Florida Space Coast Chapter of NSS

According to an article in Florida Today, the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation is getting ready to emulate other large-scale urban art projects with a “Shuttles Orbiting the Space Coast” display. The 1/20 scale replicas of the Space Shuttle are to be decorated by local artists and then exhibited around Brevard County for eight months starting in late 2008.

The 6-ft tall sculptures will be available for businesses to sponsor at an estimated price of $2,500 to $20,000 each with the proceeds benefiting the foundation. The location of the Shuttle sculpture will be determined by the sponsor. After the exhibition, sculptures will be sold to their sponsors or displayed at the KSC Visitor Center before being auctioned off.

The Brevard Cultural Alliance is helping to select the artists who will decorate the statues. $50,000 in startup financing for the project is being provided by the Brevard County Tourism Development Council and the KSC Visitor Center.  The project also honors NASA’s 50th Anniversary celebration.