Announcement came down today...

http://www.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/04/12/space.shuttle.new.homes/index.html?hpt=T1

Discovery is going to the Smithsonian as expected.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e1/Discovery_mission_completed_q.jpg/800px-Discovery_mission_completed_q.jpg

Atlantis will go to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c3/Shuttle-atlantis.jpg

Endeavor will head to the California Science Center in LA.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6e/Space_Shuttle_Transit.jpg/800px-Space_Shuttle_Transit.jpg

Enterprise, which is currently at the Smithsonian, will go to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/72/Enterprise_free_flight.jpg/765px-Enterprise_free_flight.jpg

Out of all of those, the Enterprise assignment is the one I don't really agree with. Houston seemed to get looked over in this and really should have got Enterprise over New York. Such a huge connection to NASA, whereas New York has no real connection but will probably attract more visitors.

Over 20 cities were in the running including Seattle (Museum of Flight - will be getting the large trainer mock up), Chicago, Tulsa, Dayton, and another facility in New York was also in the running.

Aw, too bad for Tulsa. But you know, there are plenty replicas out there to be had.

I'm excited about our next orbital vehicle and the transition to a more commercial platform.

It's too bad the entire central U.S. was snubbed; the closest shuttles will be on either coast.

It's too bad the entire central U.S. was snubbed; the closest shuttles will be on either coast.

Yeah it would have been nice to see Houston get Enterprise, if for nothing more than the huge relationship with NASA and that city. I really don't like this whole Intrepid museum in New York. They also got Concorde when those were retired and just stuck it on a barge next to the retired naval ship. Don't like the thought of the first shuttle to be displayed the same way exposed to the elements.

don't like the thought of the first shuttle to be displayed the same way exposed to the elements.

from what i understand, one of the stipulations for getting a shuttle is that the facility will provide a climate controlled environment for it. still, i'm not thrilled that intrepid got one of them since udvar-hazy is just a few hours away. -M

Their going to build a hanger on the pier for Enterprise.

I stand correct then. :-) However, agree that with the facility at Dulles not far away...seems like a total waste of a historical treasure.