For decades, NASA’s Space Shuttle program was a cornerstone of space exploration, shuttling astronauts and cargo to orbit and back. But have you ever wondered how these iconic spacecraft traveled across the country?
In October, Astronaut Foods was invited to the Johnson Space Center by the folks at NASA, and no trip to NASA would be complete without a stop at the Space Center Houston!
At Space Center Houston, visitors can get an up-close look at the incredible Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA)—a modified Boeing 747 that transported Space Shuttles like Endeavour, Atlantis, and Discovery.
Photo by NASA: Space Shuttle Discovery mounted atop a NASA 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft at Washington Dulles Airport - the first orbiter retired from NASA's shuttle fleet
The Hero Behind the Shuttles
The SCA wasn’t just any airplane. This heavily modified Boeing 747 was retrofitted to carry the massive 200,000-pound shuttles on its back. The SCA supported NASA’s needs by ferrying orbiters to launch sites and museums, ensuring they reached their destinations safely. It performed this extraordinary feat thanks to structural reinforcements, shuttle mounting struts, and the addition of vertical fins on the tail for stability.
One of the most unique experiences at Space Center Houston is exploring this engineering marvel up close. The exterior of the plane is a sight to behold, with the full-scale mock-up of a Space Shuttle mounted on top—a perfect opportunity for spaceship selfie!
A Peek Inside the SCA
Visitors can step inside the aircraft to view its specially adapted interior. The plane’s main cabin was stripped of its passenger seating to accommodate the unique demands of ferrying shuttles. Walking through the interior, you’ll find exhibits showcasing the plane’s history, the engineering behind the modifications (look at the retrofitted bulkheads!), and even flight control panels used during its active years.
Touring the Shuttle Mock-Up
The experience doesn’t end with the 747. The full-scale Space Shuttle mock-up on top is open for tours, giving visitors a rare opportunity to step inside and imagine what it was like to prepare for orbit. The mock-up replicates key areas of the shuttle, including the payload bay and cockpit, offering a tangible connection to NASA’s incredible legacy.
The Legacy of the SCA
The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft played an essential role in NASA’s Space Shuttle program, transporting these spacecraft between missions and, later, to their final resting places in museums. Its last missions were bittersweet, carrying shuttles to destinations like the California Science Center and the Smithsonian’s Udvar-Hazy Center. Now retired, the SCA at Space Center Houston stands as a testament to the ingenuity and determination that define space exploration.
