Space Shuttle Orbiter and SSME Request
2
Primary contact
Secondary contact
Jim Bridenstine, Executive Director
Dr. Gary Trennepohl, President
Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium Oklahoma State University, Tulsa
[email protected]
Chairman, TASM Board of Directors
W: 918-834-9900 x112
[email protected]
C: 775-815-3771
W: 918-594-8001
3624 North 74th East Avenue
700 North Greenwood Avenue
Tulsa, OK 74115
Tulsa, OK 74106
Third contact
Kim Jones, TASM Curator
[email protected]
W: 918-834-9900 x113
3624 North 74th East Avenue
Tulsa, OK 74115
Table of Contents
Page 4
Page 5
Page 6
Page 7
Page 8
Page 9
Page 10
Letter from Astronauts
Letter from OSU President
Letter from Oklahoma Governor
Letter from Tulsa Mayor
Letter from U.S Senator Inhofe
Letter from U.S. Senator Coburn
Nationally Significant Assets
Page 11
Page 17
Page 19
Page 21
Page 23
Page 24
Question 1
Question 2
Question 3
Questions 4 & 5
Questions 6 & 7
Appendix
3
Nationally Significant Assets
TASM displays several assets of national significance and has hosted Smithsonian-curated exhibits. TASM is
certified by the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force as well as the National Naval Aviation Museum.
Nationally significant exhibits include:
Autonomous Unmanned Reconnaissance Aircraft (AURA)
During the Cold War, Tulsa’s Aeromet built unmanned aircraft capable of gathering optical data in the reentry
corridor of intercontinental missiles. Unlike today’s UAVs, which are controlled remotely, AURA missions
were pre-programmed. During Desert Storm, the AURA was used for low level research flights.
Rockwell Ranger 2000
Rockwell International of Tulsa competed to deliver the military’s Joint Primary Aircraft Training System
(JPATS). The Ranger 2000 lost to Beech Aircraft’s Pilatus PC-9. TASM displays one of two remaining
Ranger 2000s. The Ranger 2000 was test piloted by NASA Astronaut, John Herrington of Oklahoma.
Spartan NP-1, C-2
Built in Tulsa, the only surviving Spartan NP-1 is
displayed at TASM. The NP-1 was the Navy
primary flight trainer flown by George H. W.
Bush for his first solo. TASM also displays one
of four Spartan C-2s.
F-14 Tomcat
TASM houses an F-14 Tomcat on loan from the
National Naval Aviation Museum.
Lunar American Flag
TASM showcases an American Flag that flew to
the moon on Apollo 14 Spacecraft “Kitty Hawk,”
piloted by CAPT Edgar D. Mitchell, USN.
TASM’s Spartan NP-1
NASA Mission Control Panels
TASM exhibits original NASA
Mission Control panels from Apollo
and early Shuttle flights.
Lunar Samples
TASM has frequently hosted lunar
samples from the Johnson Space
Center.
The TASM Photo Collection
TASM maintains signed photos of
Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart,
Frank Hawks, Will Rogers, Wiley
Post, plus photos detailing Tulsa’s
involvement in Saturn V rockets, the
Orbiter, and the ISS.
TASM’s Engine Collection
Question 1. Would your organization be
interested in acquiring an Orbiter and/or
SSME? At what location and for what
purpose?
The Tulsa Air and Space Museum &
Planetarium (TASM) would like to acquire an
Orbiter and SSME for display at the museum at
Tulsa International Airport.
