Endeavour, Atlantis and Discovery are the three space shuttles that NASA intends to give away once they finish their missions in 2010. Yet, only the ones who are part of certain institutions or museums can have the historical shuttles. For now, NASA has put an request for information from officials because they are looking for advice to see where the space shuttles would fit best.

People who are part of educational institutions, science museums or organizations will discuss with NASA about the possibility of taking the space shuttles until March 17, 2009. The space agency will take the decision after it will analyze the ability of displaying the space shuttle and the funds for the upkeep of it.

The Discovery orbiter is promised to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum already. The space shuttle was first flown in 1984 and became the third operational orbiter. Discovery is now the oldest orbiter in service after it had performed research and International Space Station missions.

Discovery is now being prepared for the next space shuttle mission, STS-119, which will start on February 12, 2009.

Atlantis, the fourth operational shuttle built by NASA, was named after the sailing ship which operated from 1930 and 1966 for the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. There have been certain arguments that Atlantis should be retired in 2008 and not 2010. The space shuttle will be launched in May 2009.

Endeavour, the fifth and last NASA space shuttle to be built, is currently being prepared for its mission, STS-127, which will start as early as May 15, 2009, from Launch Pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center.