Shuttle Enterprise on a Barge

[APG85]

Some shots on the below link of Enterprise being towed on a barge. I actually find these images unsettling somehow (going from the Smithsonian to a barge). I just don't see the Intrepid as being a safe, corrosion free environment for something like the prototype Space Shuttle. I also think the large tent that will house it will detract from the appearance of the aircraft carrier which is awesome in it's own right. Hopefully, they can quickly raise funds for a land-based museum. Just my opinion...

http://www.launchphotography.com/Enterprise_barge.html

[mustangdriver]

Take a good look. It will be the last time you see it look that nice.

[kzollitsch]

No arguments here, it's disturbing to see something that rare only feet above the water and then to remain so close to the water at it's permanent home. Especially when you consider the shuttle could have been flown into either Seattle or Dayton and put in a better environment immediately.

[K5DH]

While we may not agree with the NASA's decisions on where to display the space shuttles (I know I don't), let's at least be happy that they didn't scrap them! Mr. and Mrs. John Q. Public and their kids will have the chance to see a real space shuttle in-person at the various museums. Maybe some of the kids will get interested in space exporation. Maybe this close-up exposure to our beloved space shuttles will rekindle some interest in space exploration among the public. Maybe somehow the taxpayers can convince the government that we need to keep exploring space. We can hope...

[peter]

Isn't it true that the tent is only temporary until the new building is built across the street??

[APG85]

Isn't it true that the tent is only temporary until the new building is built across the street??

The building is just a dream. There's no money for it...yet. I'm not sure they've even secured the land for it. It will be years before a building materializes...

[k5083]

Having dropped in on Discovery last week in her new home and having seen Enterprise there previously, I have to say that Enterprise almost isn't worth fighting over. I hear lots of people both within and outside the aerospace fraternity call it a "fake Shuttle" and there's really something to that when you walk up to Discovery. The mods, the weathering, all kinds of things tell you that you are looking at a real spacecraft now. Not that Enterprise isn't worth preserving, but the others are a lot more special.



August

[RMAllnutt]

Having dropped in on Discovery last week in her new home and having seen Enterprise there previously, I have to say that Enterprise almost isn't worth fighting over. I hear lots of people both within and outside the aerospace fraternity call it a "fake Shuttle" and there's really something to that when you walk up to Discovery. The mods, the weathering, all kinds of things tell you that you are looking at a real spacecraft now. Not that Enterprise isn't worth preserving, but the others are a lot more special.



August

I would have to agree with you on that August. There is no comparison. And the continual bitching over the decision about the shuttle fleet's final disposition has completely worn thin. Can we just give it a rest for a while at least?

All the best,
Richard

[maradamx3]

No arguments here, it's disturbing to see something that rare only feet above the water and then to remain so close to the water at it's permanent home. Especially when you consider the shuttle could have been flown into either Seattle or Dayton and put in a better environment immediately.

Or Houston!

[viking73]

No arguments here, it's disturbing to see something that rare only feet above the water and then to remain so close to the water at it's permanent home. Especially when you consider the shuttle could have been flown into either Seattle or Dayton and put in a better environment immediately.

Or Houston!

+1 for Houston!! What a slap to the face...

[mustangdriver]

Oh and for the record, it's already been damaged

http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-060412c.html#024

[MX304]

Oh and for the record, it's already been damaged

http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-060412c.html#024

Luckily it's minor damage, but still..

[APG85]

Enterprise has her place in Shuttle history. No, she never flew in space. She was the prototype and flew the Approach and Landing tests which were extremely important steps toward proving that the the system was sound. She also was used to verify the functionality of the Vehicle Assembly Building, Pad 39A and the Vandenberg Launch Complex 6 (never used). Had she been modified for space flight (it was considered) instead of OV-099 (Challenger), she sadly would have (theoretically) been the 51L launch vehicle. Her service was invaluable and she is an historic artifact, maybe not on the same level as the actual space flown orbiters, but historic to space history none the less.

[carlisle1926]

We are much better at towing things on barges up the Houston Ship Channel or Galveston Bay. I don't think that sort of thing would have happened if it were on its way to Nasa here.