Location (Tulsa International Airport)
• 10,000 ft runway
• Infrastructure to move an Orbiter as well as fabricate and
assemble Orbiter and SSME components
Next to American Airlines Maintenance Base – the
largest maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO)
facility in the world
Next to Spirit Aerosystems – the largest provider of
aerostructures in the world – wings and fuselages for
Boeing and Airbus
Near NORDAM – the world’s largest composite
repair facility
• Across the road from the Tulsa Zoo
• 6 minutes from downtown Tulsa
• 7 minutes from the BOK Center
• 1.2 million people within 60 miles
• 4.0 million people within 120 miles
1.2 million people
4.0 million people
BOK Center
Purpose
• Education and inspiration in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)
• Preserve history and honor all who contributed to the Space Shuttle Program
TASM is dedicated to STEM education and inspiration. A Space Shuttle Orbiter would be the centerpiece
for our many hands-on, discovery learning, space exhibits which we will increase significantly before the
Shuttle Orbiter arrives at TASM. Some of our current hands-on space exhibits include:
Launch Sequence Trainer
Mars Rover Simulator
Space Maneuvering Unit (SMU) Air Chair
“Space Explorers’ Lab”
Mission Control Simulator
Space Shuttle Cockpit Simulator
Oklahoma Astronaut John Herrington uses the Tulsa Air
and Space Museum’s Shuttle Remote Manipulator System
Orbiter Docking Simulator
TASM’s James E. Bertelsmeyer Planetarium is used to educate and
inspire children in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
TASM is dedicated to preserving aerospace history. Tulsa’s
history with the Space Shuttle Program is significant.
The Orbiter’s Cargo Bay Doors were built by Tulsa’s Rockwell
International. Tulsa is proud of the masterful engineering
accomplishment of these bay doors. They not only serve to
streamline the Space Shuttle during launch and reentry, but also
allow heat to be dissipated while in orbit. For this reason, the
bay doors are left open while in orbit. TASM would be
honored to tell this story in the presence of an Orbiter.
All eleven Main Truss Structures and
the Integrated Electrical Assemblies
(IEAs) of the International Space
Station (ISS) were built at Boeing
Tulsa. IEAs are used to orient the giant
solar arrays in the direction of the sun
to provide power to the ISS. Tulsa is
proud of these achievements and
TASM would like to tell these stories
in the presence of an Orbiter.
Oklahoma Astronaut John Herrington works on the Port One Truss
of the ISS. Like all ISS truss structures, the Port One Truss was
built by Boeing in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Rockwell International in Tulsa, Oklahoma made the modifications to the Boeing 747 Carrier
Aircraft to enable it to carry a Space Shuttle Orbiter. The Boeing 747 Carrier Aircraft was
accepted by NASA at the American Airlines Maintenance Base in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Space Shuttle Enterprise at Tulsa International Airport
The Shuttle Mate-Demate Devices (MDDs) used to lift the Orbiter onto the Carrier
Aircraft and maneuver the Orbiter vertically for the launch pad, were made by Rockwell
International in Tulsa. For this reason, TASM would like to engineer a device capable of
displaying an Orbiter in both the vertical and horizontal positions.
Question 2. Please explain your organization’s approach to raising the funding necessary for Orbiter
safing and final display preparation, SSME assembly and final display preparation, and transportation
services.
a. What would be the proposed sources of funding?
b. What is the estimated amount of time needed to raise sufficient funds to display an Orbiter
and/or SSME?
The Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium’s (TASM’s) vision for properly displaying an Orbiter and
SSME is grand. TASM estimates that its plan can be executed for $150M. This includes an Orbiter, SSME,
state-of-the-art building, additional discovery learning exhibits, and an endowment sufficient to permit a low
entrance fee. TASM’s fundraising effort will be as robust as its vision.
Numerous elected officials have already written letters on TASM’s behalf. TASM will continue to leverage
their support in our fundraising efforts. They include:
1. Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry (D-OK)
2. U.S. Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK)
3. U.S. Senator James Inhofe (R-OK)
4. Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor (D-Tulsa)
5. U.S. Congressman John Sullivan (R-Tulsa)
The Tulsa Chamber of Commerce and the Tulsa Convention and Visitors Bureau have offered to assist in the
fundraising effort. TASM will leverage their expertise in media relations to help raise money.
