Ben Schumin Photography Portfolio

The Space Shuttle Enterprise, which was on display at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, a branch of the Smithsonian Institution's Air and Space Museum until 2012, when it was replaced in the facility by the Space Shuttle Discovery. Unlike the other shuttles, Enterprise was built as an atmospheric test article, and therefore not fitted for space travel, as the vehicle lacked main engines and a functioning heat shield. While there were plans to refit Enterprise to become spaceworthy, it was ultimately decided to utilize the body frame from static test article STA-099 to create Challenger.

More at The Schumin Web:
www.schuminweb.com/2011/04/23/go-for-main-engine-start-3-...