Independence rises to the occasion (atop a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft)

2014-08-18

On Aug. 14, before the sweltering afternoon sun had set in over Clear Lake, a drama of the spaceflight sort was taking place at Space Center Houston, NASA Johnson Space Center’s official visitor center. Independence, the shuttle orbiter replica that had previously wowed spectators at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, was hoisted atop former NASA 905, a retired Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), for permanent display in the piggyback configuration.

The only such orbiter to be shown in this configuration, the static display will serve as visual eye candy for visitors to Space Center Houston and those driving by while work is being done on the inside to create a historical, interactive display that will tell the Space Shuttle Program’s in-depth story. Future visitors should be able to travel back through time, inside, when the shuttle orbiter and SCA combo open to the public in 2015. Stay tuned!

With an August blue sky as a background, Richard Allen, president and CEO of Space Center Houston, speaks to a crowd on hand to witness the space shuttle replica Independence being hoisted and placed atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft 747. Image Credit: NASA/James Blair

JSC Director Ellen Ochoa speaks to a crowd on hand at Space Center Houston to witness the space shuttle replica Independence being hoisted and placed atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft 747. Image Credit: NASA/James Blair

Former astronaut Eileen Collins speaks to a crowd on hand at Space Center Houston. Image Credit: NASA/James Blair

Space Center Houston's space shuttle replica Independence is hoisted for placement atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft 747. Image Credit: NASA/James Blair

From another vantage point, Independence is hoisted for placement atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft 747. Image Credit: NASA/James Blair

Another view of Independence being lifted to its final placement. Image Credit: NASA/James Blair

As a large crowd looks on, Independence is placed atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft 747. Image Credit: NASA/James Blair

Almost in place ... Image Credit: NASA/James Blair

The orbiter replica Independence is eased into place. Image Credit: NASA/James Blair