Numerous philanthropic foundations financially support the Tulsa and Oklahoma community. Many have
contributed to the capital requirements of TASM and we will ask for their pledges. They include:
12. Lobeck-Taylor Foundation
1. Charles and Lynn Schusterman
13. Maxine and Jack Zarrow Family
Foundation
Foundation
2. Donald W. Reynolds Foundation
14. Oxley Foundation
3. Founders of Doctors’ Hospital Inc.
15. Ralph and Frances McGill
4. George Kaiser Family
Foundation
Foundation
16. Samuel Roberts Noble
5. Grace and Franklin Bernsen
Foundation
Foundation
17.
Sarkeys
Foundation
6. H.A. and Mary K. Chapman
18. Sherman E. Smith Family
Charitable Trust
Foundation
7. Hardesty Family Foundation
19. Siegfried Family Foundation
8. Herman Kaiser Foundation
20. Tulsa Community Foundation
9. John Steele Zink Foundation
21. William K. Warren Foundation
10. J.E. and L.E Mabee Foundation
11. Kerr Foundation Inc.
Numerous corporations financially support the Tulsa and Oklahoma community. Many have contributed to
the capital requirements of TASM and we will ask for their pledges. They include:
7. Chickasaw Nation Casinos
1. American Airlines
8. ConocoPhillips
2. Ameristar Casinos
3. Arvest Bank
9. Creek Nation Casinos
4. Bank of Oklahoma
10. Devon Energy
5. Cherokee Nation Enterprises
11. Halliburton
6. Chesapeake Energy
12. Helmerich & Payne
13. Kanbar Properties
14. KPI Architects Inc.
15. The NORDAM Group, Inc.
16. OMNI Air International
17. ONEOK
18. Osage Nation
19. Pryer Machine
20. QuikTrip, Inc.
21. Sonic Inc.
22. Spirit Aerosystems
23. SpiritBank
24. Sunoco, Inc.
25. Vanguard Car Rental USA, Inc.
a. Alamo Rental Car
b. National Rental Car
26. Williams
Numerous individuals financially support the Tulsa and Oklahoma community. Many have contributed to the
capital requirements of TASM and we will ask for their pledges. They include:
1. Bennett, Clay
18. Jarvis, Charles and Sandy
2. Booker, D. Ray
19. Keating, Frank
3. Brooks, Garth
20. Keith, Toby
4. Bumgardner, John
21. Lorton Family
5. Cadieux, Chester
22. Lyberger, Stan
6. Case, Mike
23. Maxwell, Tom
7. Collins, Fulton and Family
24. McClendon, Aubrey
8. Davis, Jeff
25. McIntyre, Reba
9. Dobson, Everett R.
26. Meinders, Herman
10. Enns, Ike
27. Merrell, Greg
11. Esposito, John
28. Pickens, T. Boone
12. Funk, Bob and Nedra
29. Pielsticker, Doug
13. Flint Family
30. Rooney, Francis
14. Gaylord Family
31. Selby, Ken
15. Green, Mart
32. Stuart, Jon
16. Helmerich, Walt
33. Taylor, Kathy
17. Holmes, Burt
34. Wilburn, Jim
Due to these community partners, TASM estimates that it can raise the required funds
in three to six months. If needed, financing can be secured through a local lender.
TASM donors recently purchased the original American
Airlines “Flagship Tulsa” DC-3 for the museum.
A U.S. Navy Blue Angel teaches in a TASM
classroom sponsored by Spirit Aerosystems.
Question 3. The Space Shuttle Orbiter and SSMEs may not be displayed outdoors, and
will require suitable climate-controlled indoor display space. Please provide your
organization’s capabilities to appropriately house, protect, and curate a Space Shuttle
Orbiter and/or SSME.
A new 335,000 SF, 18 story state-of-the-art building will be constructed specifically to showcase
the Space Shuttle Orbiter, SSME, and other NASA exhibits. The new facility will enable the
Orbiter to be displayed in spectacular ways.
