Unveiling the Wooden Wonder: The Incredible Journey of the Space Shuttle Inspiration
Created with AI, edited by humans.
In a captivating episode of This Week in Space, hosts Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik embark on a journey through time, exploring the remarkable story of Inspiration, the first space shuttle (full-sized mockup) ever built. Joined by special guest Ben Dickow, President & Executive Director of the Columbia Memorial Space Center, the trio delves into the shuttle's fascinating journey from a wooden mockup to a breathtaking exhibit in Downey, California.
Dickow reveals that Inspiration was constructed by Rockwell International in 1972 as a full-scale engineering model to help secure the shuttle contract. The wooden wonder was an invaluable tool for engineers to visualize and plan the spacecraft's design before the advent of advanced computer modeling. Remarkably, the mockup was built in just eight weeks, a testament to the ingenuity and determination of the Rockwell team. It served to help sell Rockwell International as the prime contractor for the space shuttle during a visit by NASA and key members of Congress. "Nobody knew how to build a spaceship that could go up and come down and be reused," Dickow emphasizes, highlighting the groundbreaking nature of the project.
As the conversation unfolds, Dickow shares the incredible fidelity of Inspiration, from the detailed crew cabin to the meticulously crafted cargo bay. He notes that the mockup is "stuck in amber," representing the 1985-1986 configuration of the shuttle just before the transition to the glass cockpit. The hosts marvel at the opportunity to sit in the commander's seat and experience the intricate details firsthand, with Dickow emphasizing, "It is a marvel of engineering."
The discussion also touches on the emotional impact of the shuttle's recent move to the Columbia Memorial Space Center. Dickow recounts the excitement and awe of the Downey community as they witnessed a piece of space history traversing their streets. "Parents took kids out of school to watch this thing," he shares, underlining the once-in-a-lifetime nature of the event. Pyle chimes in with a poignant anecdote about a community member moved to tears by the sight of Endeavour, the last space shuttle built, highlighting the power of these space artifacts to touch hearts and minds.
Looking to the future, Dickow outlines the center's plans for displaying Inspiration, including a unique opportunity for visitors to step inside the cargo bay and experience the shuttle's scale and complexity firsthand. He also reveals that the center is working closely with the original engineers and designers, some in their 80s and 90s, to ensure the accuracy and authenticity of the exhibit. Dickow noted that this was the last big career high point for many, emphasizing the importance of capturing and preserving their knowledge and experiences.
Throughout the interview, Pyle and Malik express their enthusiasm for the project, recognizing its significance in the larger context of space exploration and education. They also draw attention to the human stories behind the shuttle's creation, celebrating the dedication and passion of the individuals who brought Inspiration to life. As Dickow eloquently puts it, "The only way to tell a good story is to hook your emotions."
To learn more about the incredible journey of the wooden space shuttle and the Columbia Memorial Space Center's mission to preserve and share space history, be sure to listen to the full episode of This Week in Space. Tune in for a captivating discussion that explores the past, present, and future of this remarkable artifact and its enduring legacy.
Subscribe so you don't miss an episode: This Week in Space
