spaceshuttle The space shuttle in Huntsville is about to get a major glow up — The Pathfinder space shuttle is getting ready for some restorations. Photo via the US Space & Rocket Center’s Facebook

Ready for blast off! Huntsville’s US Space & Rocket Center has plans to give the iconic full-size replica of the space shuttle a face lift. After years of weathering, let’s take a look at the history of this Alabama landmark and what’s in store.

Houston, we have a problem…well used to

127915705 10158769692761971 1816799198965856715 o The space shuttle in Huntsville is about to get a major glow up — US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville. Photo via US Space and Rocket Center on Facebook

It was last July when we shared that the US Space & Rocket Center was hit hard by COVID-19. The center, and its beloved space camp programs, needed to raise over $1M to stay afloat. If not, the iconic state landmark would have closed permanently in October 2020.

The news was difficult to hear, but people took notice. If you’ve been to the center in Huntsville, you know the experience is out of this world.

“The US Space and Rocket Center is a staple in the Huntsville community. Huntsville wouldn’t be the place it is without NASA, and the US Space and Rocket center tells that story. Many people come through the center/space camp and learn STEM hands-on. Many campers have gone on to be pilots and engineers.
The Space and Rocket Center has been home to many memories over the years and has given so many people opportunities they wouldn’t have without it. It’s only right that future generations get the chance to experience the same thing.”
Kyle Williams, Former Aviation Challenge Crew Trainer, US Space and Rocket Center

Luckily, in August 2020, the mission was accomplished and the US Space & Rocket Center was able to raise the required $1.5M in just eight days.

The space shuttle’s getting ready for a glow-up ✨

72237098 10157347834936971 4712005759993380864 o The space shuttle in Huntsville is about to get a major glow up — The space shuttle, Pathfinder in Huntsville. Photo via the US Space & Rocket Center’s Facebook + taken before COVID-19

Who can say they’ve seen a real space shuttle in person? Huntsville is the only place in the world where you can see a full-size replica of the shuttle—fuel tank, rocket boosters and all.

Tuesday, January 19, the space center announced they’ll be restoring the shuttle thanks to a $500,000 federal grant and donations. The restoration is definitely needed as the shuttle has been open to the elements and has become quite weathered over the past 30 years.

The entire restoration is estimated to take several years and we’re looking forward to checking out the end result.