• The new facility will permit the Orbiter to transition between vertical and horizontal.
Since Tulsa residents engineered and built the lifting frame to maneuver the Shuttle into
launch position, TASM would like to honor their service by utilizing similar components
to display the Orbiter.
• The facility will permit the Orbiter Bay Doors to be displayed in either the opened or
closed position. Since Tulsa residents engineered and built the bay doors, TASM would
like to showcase the Orbiter with both open and closed bay doors.
• When the Orbiter is vertical, a glass elevator will be used to take patrons to terraces at
various levels to see inside the Shuttle Bay.
• When the Orbiter is vertical, a catwalk will enable patrons to see into the cockpit.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Below the Space Shuttle Orbiter will be the Shuttle Convention Center capable of
seating up to 2,000 visitors.
Inside, the Shuttle Convention Center will have a 10-story LED screen showing Shuttle
launches, landings, International Space Station docking, space walks, and other
extraordinary NASA footage.
All displays will be in a sophisticated, climate controlled environment with optimum
temperature and humidity throughout.
Artifacts will be located within the building as required to preserve their integrity.
The exterior windows will utilize internal opaque-transparent window technology and
will be automated to protect the Shuttle, SSME, and other displays from direct sunlight
during daylight hours. These exterior windows will not only provide a view of the
Shuttle from the exterior, but also create a dramatic display from the inside to accentuate
the mass and scale of the Orbiter.
Interior display lighting will be LED and exterior windows facing north will utilize tinted
“low-e” glazing which will exclude 99.5% of all ultra-violet light.
TASM will ensure the building incorporates the latest green technology in energy
creation and use. Solar panels, geo-thermal energy, and the latest energy management
technology will be incorporated into the design to assist with both energy creation and
conservation.
Question 4. Given the financial and curatorial requirements stated in this RFI, what is
the earliest date your organization could accept the transfer of an Orbiter and/or SSME?
Space Shuttle Main Engine – July 2009
Space Shuttle Orbiter – September 30, 2011
Question 5. What is the benefit to the Nation of displaying a Space Shuttle Orbiter and/or
SSME at your facility? In your response, please identify:
a. How you would use these assets to inspire the American public and students in
particular;
b. Other specific educational or educational outreach opportunities; and
c. How you would assess, evaluate, and measure these objectives.
Inspire the American public and students
• A Space Shuttle Orbiter, SSME, and other NASA exhibits will open doors for inquiry
learning which builds conceptual bridges between process and scientific knowledge.
Discovery
learning,
NASA
inspiration, and an aerospace hub like
Tulsa will create a stimulus for
America’s next generation aerospace
workforce.
• With fewer American students than
ever graduating from college with
math and science degrees, America’s
school systems are racing to enrich
STEM
(Science,
Technology,
Engineering
and
Mathematics)
programming. The Tulsa Air and
Space Museum & Planetarium has
uniquely positioned itself to assist
with this effort. An Orbiter, SSME,
and other NASA exhibits would be combined with inquiry-based exhibits and hands-on
programs to spark the imagination and inspire youth to seek careers in science, technology,
engineering, and math.
• TASM is centrally located within the United States. Placing an Orbiter at TASM, with its
planetarium and proposed 10-story LED video screen, would permit many Americans an
opportunity to experience the excitement of space flight in an area of the country where
NASA’s exposure has historically been limited.
• Tulsa is a community filled with aerospace workers and America needs to inspire a new
generation of aerospace workers. TASM will reach the right audience.
• Current TASM programs include summer camps, day camps, school field trips, robotics club,
and scout programs. Our exhibits include a Space Shuttle simulator, a Space Shuttle launch
sequence trainer, a Space Shuttle robotic arm, a NASA Manned Maneuvering Unit Air Chair,
a computer-based flight simulation lab, a wind tunnel, and many more hands-on exhibits.
Each of these would inspire the American public, especially students.
