Artifacts recovered from the wreckages of NASA's Challenger and Columbia space shuttles are for the first time now on public display, part of a powerful new exhibit that is intended to honor the two winged spacecraft and their fallen astronaut crews.
NASA officials joined family members of the fallen crews Saturday (June 27) to open "Forever Remembered," a new permanent exhibit installed under the retired space shuttle Atlantis at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The solemn display, developed in secret over the past several years, serves to memorialize the 14 men and women who lost their lives on Challenger's and Columbia's ill-fated missions, STS-51L in 1986 and STS-107 in 2003, respectively.
"It's now time to tell the full scope of the space shuttle's achievements," NASA Administrator Charles Bolden wrote in a message to the agency's workforce, "Of the men and women who made the program great; and the sacrifices of those who lost their lives to push the boundaries of human achievement."
MarylandSpace Member
Posts: 1403 From: Registered: Aug 2002
posted 06-27-2015 11:11 AM
Thank you Robert for a very moving writing.
Greggy_D Member
Posts: 1005 From: Michigan Registered: Jul 2006
posted 06-27-2015 11:18 AM
Looks like a great tribute to the crews. The lighting and color scheme is beautiful.
GACspaceguy Member
Posts: 2774 From: Guyton, GA Registered: Jan 2006
posted 06-27-2015 11:35 AM
Very respectful presentation.
Rick Mulheirn Member
Posts: 4428 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
posted 06-27-2015 12:19 PM
Agreed.
onesmallstep Member
Posts: 1327 From: Staten Island, New York USA Registered: Nov 2007
posted 06-27-2015 01:54 PM
First read about this on another space-themed website, and was surprised and pleased at the presentation of the artifacts and family mementos. Just as surprising were the visceral reactions to this exhibit posted by people who worked at KSC on shuttle that any piece of the orbiters should have been put on display, let alone that you have to pay to go see them.
A lot of scorn was heaped on Delaware North, but of course that is water under the bridge and I'm sure NASA took its time in planning the exhibit and was not driven by any motive other than commemorating the lost crews, unlike some comments I read lamenting that the KSCVC is becoming 'Disneyfied.' Will be interesting to see what will happen with Apollo 1 and any similar memorial display.
KSCartist Member
Posts: 3009 From: Titusville, FL Registered: Feb 2005
posted 06-27-2015 02:13 PM
I look forward to seeing it. I toured the hangar next to the Shuttle Landing Facility in 2003 and viewed the remains of Columbia. It was like attending a "wake" of a dear friend. A very somber experience.
Thank you to NASA, to Delaware North and to the families for working together to make this happen.
I agree that criticism about DNPS operating the visitor complex can be laid to rest. Everything they have done has been first class.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 47762 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 06-27-2015 02:15 PM
Delaware North was not involved in the creation of this exhibit; it began as the idea of Kennedy Space Center director Bob Cabana even before ground was broken for the Atlantis exhibit and he has personally seen it through to its completion, including working with the families to obtain their approval and participation.
Cabana solicited NASA Administrator Charles Bolden's support three years ago at the delivery of Discovery to the Smithsonian.
The exhibit has been kept a closely held secret for years, even though the space for the exhibit was included in the design of the Atlantis facility. There were managers at Delaware North who were not made aware of it until this week.
quote:Originally posted by onesmallstep: Will be interesting to see what will happen with Apollo 1
Cabana said there have been no discussions about its display.
Dave Clow Member
Posts: 236 From: South Pasadena, CA 91030 Registered: Nov 2003
posted 06-27-2015 03:01 PM
Well done Robert.
onesmallstep Member
Posts: 1327 From: Staten Island, New York USA Registered: Nov 2007
posted 06-27-2015 04:55 PM
Interesting to know that Cabana and Bolden discussed the joint memorial at the time of Discovery's delivery three years ago, which I attended. It makes appropriate sense that a senior NASA manager and his boss, both former astronauts, would work together to memorialize and honor their friends and colleagues.
