Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Community & Economic Development & Trade Committee |
SJM 8025
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. |
Brief Description: Requesting that a retired space shuttle orbiter be transferred to Washington's museum of flight.
Sponsors: Senators Prentice, Haugen, Fraser, Shin and Roach; by request of Governor Gregoire.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/18/10
Staff: Meg Van Schoorl (786-7105).
Background:
Museum of Flight.
The Museum of Flight in Seattle is a private nonprofit organization governed by a Board of Trustees. Its mission is "to acquire, preserve and exhibit historically significant air and space artifacts, which provide a foundation for scholarly research, and lifelong learning programs that inspire an interest in and understanding of science, technology, and the humanities."
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Established in 1958, the mission of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is to pioneer the future in space exploration, scientific discovery and aeronautics research. The NASA is headquartered in Washington D.C. and conducts its work through four primary "mission directorates:" aeronautics, exploration systems, science, and space operations. The Space Shuttle orbiters, reusable ships created to provide regular access to space, were first launched in 1981 and have undertaken more than 120 successful flights. The Space Shuttle orbiters are slated for retirement by 2010.
Summary of Bill:
The state Senate and the House of Representatives jointly petition the NASA to transfer either the Atlantis or Endeavour Space Shuttle orbiter to Seattle's Museum of Flight when retired. Among the reasons given for supporting the petition are:
the state's historic and continuing leadership role in the commercial aerospace industry;
the presence of 100,000 skilled aerospace workers and over 600 aerospace-related companies in the state;
the presence of the Museum of Flight in Seattle, the largest nongovernmental, nonprofit air and space museum in the United States;
the demonstrated commitment of the Museum of Flight to acquiring a Space Shuttle and building a world class gallery to exhibit it; and,
the opportunity to recognize the achievements of the NASA astronauts, including 19 who have direct ties to the state.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.