• TASM will develop programs that illustrate how the space exploration agenda benefits
everyday lives including communications, radio, television, remote sensing, imaging,
advanced materials, medical discoveries, weather observations, etc. When possible,
Astronauts will be used to convey the nation’s space exploration agenda.
•
As a participant of the Oklahoma Museum Network, TASM provides STEM and inquirybased workshops for teachers (K-12). In conjunction with area museums, TASM receives
state grants for the Highly Qualified Teachers program and the Improving Teacher Quality
program. These grants are provided by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.
Educational Outreach Opportunities
TASM has already developed the
educational relationships that will result in
an immediate national level impact. The
Tulsa Air and Space Museum &
Planetarium will partner with Oklahoma
State University in establishing the Nation’s
premier
discovery
learning
center.
Oklahoma State University has 37 years of
experience in educational partnerships with
NASA. Currently, the University holds
three grants from NASA with a total
funding amount of more than $7.4 million
annually. OSU operates NASA’s Teaching
from Space Project, which resulted in Barbara Morgan becoming the first Teacher Astronaut.
OSU provides ongoing support for the NASA Explorer Schools Project and the NASA Digital
Learning Network Module. In addition, OSU manages NASA’s “Interdisciplinary National
Science Project Incorporating Research and Education Experience” (INSPIRE). Oklahoma State
University and the Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium will be able to create the
Nation’s premier discovery learning center showcasing the world’s premier space exploration
vehicle. This relationship will immediately provide access to school children all across the
nation. Burns Hargis, The President of Oklahoma State University, has enclosed a letter in this
response endorsing this project. Dr.
Gary Trennepohl, the President of OSUTulsa, is TASM’s Board Chairman and
the secondary contact person for this
response.
While TASM’s relationship with
Oklahoma State University provides
TASM with an immediate national
educational impact, TASM will continue
its relationships with the University of
Tulsa, Tulsa Technology Center, Tulsa
Community
College,
and
area
TASM’s Flight Simulation and Computer Lab
elementary, middle, and high schools.
Oklahoma
State
University
Objective Assessment, Evaluation, and Measurement
• A teachers’ advisory board composed of educational leaders will be tapped to develop and
analyze programs.
• Programs will be measured against PASS (Priority Academic Student Skills, Oklahoma State
Board of Education) and National Science Objectives.
• Each year, programs will be evaluated for relevance, attendance, student satisfaction, and
parent satisfaction. Attendance records and surveys will be kept to assess effectiveness.
Question 6. Provide the techniques and interpretive strategies that you would use to
enhance the display of these artifacts and increase the public’s ability to understand the
Nation’s space exploration agenda.
• TASM will focus on the benefits mankind has received from the Nation’s space exploration
agenda. From our daily meteorological information to our use of radio, television, Google
Maps, metal alloys, and medicines, space exploration has affected us all.
• When possible, TASM will use Astronauts to convey the Nation’s space exploration agenda.
• In addition to showcasing America’s amazing space exploration achievements, TASM would
like to showcase the contributions Tulsans made to the Nation’s space exploration agenda.
From the very first “Peaceful Uses of Space Conference” held in Tulsa and addressed by
John F. Kennedy to the Delta Rocket Program to the Space Shuttle Program to the Integrated
Electrical Assemblies and the eleven truss structures built for the ISS, the Tulsa workforce
has contributed significantly to space exploration. TASM would like to honor their
contributions.
• TASM would also like to showcase the Boeing 747 Carrier Aircraft, which was modified in
Tulsa to carry the Shuttle and was accepted by NASA in Tulsa.
• TASM would like to honor Dr. Shannon Lucid, Oklahoma’s record setting female Astronaut
who once held the single mission spaceflight endurance record.
• TASM would like to honor CDR John Herrington, the first Native American Astronaut who
hails from Guthrie, Oklahoma.
Question 7. What additional assets, tools or expertise would your organization request
from NASA in order to display these assets to the American public?
