The Kennedy Space Center to display "Atlantis"!

As you may already know, the era of Space Shuttle launches is slowly coming to an end, since the President of the United States wanted to cut the budget that was put on the very expensive space missions. This may be a bit sad for some, but on the other side, it will mean a great, new addition for the Kennedy Space Center!

Indeed, it will display the humongous space shuttle "Atlantis", after its return from the June 2011 mission:

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NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Awarded Space Shuttle Atlantis

Kennedy Space Center, Fla. (April 12, 2011) - NASA officials announced today that Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has been selected to permanently display space shuttle Atlantis upon retirement of the Space Shuttle Program. Atlantis, one of three orbiters in the space shuttle fleet, will fly the last scheduled space shuttle mission before being retired in 2011. 

"This is a proud moment for space shuttle workers, Brevard County and Florida," said Bill Moore, Chief Operating Officer of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, upon news of the announcement. "We are honored to be entrusted with space shuttle Atlantis, to preserve this remarkable national treasure and share the space shuttle story with millions of visitors from around the world."  

The $100 million exhibit for Atlantis will be the marquee element of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex's 10-year master plan. Initial design concepts for the 65,000 square-foot home for the space-flown orbiter include viewing the space shuttle "in flight," showing how the spacecraft worked in space and providing a unique vantage point for guests to look at the complex vehicle up close. Complementing the orbiter display will be interactive features reflecting major accomplishments of the Space Shuttle Program, including the Hubble Space Telescope and the International Space Station.

About the orbiter home, Moore stated, "Plans are underway to create a home for Atlantis that is as much about the thousands of people who have worked on the Space Shuttle Program as the space shuttle itself. Guests will be close enough to almost touch this real space flown orbiter." 

Officials with Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex plan to break ground on Atlantis' new home in 2012 with a grand opening planned for 2013. The orbiter home will be located in the Shuttle Plaza at the main Visitor Complex; incorporating the Shuttle Launch Experience attraction. 

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This is surely a great news for Kennedy Space Center! Can't wait to see it in person.