14 DAY TRIAL // If you're an official from a major and famous scientific or educational institution, then you're probably aware of NASA's intent of having its fleet of three space shuttles displayed after their retirement. And you may also be aware that, theoretically, you only have less than two years to decide whether you're interested in showcasing one of them within the walls of your institution. But you should definitely be aware that this is going to ease your pockets by a hefty amount – at least $42 million.
Considering that the scheduled date for the retirement of the space fleet is drawing near (September 30, 2010), NASA has decided to put forth a request for information (RFI) from educational or scientific facilities (universities, museums, etc.), as well as "other appropriate organizations" that might be interested in purchasing the shuttles. The fleet is comprised of the three remaining shuttles Endeavour, Discovery and Atlantis, as Challenger, carrying a crew of seven, exploded after launch on January 28, 1986.
NASA estimates that the minimal price for having a shuttle delivered to an airport nearby is $42 million, which includes the transport atop a modified jumbo within an affordable range (in US) from the Kennedy Space Center and maneuvering operations. If you think the shuttle could somehow be used for spaceflights again, you should know it comes without its main engines, sold separately for somewhere between $400,000 and $800,000, not including shipping costs.
The Smithsonian Museum seems to be interested in one of the shuttles, which NASA's RFI insisted it "will not be disassembled for transportation or storage." The document also warned that the overall "estimate is subject to change." Normally, NASA doesn't charge for its utilities after they are disaffected, but it seems that the financial troubles related to its Constellation program and other future projects, such as the MSL, both of them being highly over budget, have forced the agency to find new ways of getting more money.