While the Space Shuttle Inspiration never soared into orbit, its potential journey to downtown St. Cloud could become a celestial event for the city.

Felicity-John Pederson, the current owner of the Inspiration, recently disclosed to Axios that St. Cloud is emerging as a leading candidate to host the model.

The Space Shuttle Inspiration model is currently sitting next to the landing facility tower at Kennedy Space Center’s Launch and Landing Facility, operated by Space Florida

Pederson, a graduate of St. Cloud’s Apollo High School, expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of bringing this piece of space history to his hometown.

So, this could be downtown St Cloud. With a real space shuttle right next to our new children’s museum. The governor mentioned this project in the media today. I’ve been working on it with some friends for a while now. It sounds wild- it might happen, but it would be awesome. pic.twitter.com/XTr7nrGAWd

— Aric Putnam (@AricForMN) March 22, 2024

However, State Senator Aric Putnam cautioned that the plan is not yet set in stone. “It’s not a done deal,” Putnam told Axios, emphasizing the need for further discussions and planning before the project moves forward.

The idea gained traction after Governor Tim Walz revealed during a discussion on tourist attractions that “someone wants to give us a Space Shuttle.”

While Walz’s announcement sparked excitement, it’s worth noting that the orbiters used for space missions are already on display in various locations across the country.

Putnam shared renderings of a potential facility to house the Inspiration, located near the forthcoming Great River Children’s Museum. This initiative, fueled by supportive letters from Putnam and former Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic, has been in the works since last fall.

Pederson, who acquired the model in 2015 from a space camp in Florida, has been refurbishing it with the intention of finding a permanent home. The lifelike features of the model, including a replica toilet system, add to its authenticity and appeal.

Cassie Miles, Executive Director of the Great River Children’s Museum, has been instrumental in advocating for the shuttle’s relocation to St. Cloud. While not officially representing the museum, Miles is driven by her passion for downtown revitalization and community engagement.

The endeavor to bring the Inspiration to St. Cloud underscores the need for a public-private partnership due to the substantial costs involved. Putnam emphasized that constructing a museum around the shuttle would require collaboration from various stakeholders.

Moving the Inspiration to St. Cloud is estimated to cost around $750,000, with ongoing discussions about its potential housing location. Whether integrated into the children’s museum or showcased as a standalone attraction, the model promises to be a beacon of inspiration and exploration for residents and visitors alike.