The opening of the exhibit closes a circle, if you will, after the end of the shuttle program and now that all orbiters are on display around the country.
DeepSea Member
Posts: 69 From: Registered: Jun 2014
posted 06-27-2015 06:41 PM
I was stunned to see the photographs that hit the internet this morning, and I have just finished watching the video of the opening ceremony. I think that this is exceptionally well-done in terms of taste. The numerous people involved in turning this concept into the finished article should be congratulated for getting it just right.
quote:Originally posted by onesmallstep: The opening of the exhibit closes a circle, if you will, after the end of the shuttle program and now that all orbiters are on display around the country.
Indeed.
While I at least understood the decision to deposit the Challenger debris in the silo, it always felt, as Mullane put it in his autobiography, as if she was being hidden away in shame.
The main thing that strikes me is the sheer courage and bravery of the Challenger and Columbia families in giving their consent for this display, particularly in terms of the recovered debris. It is a very selfless act, and I just hope dearly that the visitors to KSC - enthusiast and tourist alike - show this display the proper respect and decorum that it deserves and which it is entitled to.
Ronpur Member
Posts: 1250 From: Brandon, Fl Registered: May 2012
posted 06-27-2015 07:02 PM
I still remember when that piece of the Challenger was recovered and shown on CNN as the recovery ship brought it in. I seem to remember a crew member of the ship being rather excited and emotional as he stood next to it. It had a portion of "United States" on it as well before it was cut for storage. I still get chills thinking of that image, and next month, when we go back, I am sure I will get more chills as I see it.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 47762 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
"Forever Remembered," which opened Saturday (June 27) at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, features includes recovered hardware from both Challenger and Columbia, never before on display for viewing by the public. It also contains the largest collection of personal items from both fallen flight crews.
quote:Originally posted by DeepSea: The main thing that strikes me is the sheer courage and bravery of the Challenger and Columbia families in giving their consent for this display...
NASA has released a video of some of the family members discussing the exhibit. In order of appearance: Evelyn Husband Thompson, wife of Columbia's commander Rick Husband; Lynne Salton, sister of STS-107 astronaut Laurel Clark; June Scobee Rodgers, wife of Challenger's commander Dick Scobee; and Cheryl McNair, wife of STS-51L astronaut Ron McNair.
SpaceAholic Member
Posts: 4999 From: Sierra Vista, Arizona Registered: Nov 1999
posted 06-27-2015 07:27 PM
Has NASA yet sanctioned an analogous exhibit hosting Apollo CSM 012 artifacts?
DeepSea Member
Posts: 69 From: Registered: Jun 2014
posted 06-27-2015 07:34 PM
Robert answered that a few posts up. Apparently no active plans.
This seems to have been a personal campaign amongst a handful of prominent individuals of the Shuttle era to ensure their friends are not forgotten in the Shuttle story as it is told to KSC's visitors.
A movement for displaying Apollo 1 would probably have to emerge from elsewhere.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 47762 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 06-27-2015 07:41 PM
As with "Forever Remembered," it would have to include the approval of the Apollo 1 families as well and reportedly not all of them are supportive of NASA exhibiting anything related to AS-204.
Ronpur Member
Posts: 1250 From: Brandon, Fl Registered: May 2012
posted 06-27-2015 07:52 PM
I assume this is located where the big round wall was, and where the previous "Forever Remembered" display was? Just to the right of the shuttle fleet photos?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 47762 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 06-27-2015 07:58 PM
Here are a couple of photos showing the location:
Ronpur Member
Posts: 1250 From: Brandon, Fl Registered: May 2012
posted 06-27-2015 08:05 PM
OK, that is where I thought it was. We have another visit scheduled in a few weeks, so I will not miss this.
pupnik Member
Posts: 122 From: Maryland Registered: Jan 2014
posted 06-27-2015 09:07 PM
Hopefully the bright blue color is just the result of long exposure photography. I would hope the actual exhibit isn't so neon.
These are personal treasures these families had held onto for over 10, or nearly 30 years. Special personal items surrendered so a much wider group of people can learn about their loved ones and the sacrifice they made. I can't imagine their strong and widely conflicted feelings at providing these for display.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 47762 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 06-28-2015 05:42 AM
Here are a couple of walkthrough videos that give a good idea about the lighting:
David Carey Member
Posts: 927 From: Registered: Mar 2009
posted 06-28-2015 10:09 AM
Looks very well done. The lighting is surely meant to be evocative of the earth's limb as would be seen on orbit, and from Robert's pictures the installation seems to capture that nicely.
I'm anxious - in both senses of the word - to see the exhibit in person, and appreciate the NASA administration and family support for the effort.
posted 06-28-2015 11:11 AM
While the tribute to the fallen shuttle crews is most commendable; the inclusion of physical artifacts of the destroyed vehicles was not necessary.
Is there some particular reasoning behind placing the broken parts on display?
MrSpace86 Member
Posts: 1618 From: Gardner, KS Registered: Feb 2003
posted 06-28-2015 11:20 AM
Do you have a reason for it to be unnecessary? Is it necessary to have the Ryder Truck pieces on display in Oklahoma City? Is it necessary to have the gun used to assassinate a President on display in Washington D.C.? They are historical artifacts, tragic or not.
I, for one, would have liked a few more items from the orbiters on display. But I agree with (almost) everyone, what a lovely exhibit.
Is this a permanent exhibit?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 47762 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 06-28-2015 11:37 AM
Yes, this is a permanent exhibit.
Bolden, Cabana and the families thought the inclusion of the debris artifacts was important to the exhibit.
"I believe that it's important to share this story with everyone, and not just push it aside, or try to hide it," Cabana said, referencing the debris. "These crews and these vehicles are part of who we are as an agency, and a nation. They tell the story of our never ending quest to explore, and our undying spirit to never give up."
onesmallstep Member
Posts: 1327 From: Staten Island, New York USA Registered: Nov 2007
posted 06-28-2015 12:06 PM
With all due respect, the inclusion of the orbiter artifacts is as evocative a symbol of man's reach for the stars as shuttle Atlantis is soaring above them. A picture may say more than a thousand words, but there is something more tangible and resonant in having actual artifacts from an historic event on display.
The delicate path one walks down is between a memorial honoring a tragic event, and voyeurism. This same debate happened in the planning for the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York, but the curators rightly took the best path of presenting all the historical facts as they occurred, objects that survived, and the aftermath. As an eyewitness on that tragic day, I appreciate their efforts.
In order to preserve and commemorate history for the next generations, events both good and bad must be interpreted. Hopefully, Apollo 1 and its brave crew wil be honored in some way at KSC or the Smithsonian in similar fashion.
DeepSea Member
Posts: 69 From: Registered: Jun 2014
posted 06-28-2015 08:07 PM
quote:Originally posted by Cozmosis22: While the tribute to the fallen shuttle crews is most commendable; the inclusion of physical artifacts of the destroyed vehicles was not necessary.
The people most affected by those two tragedies do not have an issue with it, so I don't see why anyone else has grounds for complaint.
I am entirely understanding of the sentiments, but ultimately, a symbolic piece of the torn wreckage of each vehicle says far, far more about the sacrifice made by the fourteen than 100,000 sugary eulogies and recitals of High Flight ever could.
It is a bold move on the part of Cabana and NASA, and a brave one on the part of the families, but one that I think should be sincerely applauded. The only danger, as I see it, comes from how the wreckage is treated by the visiting guests, but as onesmallstep alluded to, I'm sure the experience of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum and others has shown that tourists can be 'trusted', as it were.
Hart Sastrowardoyo Member
Posts: 3457 From: Toms River, NJ Registered: Aug 2000
posted 06-28-2015 10:24 PM
Look at the above debate. This shows that the physical artifacts are necessary - to stir debate, to provoke a conversation.
posted 06-29-2015 08:22 AM
There you go. If an underlining purpose was to generate controversy, they succeeded. Understand that tourism may be down since the shuttle stopped flying; and as they say on Madison Avenue, "There is no such thing as bad publicity."
By the way, don't we already have a nice tribute to our fallen space heroes outside of the Visitor Complex, the huge Astronauts Memorial?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 47762 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 06-29-2015 08:29 AM
There is a significant difference between conversation and controversy, and the suggestion it was done to drive attendance is without basis and offensive.
This exhibit was developed over the course of four years with full participation by all 14 families. Were there anything unseemly to it, there would have been no way NASA would have received their support.
The Space Mirror Memorial is dedicated to the astronauts who have died. "Forever Remembered" is a memorial to the astronauts and the orbiters, as well as recognizes the teams who recovered and returned the space shuttle program to flight.
posted 06-29-2015 10:45 AM
It looks dignified, respectful and tasteful. NASA must now do the same for the Apollo 1 crew to complete the theme of "Forever Remembered."
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 47762 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 06-29-2015 10:55 AM
As noted earlier, the families of the Apollo 1 crew are not in agreement over the display of any artifacts, and as such NASA will not proceed with any such exhibit.
(And although Apollo 1, STS-51L and STS-107 are usually associated with each other, the loss of Apollo 1 is from a separate chapter of history that would be out of place in the "Forever Remembered" exhibit, itself part of a larger facility dedicated to the history of the space shuttle program.)
J.L Member
Posts: 689 From: Bloomington, Illinois, USA Registered: May 2005
posted 06-29-2015 11:08 AM
quote:Originally posted by Robert Pearlman: ...the loss of Apollo 1 is from a separate chapter of history that would be out of place in the "Forever Remembered"
It would be appropriate at the Saturn V Center.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 47762 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 06-29-2015 11:18 AM
Possibly, but the storyline of the Apollo/Saturn V Center is intended to be Apollo 8 through Apollo 17 (though Apollo 1 receives mention during the opening film).
The storyline for Heroes and Legends, the new Early Space Exploration and Astronaut Hall of Fame gallery to open next year is Mercury-Redstone 3 through Apollo 7, making it perhaps a better place for Apollo 1, but as noted, given the families' positions, that is not in the plans for either location.
p51 Member
Posts: 1736 From: Olympia, WA Registered: Sep 2011
posted 06-29-2015 11:23 AM
One of my uncles was a geologist and archeologist for the State of Florida for many years. He's since passed on but when I was a kid, I clearly remember him telling my brother and me that the only difference between 'grave robbing' and archeology is how long it's been since the people died and if there's anyone around that remembered them.
I would suggest the same applies to the perception of stuff like this. Some people who might recoil in horror at seeing something like this might not have a problem with seeing artifacts from the Titanic or going to see items at the USS Arizona memorial in Hawaii. And why? Because the latter took place long enough ago to 'temper' people to the past.
So how long must it be in the future before people are more okay with it? Beats me, but its human nature to claim the recent past as your 'own' and be offended with anything about it you don't like.
But the past never occurs to just one person.
quote:Originally posted by DeepSea: I am entirely understanding of the sentiments, but ultimately, a symbolic piece of the torn wreckage of each vehicle says far, far more about the sacrifice made by the fourteen than 100,000 sugary eulogies and recitals of High Flight ever could.
I can't argue with this at all. Very good logic, there.
All that said, I'm not 100% sure how I'd have reacted to seeing it in person had the display been there when I was there in October last year. I might not have even gone over to look.
quote:Originally posted by Robert Pearlman: The exhibit has been kept a closely held secret for years...
