Springfield lands rocket engine from TN-AL border
SPRINGFIELD, Tenn. (WKRN) — If you thought you saw a rocket engine traveling up I-65 Tuesday, you’re not crazy. The little piece of history was making its way to its new home in Middle Tennessee.
Several months ago, the Saturn 1B Rocket had to be dismantled after standing tall at the Tennessee-Alabama border for 44 years. For many heading south to the beach, it was a familiar landmark.
Gateway STEM Center founder Robert Dillard said several months ago, he applied to NASA’s artifacts program to bring part of the rocket home to Springfield. To his surprise, they said yes, and allowed him to pick up one of the eight engines.
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“It’s funny, you know, it’s amazing what happens when you ask,” Dillard said.
Although many were disappointed to see the Huntsville landmark come down, Dillard said it was for good reason.
“One, they need to be light because it costs a lot of money to lift weight into space, and then two, we want them to burn up as they’re coming back through the atmosphere so that they don’t fall on anyone or anything. So they’re not made to sit around for 40 years,” he said.
Dillard said the rocket disintegrated while being removed.
Mayor Ann Williams remembers the landmark fondly while taking trips down south. However, if it had to be taken down, she’s glad part of it landed in Springfield.
“Everyone will be able to see it, come by, not have to travel, and hopefully it will spark kids on to having careers in that field,” Williams said.
If it does, Airtech – which makes parts for spacecraft – is located right in town.
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“The Southeast is a big growth center for aerospace right now,” said James Wade, plant manager for Airtech. “From the gamut of the kids that want to go to college, the gamut of the kids that want to work after school, there’s careers in aerospace for all of them.”
You might say Dillard is over the moon to share about the Apollo mission, but he also hopes to inspire young minds to join NASA’s current Artemis Program.
“We’re not done at the moon this time; we’re going to the moon to stay to live, but then after that we’re also headed to Mars,” Dillard said.
Although the engine is home in Middle Tennessee, it’s not ready for display quite yet. Dillard is working to clean the engine and hopes to have it on public display in about six months.
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