In a move that will bring in some handy cash ahead of the retirement of its space shuttle fleet this fall, NASA has not only reduced the sale price of its used space shuttle from $42 million to the bargain-basement price of $28.8 million, but is also organizations like museums and universities to examine as well as apply for its space program artifacts.

The ‘on sale’ NASA items, which also include models of spaceship prototypes and spacesuits, symbolize the momentous human space flight technologies, and significant events from the past and present space exploration programs the US space agency.

While space shuttle Discovery, which has fetched supplies to the International Space Station, will be put on display at the National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution; space shuttles Endeavour and Atlantis will be handed over to their ‘buyers’ in July next year.

NASA will incrementally let go of nearly 2,500 potential artifacts, linked to its various space programs, after they are no longer required.

The deadline that NASA has set for submission of offers by US academic institutions, federal agencies or municipalities is February 19.

Museums and schools desirous of availing the opportunity will have to undergo an eligibility screening either via an online registration process or through their respective state agencies for surplus property.