NASA Astrovan, Shuttle Artifacts Up For Grabs

NASA's famed "Astrovan" -- the silver Airstream motor home that hauls astronauts from crew quarters to the launch pad -- is up for grabs.

So is the $100 million Motion-Based Shuttle Flight Simulator that replicates earthshaking shuttle launches, ascent, atmospheric reentry and landing.

Spacesuit gloves, space food, helmets and other surplus gear also are available to eligible education institutions, museums and other organizations interested in obtaining artifacts after NASA's shuttle fleet is retired in late 2010 or 2011.

The artifacts are free. But recipients must pay shipping and special handing costs. Museums, schools, organizations and other federal agencies must determine their eligibility by registering at a web site set up by NASA and the General Services Administration.

The address is:
Shuttle Artifacts.

Potential recipients can view available artifacts at that site. Each artifact will be screened for 90 days; then requestors will be notified of the status of their requests.

Requests do not guarantee the item will in fact become available, or when it will become available. Artifacts will be incrementally released when they are no longer needed by the shuttle program and in accordance with export control laws and regulations.

As for the shuttles, they're being handled separately. NASA has estimated that it could cost up to $42 million to get the orbiters ready for display and ferry them to their final resting place. Shuttle Discovery has been promised to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington.

That leaves Atlantis and Endeavour available to science museums, educational institutions and other organizations.