this is the space shuttle yet what
you're looking at is more than 600 miles
from the launch pad
as shuttles are being readied for
takeoff in florida this unique space
shuttle display is taking shape in
huntsville alabama for decades the nasa
center here has provided the powerful
rockets that thrust our nation into
space the marshall space flight center
is now joining forces with the state of
alabama's space and rocket center the
home of u.s space camp to bring the
shuttle to the public it completes that
manned space flight collection that we
now have with the shuttle
and you really must walk under
this
massive vehicle to appreciate the size
and the power that that machine can
harness when it lifts off the pad
nasa's first contribution to the exhibit
was pathfinder although never meant to
fly it was used in the early ground test
at nasa's marshall and kennedy centers
that cleared the way for the orbiters
that follow
two of pathfinder's main engine nozzles
however did actually fly in space they
help boost the maiden voyage of the
columbia into orbit
recently pathfinder flew just briefly as
it was hoisted into place atop this real
shuttle external fuel tank
soon real solid rocket boosters will
complete this one-of-a-kind shuttle
exhibit the beauty of our full-scale
space shuttle display is that it gives
nasa a place to show these these items
we don't have to store these large
components away in a warehouse where
nobody can see them the space shuttle
plaza in huntsville serves as a 122-ton
monument to the blending of technology
and human spirit that's always powered
this nation's space program before
and undoubtedly always will
in huntsville this is mike harrington
reporting
all right
okay
and that is that it completes that
manned space flight collection that we
now have with the shuttle
and you really must walk under
this
massive vehicle to appreciate the size
and the power that that machine can
harness when it lifts off the pad