Ellis Giles

JSC Special: It’s a Shuttlebration! Plan Your Weekend Accordingly

“Shuttlebration Weekend” will mark the arrival of the high-fidelity space shuttle currently en route to Houston. The full-scale replica departed Kennedy Space Center (KSC) on Thursday, May 24, for to Space Center Houston (SCH). The barge carrying the mockup is expected to arrive Friday, June 1. A free, public event on the shores of Clear Lake will welcome the shuttle replica before beginning its journey down NASA Parkway to SCH. The arrival of the orbiter will also require changes to parking at JSC and road closures in the surrounding area in support of the event will be required.

SCHEDULE OF FESTIVITIES:

Friday, June 1:

2 p.m. — Event area open to public event for viewing as the Space Shuttle replica arrives on Clear Lake

2 p.m. (until 9 p.m.) - Free, public street party located between the JSC dock and the Houston Hilton NASA Clear Lake

3 to 5 p.m. — Space shuttle replica arrives at the JSC dock located at 3000 NASA Parkway

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Entertainment provided by the MaxQ Band on the main stage

9 p.m. — Fireworks show on Clear Lake to close the evening

Note: There will be no pets, coolers or outside food/beverages allowed in the event area. Public parking will be provided on JSC property using Gate 3 for entrance/exit located off of Space Center Boulevard, with tram transportation to and from the event location. No public parking is available at the event.

Saturday, June 2:

All Day — The space shuttle replica will be loaded onto a mobile transfer vehicle for transport to SCH. The lakeside load-out will take a full day to complete. There are no public events planned for this day.

Sunday, June 3:

5 to 8 a.m. — Replica transported along NASA Parkway from JSC dock to SCH. The trek down NASA Parkway is expected to take three hours. Once at SCH, the replica will be welcomed by JSC’s prototype planetary rovers for future solar system exploration, local scout troops and marching bands as it is rolled to its location.

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Following the arrival, there will be a free, family-oriented public celebration in the SCH parking lot, offering viewing opportunities of the replica, NASA space exploration exhibits, fun activities for the entire family and much more.

Questions about details of the event can be directed to the External Relations Communications and Outreach Branch at x35111.

TRAFFIC ADVISORIES:

The full size space shuttle replica will arrive at the JSC dock on NASA Parkway and Space Center Blvd. next to the Hilton the afternoon of Friday, June 1. This requires closure of a parking lot on Fifth Street between buildings 28 and 35 for public parking that day. The lot will re-open Saturday morning. Public access for parking with be through Gate 3.

Additionally, there will be road closures in the surrounding area in support of the event and transporting the shuttle down NASA Parkway to its new home at Space Center Houston.

Traffic congestion on NASA Parkway is expected due to lane closures, increased event traffic and spectators. Police officers and DPS will direct and monitor traffic in the area. It is advised that motorists who are not attending the event find an alternate route during this time. In order to keep traffic flowing, motorists are advised to observe and obey all traffic signs and public safety officials. Do not stop or slow down to view or take pictures of the shuttle.

Friday, June 1

Starting at 11 a.m. the east and westbound right lanes of NASA Parkway will be closed between Upper Bay Road and Space Center Blvd. to allow for a bus lane to shuttle people that are parked on site at JSC back and forth from JSC to the Hilton. The westbound right lane of NASA Parkway will re-open at approximately 11 p.m. The eastbound right lane of NASA Parkway will remain closed from Lagoon Drive to Space Center Blvd. Seabrook/Kemah Bridge Closure - will take place sometime between noon and 1 p.m. while the orbiter passes underneath the bridge (time is subject to change). It is estimated the bridge will be closed for thirty minutes.

Saturday, June 2nd

The eastbound right lane of NASA Parkway will remain closed between Lagoon Drive and Space Center Blvd. This lane will be closed to ensure the safety of NASA personnel while they prepare the shuttle for ground transport to Space Center Houston.

Sunday, June 3rd

From 5 to 9 a.m. ALL east and westbound lanes on NASA Parkway between El Camino Real/Egret Bay and Space Center Blvd. will be CLOSED. The NASA 1 Bypass will be closed to all eastbound traffic during this time. Traffic from I-45 will need to find an alternate route. JSC personnel requiring access to JSC during this time should use Bay Area Blvd. to Saturn Lane to access Gate 1.

At 3 a.m. on Sunday, June 3 the traffic signals on NASA Parkway at St. John Drive, Upper Bay Road and Saturn Lane will be removed. Officers will be directing traffic at each intersection during this time. Traffic signals will be immediately replaced after the shuttle has passed each intersection.

Once the shuttle has been secured and all traffic signals are properly working, NASA Parkway will reopen to motorists.

Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: Shuttlebration