• The Tulsa workforce designed and built the Shuttle Mate-Demate Device (MDD) that is used
to hoist the Orbiters off the ground for mating with the 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. One of
TASM’s volunteers was an engineer on the project. TASM would like to have a Shuttle
Mate-Demate Device.
• TASM would like to have a Remote Manipulator System that was used in space to
compliment our hands-on Robotic Arm exhibit.
• TASM would like to have the original 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. The Tulsa workforce
modified the 747 for carrying the Shuttle and it was accepted in Tulsa.
• Because Oklahomans participated extensively in previous space programs such as Mercury,
Gemini, and Apollo, TASM would like to request that
NASA assist us in securing exhibits on loan from the
Smithsonian Air and Space Museum from these programs.
TASM’s Popular Engines Exhibit
TASM’s Popular Bernoulli Ball Exhibit
Appendix
Mission Statement
Celebrate Oklahoma’s aerospace history and inspire science-based learning through discovery.
Organizational Chart
Board of
Directors
Executive
Director
Financial
Director
Educational
Director
Curator
Office
Manager
Building
Manager
Admissions
Clerk
Gift Shop
Manager
Planetarium
Director
Fund
Development
Marketing
Director
Educator
Planetarium
Presenter
Membership
Sales
Educator
Admissions
Clerk
Facility
Rentals
Volunteer
Coordinator
Gift Shop
Clerks
Volunteers
Nature of Governing Authority
• Board of Directors hires the Executive Director.
• Executive Director is responsible for managing financial and human resources.
• TASM is privately funded and receives no state or federal funds.
Accreditation or other relevant credentials
• Member of the American Association of Museums (AAM).
• Certified by the National Naval Aviation Museum to receive artifacts and aircraft on loan.
• Certified by the National Museum of the USAF to receive artifacts and aircraft on loan.
• Finalizing an agreement with the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library for loans.
• Loan agreement with the Johnson Space Center for periodic loan of space program materials.
Collection Ownership and Management Policy
TASM utilizes a Collections Management Policy (27 pages, available upon request)
consistent with museum best practices as set down by the American Association of Museums
(AAM) as well as the AAM Curator’s Committee Code of Ethics. Through the Collections
Committee, donations are judged for suitability for inclusion in the collection. If accepted,
the donation is catalogued using the PastPerfect 4.0 museum software for documenting its
collection and generating the various forms for communicating with donors.
Population of the geographic area in which the organization is located
60 mile radius – 1.2 million
120 mile radius – 4.0 million
Local infrastructure for transporting a Space Shuttle Orbiter, once offloaded from the
Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, to the final display location
The American Airlines Maintenance Base is very capable of lifting and moving aircraft as
large as a Boeing 747. Spirit Aerosystems builds aerostructures (wings and fuselages) for the
largest Boeing and Airbus aircraft. These firms are located on the airport and are willing to
assist as required.
Budget and resources profile including endowments over the past 5 years
Budget
Income-Capital
Income-Operating
Expenses
Net Gain (loss)
Audited Assets
Endowment
Attendance
2008
2007
$ 435,141
$ 749,857
$ 1,163,144
$
21,854
$ 5,636,029
$ 300,000
$ 494,714
$ 706,350
$ 1,066,751
$ 134,314
$ 5,624,689
$ 250,000
90,089
93,866
Tulsa’s North American Aviation built structures for
Apollo Spacecraft and Saturn Rockets. These were used
to place Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the moon.
2006
$ 687,992
$ 623,243
$ 937,046
$ 374,189
$ 5,474,029
$
87,654
2005
$ 1,472,956
$ 259,123
$ 574,306
$ 1,157,774
$ 4,419,440
$
-
2004
$ 1,163,834
$ 215,423
$ 403,370
$ 975,887
$ 3,154,274
$
-
26,022
Tulsa’s Douglas plant built
structures for Delta Rockets which
launched America’s first satellites.
19,316