FINAL BILL REPORT

SJM 8025

Synopsis as Enacted

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.

Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation

House Committee on Community & Economic Development & Trade

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. The Space Shuttle Program, part of the Space Transportation System, is scheduled to be retired from service in 2010 after 134 launches.

Typical space shuttle missions have crews of about seven astronauts, orbit at altitudes of around 150 to 250 miles, and stay in space for ten days to two weeks.

Six space shuttle orbiters have been built.

NASA's current plans call for the space shuttle 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) is an independent, accredited, non-profit 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 at 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: The Senate 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.

Votes on Final Passage: