Space Center Houston challenges Texans to ‘Name the Shuttle’

A. Lee Graham Reporter   Officials with Space Center Houston, the visitors center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center, have launched a statewide contest giving one winning Texan the opportunity to name the full-scale Space Shuttle replica planned to sit atop the 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft as part of a new $12 million, six-story attraction currently under development. Running through Labor Day, the “Name the Shuttle” contest gives Texans the chance to show their support of America’s space program and to honor the men and women who worked on the Space Shuttle Program during its 30-year history. “A year ago, the nation watched in excitement as the Space Shuttle replica made its historic arrival via barge from the Kennedy Space Center to the banks of Clear Lake,” said NASA-JSC Center Director Dr. Ellen Ochoa in a news release. “I’m very pleased that Space Center Houston will be the home of not only this high-fidelity Shuttle replica, but also the NASA 747 as its base,” Ochoa said. Entrants may visit www.nametheshuttle.com and submit an original name symbolizing the spirit of Texas. All entrants will receive an email submission verification and a thank-you coupon Space Center Houston discount admission. A judging panel will select one winner, expected to be announced in mid-September. The winner’s name will be painted onto the side of the Space Shuttle replica, with the winner having his or her name and hometown incorporated onto a placard at the new attraction. The winner also will receive a three-day trip for four to Space Center Houston, which includes a VIP tour of the facility, a behind-the-scenes experience at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, hotel accommodations, meals and travel compensation. The winner will also be invited to attend and participate in the grand opening ceremony in 2015. More information is available at www.nametheshuttle.com.   lgraham@bizpress.net