Very soon now the Space Center Houston will pick one lucky Texan who will get to name the replica shuttle due to sit atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft starting in 2015. Combining Texas' natural state pride with a renewed interest in space, the contest hopes to inspire the awe and wonderment beffiting of the space program whilst simultaneously taking the spirit of Texas to lofty new heights.

A statewide contest is giving one lucky Texan the chance to name the high-fidelity Shuttle replica that will be featured at Space Center Houston.

The Name the Shuttle contest launches at noon July 4, and the space center is asking participants to "submit an original name that symbolizes the spirit of Texas and its unique characteristics of independence, optimism and can-do attitude."

The shuttle will sit atop the 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft in the $12 million six-story development, which is slated to open in 2015.

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