Texans now have the opportunity to name a high-fidelity replica of a NASA Space Shuttle, the centerpiece of a new attraction set to open in Houston.

In early 2015, Space Center Houston will unveil an exhibit featuring the Shuttle replica seated atop a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, the Boeing 747 jumbo jet that ferried the now-retired shuttle fleet on cross-country trips.

The $12 million, six-story attraction will allow visitors to tour the SCA, as well as the flight deck and payload bay of the full-size Shuttle mockup.

The free, online naming contest launches at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 4 and ends September 2 at noon. Original names for the Shuttle will symbolize “the spirit of Texas and its unique characteristics of independence, optimism and can-do attitude,” according to a news release.

Residents may submit entries to http://www.nametheshuttle.com, where full contest details will also be posted.

The Shuttle replica, which arrived at Houston’s Johnson Space Center last June, was previously on display at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

In November, the replica is set to be mounted “piggyback” on the de-commissioned SCA and readied for visitors. Space Center Houston said the exhibit aims to inspire students considering careers in science and math.

The views expressed in this blog do not necessarily reflect the views of KLTV-TV or Raycom Media.  They are solely the opinion of the author. All content © Copyright 2013 Lane Luckie