SENATE BILL REPORT
HJM 4027
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation, February 24, 2010
Brief Description: Requesting that a retired space shuttle orbiter be transferred to Washington's museum of flight.
Sponsors: Representatives Hasegawa, Hudgins, Maxwell, Wallace, Simpson and Kenney; by request of Governor Gregoire.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/12/10, 95-1.
Committee Activity: Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation: 2/18/10, 2/24/10 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, OCEAN & RECREATION |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Jacobsen, Chair; Ranker, Vice Chair; Morton, Ranking Minority Member; Fraser, Hargrove, Hatfield and Stevens.
Staff: Sherry McNamara (786-7402)
Background: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) space shuttle orbiters are the first spacecraft capable of routinely launching into orbit like rockets and then returning to Earth as gliders. The orbiters are used for scientific research and space applications, such as deploying and repairing satellites. The first operational flight began in 1982.
NASA's current plans call for the Space Shuttle orbiters to be retired from service in 2010. The shuttle Discovery has been promised to the Smithsonian Institutions's National Air and Space Museum, and the Atlantis and the Endeavour are planned to be sold to other education institutions or museums.
The Museum of Flight (Museum) in Seattle is an independent, accredited, nonprofit museum regarded as one of the largest air and space museums in the world, attracting more than 400,000 visitors annually. The Museum is located on Boeing Field. In addition to the Red Barn, Boeing's first manufacturing facility, the Museum's collection includes more than 150 historically significant air and spacecraft.
Summary of Bill: The Senate and House Joint Memorial requests that NASA transfer one of the remaining space shuttle orbiters, Atlantis or Endeavour, to the Museum of Flight in Seattle upon its retirement.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: There are two orbiters scheduled to be retired this year, it would be great if one of them was transferred to the Museum of Flight. The state of Washington is known for its world class air and space history. The Museum of Flight is a repository of world renown aircraft and a space shuttle orbiter would be a wonderful addition to this collection.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Hasegawa, prime sponsor.