Big event at the nearby Museum of Flight in two weeks – and a former West Seattleite plays a big role. West Seattle High School alum astronaut Gregory Johnson is flying NASA‘s “Super Guppy” cargo plane to bring a shuttle-trainer section here. The full announcement, received from the museum this afternoon, with details on the celebration that will ensue, is ahead (along with an image of the unusual-looking plane):

The 28-foot-long crew cabin section of the Museum’s full-scale space shuttle trainer is scheduled to be delivered to the Museum on June 30 via NASA’s “Super Guppy” cargo plane.

The plane will be flown from NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston by Seattle astronaut Greg Johnson and is scheduled to arrive at 11 a.m. after a fly-by over Lake Washington and the Seattle Center. Arriving with Johnson will be astronaut and University of Washington alumnus Janet Kavandi, Director of Flight Crew Operations at NASA JSC.

The Museum will celebrate the delivery of this significant artifact all day, beginning with a ceremony next to the Super Guppy in the Museum parking lot. Guests include Washington state elected officials, former astronauts, NASA representatives and Museum Trustees. The Sounders Band will provide music, while Seattle TV personality Steve Pool will be Master of Ceremonies. The ceremony is free and open to the public. The Super Guppy will remain on display in the Museum parking lot for the weekend, with free tours with admission to the Museum.

ShuttleFest

The shuttle trainer celebration continues with ShuttleFest, a week of special activities, lectures and book signings, concluding with a big band dance party with the Harry James Orchestra on July 7.

Outdoor Aircraft Exhibit

NASA Super Guppy Cargo Plane
Sunday, July 1, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

NASA’s unique Super Guppy cargo plane will be on display in the Museum parking lot. NASA flight crew members will be on hand to answer questions.

Lecture
Lecture by Shuttle Astronaut and Super Guppy Pilot Greg Johnson
Sunday, July 1, 2 p.m.

West Seattle native Greg Johnson will share his experiences as a NASA pilot and astronaut. Johnson will be the pilot-in-command during the Super Guppy shuttle trainer delivery flight from Houston to Seattle.

ShuttleFest Free Book Signings
July 2, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Ted Huetter, author of “Edwards Air Force Base.”

July 3, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sam Howe Verhovek, author of “Jet Age.”

SATURDAY POSTSCRIPT: The Seattle Times (WSB partner) interviewed Greg Johnson about the big impending event; here’s the story.