NASA Shuttle Decision Date: April 12, 2011 at Noon

The Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History, a serious contender for a retired space shuttle, will host a space shuttle watch at Noon on April 12th, the 30th anniversary of the first shuttle flight and the day when NASA will announce the shuttles’ final locations.

If awarded a shuttle, the Museum plans to build an expanded facility, the Brazos Valley Museum of Science and History, on the Texas A&M campus The Brazos Valley Shuttle Project has been endorsed by former President George H.W. Bush and local community leaders. Details of the space shuttles’ retirement are available in the NPR story, NASA’s Next Mission: Finding Homes for Shuttles, and includes interviews with Museum staff.

The Museum plans to use the space shuttle to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education, and also to inspire future generations, stimulate scientific inquiry, and enhance science literacy for the general public.

Each year, the Museum reaches over 30,000 citizens and visitors to the Brazos Valley with tours, lectures, exhibits, classes, special events, and outreach programs for all ages emphasizing natural and cultural history, science education and conservation of natural resources.

The Museum’s partnership with Texas A&M University, a leader in STEM education, makes the Brazos Valley an outstanding home for a retired space shuttle. Help us bring it here! To learn more, visit www.bringtheshuttle.com. Join our Facebook group: Bring the Shuttle to Texas or follow us on Twitter: @Bringtheshuttle.