Space Shuttle Independence facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Independence |
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Space Shuttle replica Explorer (now Independence) at Kennedy Space Center, Florida
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| Country |  United States |
| Contract award | Guard-Lee |
| Status | On display at Space Center Houston |
The Space Shuttle Independence, once called Explorer, is a life-sized model of a real Space Shuttle. It was built by a company called Guard-Lee in Florida. It first went on display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in 1993. Later, in 2012, it moved to Space Center Houston.
This amazing replica was made using real plans and documents from NASA. Even though it's a model, some parts, like its Michelin landing gear tires, were actually used in the real Space Shuttle program. The Independence is about 122 feet (37 meters) long and 54 feet (16 meters) tall. Its wings stretch out 78 feet (24 meters) wide, and it weighs around 171,860 pounds (77,955 kilograms).
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Space Shuttle Independence at Kennedy Space Center
When it was known as Explorer, this shuttle model was a big attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. It stood high up on concrete pillars, held securely by steel cables. Visitors could walk up ramps or take an elevator to explore inside.
Inside the Explorer, you could see a pretend payload (the cargo it would carry). There was also a mannequin wearing an orange pressure suit, like the ones astronauts wore. You could even peek into a mock cockpit with controls and instruments. Next to Explorer were two large solid rocket boosters and a full-size model of an Space Shuttle external tank.
Moving to Space Center Houston
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The Kennedy Space Center was getting a real retired shuttle, the Atlantis. So, the Explorer model had to move. On December 11, 2011, it left the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center. It was carefully moved using a special 144-wheel trailer. To make way for the huge shuttle, some streetlights and signs had to be taken down. The shuttle was even lifted over a guardhouse!
The model stayed near the Vehicle Assembly Building until May 24, 2012. Then, it began a journey by barge to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. As part of this big move, the replica shuttle was no longer called Explorer.
On June 1, 2012, the shuttle arrived in Houston by barge. It was guided to the Johnson Space Center dock on Clear Lake. Just like in Florida, lights and tree branches along the road were moved to let the shuttle pass. Another 144-wheel trailer then moved the shuttle model to the visitor center.
The Johnson Space Center held a big party called "Shuttlebration" to welcome the replica. People gathered to watch the shuttle arrive and move onto the visitor center grounds. This was the largest item to arrive at the JSC dock since a Saturn V rocket in 1977!
New Name and Renovations
On May 2, 2013, Space Center Houston announced exciting news. They had gotten NASA 905, which is one of NASA's special Boeing 747 planes that carried real shuttles. The plan was to display the shuttle replica on top of this plane. Visitors would be able to go inside both the shuttle and the plane.
A contest was held to give the shuttle a new name. It started on July 4, 2013, and over 10,000 ideas were sent in. On October 5, 2013, the winning name was announced: Independence.
The Independence then went through a lot of work in 2013 and 2014. It was fixed up and made to look even more like a modern space shuttle. This included new outer skin and fake thermal tiles. Now, visitors can explore the mid-deck and payload bay. There's also a modern glass cockpit on the flight deck and displays with real shuttle items.
On August 14, 2014, the Independence was carefully lifted onto NASA 905. The plane had been moved to Space Center Houston earlier that year. This combined exhibit, called "Independence Plaza", opened to the public on January 23, 2016. It cost about $12 million to create.
Gallery
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Shuttle mock-up Explorer at Kennedy Space Center.
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A model of a rocket motor inside Independence, similar to one carried on a real shuttle mission.
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Shuttle Independence on top of NASA 905 at Space Center Houston.
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