Update: NASA’s 747 and Enterprise Have Taken off from Washington Dulles
04.27.12
WASHINGTON — NASA’s 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) with space shuttle Enterprise mounted atop is on its way to New York City.
It will fly at a relatively low altitude over various parts of the New York City metropolitan area and is expected to fly near a variety of landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty and Intrepid. After the flyover is complete, the SCA will land at JFK.
NASA’s 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) with Enterprise mounted atop will fly at a relatively low altitude over various parts of the New York City metropolitan area and is expected to fly near a variety of landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty and Intrepid. After the flyover is complete, the SCA will land at JFK.
The Federal Aviation Administration is coordinating the flight, which is scheduled to occur between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. EDT, weather permitting. The exact route and timing depend on weather and operational constraints.
Several weeks following the arrival, Enterprise will be “demated” from the 747 and placed on a barge that will be moved by tugboat up the Hudson River to the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in June. The shuttle will be lifted by crane and placed on the flight deck of the Intrepid where it will be on exhibit to the public starting this summer in a temporary climate-controlled pavilion. The Intrepid continues work on a permanent exhibit facility to showcase Enterprise that will enhance the museum’s space-related exhibits and education curriculum.
For more information about NASA’s transfer of space shuttles to museums, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/transition