Apparently the powers that be wanted no input from the general public nor the former employees at KSC. The secrecy is a bit unbecoming of an open society and doesn't seem like a particularly smart way to plan an exhibit.
Regarding the comparisons to the 9/11 Memorial in New York City and the Pearl Harbor Memorial in Hawaii; they are much different. Visitors are experiencing memories of acts of war and people who go to those locations know what they are likely to find.
Folks who go to Kennedy Space Center don't expect to see space accident debris. They want to enjoy the glory of our decades of space accomplishments up close and personal. They want to learn about our galactic activities past and present. I always felt that visiting KSC was somewhat like going to nearby Disney World in that it was "the happiest place on Earth" especially for a space geek like me.
Some people are more emotionally sensitive than others and are uncomfortable being around objects so closely related to human tragedy. They will indeed be appalled by the Challenger and Columbia wreckage on display and I hope they voice their concerns.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 47762 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 06-29-2015 04:14 PM
The exhibit is in a room of its own, and the Challenger and Columbia artifacts are in a separate room within that gallery such that:
visitors can choose not to view any part of "Forever Remembered" and still experience the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit; or
visitors can choose to view the astronauts' personal mementos and videos, without ever entering the room with the debris.
In that sense, it is not very different from the Space Mirror Memorial, which is also part of the visitor complex. People can choose to pay their respects, or can decide to avoid that area of the park.
quote:Originally posted by Cozmosis22: ...doesn't seem like a particularly smart way to plan an exhibit.
The public had no input into the design of the larger Atlantis exhibit to no ill effects. The Smithsonian doesn't seek the public's input into its new exhibits, nor does any number of air and space museums across the country.
GoesTo11 Member
Posts: 1350 From: Denver, CO Registered: Jun 2004
posted 06-29-2015 04:57 PM
The exhibit looks very tastefully done... and something like it was long overdue, in my opinion. Kudos to Bob Cabana for shepherding the project (and to Bolden for sanctioning it).
As for the display of debris and personal effects, I believe that reasonable people can disagree on this sort of thing. As far as I'm concerned, the families' support settles it. Well done by all involved.
OV-105 Member
Posts: 873 From: Ridgecrest, CA Registered: Sep 2000
posted 06-30-2015 01:16 AM
quote:Originally posted by Cozmosis22: I always felt that visiting KSC was somewhat like going to nearby Disney World in that it was "the happiest place on Earth" especially for a space geek like me.
The only thing is, it is not Disney World. Not everything is always a happy ending.
Our space program has always been open. The success and the failures have been there for everyone to see. To lock it away where it will not be seen is almost like trying to rewrite history. As long as it is done in an honorable manner which this looks like, it should be shown.
onesmallstep Member
Posts: 1327 From: Staten Island, New York USA Registered: Nov 2007
posted 06-30-2015 01:33 AM
There are people who will obviously be aghast at seeing the artifacts from the orbiters on display, but just as moved and reflective by looking at the personal mementos of the two lost crews. And that, I think is the whole point of the exhibit: to present the WHOLE story of Challenger and Columbia, and the shuttle program, by showing the successes and yes, failures of an exciting, pioneering and important period of human spaceflight.
I don't think it's enough to just say, 'These two crews died doing what they loved,' maybe show a photo of them walking out of crew quarters to the launch pad and then go on and recite all the shuttle missions that followed a return to flight. It would be a disservice to them, and history, by essentially whitewashing a traumatic and important period of NASA and the nation's history.
The KSCVC was not created to be 'the happiest place on earth' solely for the benefit of space enthusiats (or geeks) like those on this forum. If you go to the museums at Edwards or NASA Armstrong, I'm sure they mention and pay tribute to the many test pilots/flight engineers who died. The world of high-performance flight, whether in the atmosphere or in space, is fraught with danger and loss, and no amount of 'feel good' sugarcoating can avoid that,
posted 06-27-2015 10:46 AM
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