Museum of the United States Air Force is the ideal facility to preserve the legacy of NASA's Space Shuttle program," Congressman Turner said. "The U.S. Air Force played a significant role in developing the nation's space program. Retiring a space shuttle orbiter at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, just miles away from the historic home of the Orville and Wilbur Wright, will strengthen the aerospace heritage of the region. In addition, it will serve as an educational attraction for students and residents interested in America's space program and encourage local tourism and economic growth. I appreciate the support of the entire Ohio Congressional Delegation in this effort."

"The Space Shuttle Program ushered in a new era of American space exploration. Over the last 30 years, the program has lead our nation to both experience the heights of human accomplishment and to explore the depths of despair," Sen. Voinovich said. "Each of the Space Shuttle's orbiters tell a unique story about our nation's space program, and they should be placed strategically across the country to allow as many Americans as possible the opportunity to learn about these incredible machines. The National Museum of the United States at Ohio's Wright-Patterson is the world's largest and oldest military aviation museum. Since it is visited by 1.3 million people annually, free of charge, I think this museum is the perfect place to locate an orbiter to allow the next generation of explorers, scientists and mathematicians to learn its history."

"Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is a hub for science, technology, research and development. This makes the National Museum of the United States Air Force a perfect place to display an orbiter," Sen. Brown said. "By locating the Shuttle at Wright-Patt, thousands of Ohioans will be able to see the success of our space program and integral role Ohio plays in supporting NASA."

Ohio has a rich aerospace history. It is home to the Glenn Research Center, one of only 10 NASA research centers in the country. It is the premier NASA facility for microgravity science, in-space transportation, aerospace communications, and aeropropulsion and interdisciplinary research for bioscience. NASA's economic impact to the state exceeds $1.2 billion and acts as a catalyst of the 1,200 aerospace-related companies in Ohio - companies that employ more than 100,000 Ohioans.

Last April, Rep. Turner, Senators Voinovich and Brown led the Ohio Congressional Delegation in sending a letter of support for the transfer of an orbiter to Acting NASA Administrator Charles Scolese. Rep. Turner reiterated this request in February after Major General Bolden took over as NASA Administrator. Today's letter reiterates the Ohio Delegation's support to Administrator Bolden to send an orbiter to NMUSAF.

Source