Oklahoma Astronaut Wants Space Shuttle For Tulsa

The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- The Tulsa Air and Space Museum announced a new commander in their quest for a Space Shuttle for Tulsa. TASM is one of 20 museums being considered by NASA to get one of the three shuttles set to retire in 2010.

Commander John Herrington will chair a committee commissioned by the Tulsa Air and Space Museum (TASM) to "Land the Shuttle" for Tulsa.

TASM is currently laying the groundwork to best position itself for delivery of one of the space shuttles.

Born in Wetumka and a member of the Chickasaw Nation, Herrington is a native Oklahoman and the first Native American Astronaut.  A Navy test pilot, he was selected for the Astronaut Corps in 1996.

In 2002, CDR Herrington flew on STS-113, conducted three space walks, and assembled the P1 Truss on the International Space Station.  The P1 Truss was one of the many ISS truss structures built by the Tulsa workforce.

 "Commander Herrington represents the spirit of Oklahoma's aerospace industry," said Jim Bridenstine, TASM's Executive Director.  "As an Oklahoma Astronaut, he flew into space on the Shuttle Endeavour, of which the bay doors were built in Tulsa.

"While in space, he assembled the P1 Truss on the ISS, which was also built in Tulsa.  As a member of the Chickasaw Nation, he represents the proud Native American heritage of the state of Oklahoma," Bridenstine said. "We couldn't ask for a better Chairman of Tulsa's ‘Land the Shuttle' campaign."