Smithsonian Considers Displaying Challenger, Columbia Debris

摘要

The Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum may incorporate debris from space shuttles Columbia and Challenger in its new gallery dedicated to the soon-ending shuttle program. The Washington display will only go forward, however, if the families of the shuttles' fallen astronauts and NASA agree with the museum's plans. The solemn artifacts, which were recovered in the wake of the loss of shuttle Challenger 25 years ago and the loss of Columbia eight years ago, would be used to teach the public about the conditions diat led to the two tragedies, according to curator Valerie Neal, who spoke exclusively with col-lectSPACE.com.