# Inspiration

> Space Shuttle mockup in Florida, United States

**Wikidata**: [Q116728992](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q116728992)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/inspiration-q116728992

## Summary
"Inspiration" is a full-scale mockup of a Space Shuttle orbiter constructed in 1992 and currently located in St. Cloud, Minnesota. It has served as an educational exhibit and has been owned by both NASA and private entities throughout its history.

## Key Facts
- **Inception**: Built in 1992.
- **Current Location**: St. Cloud, Minnesota (since June 22, 2024).
- **Mass**: 25 long tons (as of May 2025).
- **Ownership**: Transferred from NASA to LVX System in 2015.
- **Previous Locations**: 
  - United States Astronaut Hall of Fame (Titusville, Florida; 1992–2016).
  - Kennedy Space Center's Launch and Landing Facility (2016–2024).
- **Aliases**: Inspiration Space Shuttle, Space Shuttle Inspiration.
- **Type**: Space Shuttle orbiter mockup and exhibit.

## FAQs
### Q: Is the "Inspiration" Space Shuttle a real spacecraft?
A: No, it is a full-scale mockup, not an actual Space Shuttle that flew in space. It was built for educational and display purposes.

### Q: Where is "Inspiration" currently located?
A: As of June 2024, it is in St. Cloud, Minnesota, after being moved from Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

### Q: When was "Inspiration" built?
A: The mockup was constructed in 1992, initially for display at the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame in Florida.

### Q: Who owns "Inspiration" now?
A: Since 2015, it has been owned by LVX System, after previously being managed by NASA.

## Why It Matters
Inspiration symbolizes the enduring legacy of the Space Shuttle program by offering the public tangible access to spacecraft design and history. Despite its non-operational status, it has served as an educational tool at NASA sites and continues to inspire STEM engagement in its new Minnesota location. Its preservation and relocation demonstrate the value of space heritage artifacts in fostering public interest and education, even as the original Shuttles retire.

## Notable For
- One of the largest publicly accessible Space Shuttle mockups in the United States.
- Housed at the Kennedy Space Center’s Launch and Landing Facility (2016–2024), using a real shuttle runway.
- Subject of major logistical operations due to its size during moves between Florida and Minnesota (2016, 2024).
- Maintained as an active exhibit despite multiple ownership and location changes since 1992.

## Body
### Physical Characteristics
- **Mass**: 25 long tons (as reported in May 2025 sources).
- **Image**: Available via Wikimedia Commons: [Space Shuttle Inspiration (modified)](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Space_Shuttle_Inspiration_(modified).jpg).

### Ownership History
- **NASA (1992–2015)**: Owned and managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
- **LVX System (2015–present)**: Private entity that acquired the mockup from NASA.

### Location Timeline
- **United States Astronaut Hall of Fame** (Titusville, Florida):  
  - Period: 1992–January 16, 2016  
  - Coordinates: 28.527205555555554°N, 80.78271111111111°W
- **Launch and Landing Facility** (Kennedy Space Center, Florida):  
  - Period: April 29, 2016–June 2024  
  - Coordinates: 28.61524923101701°N, 80.69181654613432°W
- **St. Cloud, Minnesota**:  
  - Period: June 22, 2024–present  
  - Preferred location for current operations.

### Public Role
- Functions as a static educational exhibit showcasing Space Shuttle design.
- Featured in media coverage during relocations, highlighting its role in space heritage tourism.
- Maintained as a "mockup" (non-functional replica) for public engagement.

## References

1. [Replica on the runway: Mock orbiter lands on real space shuttle strip | collectSPACE. collectSPACE. 2016](http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-042916a-space-shuttle-inspiration-slf.html)
2. ['Inspiration' in motion: Mock space shuttle on the move (photos). collectSPACE. 2016](http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-011616a-space-shuttle-inspiration-move.html)
3. [Very oversized load: Space shuttle replica touches down in St. Cloud. Star Tribune. 2024](https://www.startribune.com/very-oversized-load-space-shuttle-replica-touches-down-in-st-cloud/600375818)
4. [Source](https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02MRQ1zHcYTuDra3wwBtrzbqvZ573UacGcWyyq4mngPYFxK3RzUCkbQowG2KhiaBjTl&id=61561014721228)
5. [Shuttle for tomorrow: Mock NASA orbiter 'Inspiration' moving for river tour. collectSPACE. 2016](http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-011316a-space-shuttle-inspiration-move.html)
6. [St. Cloud Nonprofit Aims to Launch Spaceship Attraction. KNSI. 2025](https://knsiradio.com/2025/05/09/st-cloud-nonprofit-aims-to-launch-spaceship-attraction/)
7. [St. Cloud space shuttle project goes on, despite financial woes of its guiding force. Star Tribune. 2025](https://www.startribune.com/space-shuttle-inspiration-replica-felicity-john-pederson-bankruptcy/601347656)