and there was no funding in place to make the move happen.
I couldn't stop thinking about it. Standing in front of a shuttle of this size, you quickly realize it represents far more than aluminum, steel, and composite materials. It represents one of the greatest engineering achievements in history and the thousands of people whose ideas, dedication, and courage helped make the Space Shuttle Program possible.
I knew that if someone didn't step forward immediately, this remarkable piece of American history would be lost forever.
Out of my passion for NASA and space exploration, I made the decision to personally fund the effort to save the shuttle. I established a nonprofit foundation, brought together community support, and with an extraordinary team, we carefully dismantled, transported, and secured Inspiration in Minnesota—giving it the opportunity for a permanent future.
For me, that wasn't simply about saving a shuttle. It was about preserving an opportunity to inspire future generations. As I stood beside Inspiration, another thought kept returning to me. What if this could become something much bigger than a static display?
What if families could walk beneath it... around it... and through it? What if we could build an entire destination around it, filled with world-class educational exhibits, immersive attractions, and unforgettable experiences that brought the incredible story of America's Space Shuttle Program to life?
In April 2024, I learned about a remarkable full-scale NASA shuttle orbiter named Inspiration. A dear friend, Felicity-John Pederson, had a vision to bring the shuttle to Minnesota, but time was running out. The shuttle was still destined to be dismantled and scrapped,
Jason Bernick, Founder
"Sometimes the biggest journeys begin with a single unexpected discovery."
In April 2024, Jason Bernick discovered a remarkable full-scale NASA Space Shuttle mock-up orbiter named Inspiration. A dear friend, Felicity-John Saint John, had a vision to bring the shuttle to Minnesota, but time was running out. The shuttle was still destined to be dismantled and scrapped, and there was no funding in place to make the move happen.
I couldn't stop thinking about it. Standing in front of a shuttle of this size, you quickly realize it represents far more than aluminum, steel, and composite materials. It represents one of the greatest engineering achievements in history and the thousands of people whose ideas, dedication, and courage helped make the Space Shuttle Program possible.
I knew that if someone didn't step forward immediately, this remarkable piece of American history would be lost forever.
Out of my passion for NASA and space exploration, I made the decision to personally fund the effort to save the shuttle. I established a nonprofit foundation, brought together community support, and with an extraordinary team, we carefully dismantled, transported, and secured Inspiration in Minnesota—giving it the opportunity for a permanent future.
For me, that wasn't simply about saving a shuttle. It was about preserving an opportunity to inspire future generations. As I stood beside Inspiration, another thought kept returning to me. What if this could become something much bigger than a static display?
What if families could walk beneath it... around it... and through it? What if we could build an entire destination around it, filled with world-class educational exhibits, immersive attractions, and unforgettable experiences that brought the incredible story of America's Space Shuttle Program to life?
In April 2024, I learned about a remarkable full-scale NASA shuttle orbiter named Inspiration. A dear friend, Felicity-John Pederson, had a vision to bring the shuttle to Minnesota, but time was running out. The shuttle was still destined to be dismantled and scrapped,
Jason Bernick, Founder
"Sometimes the biggest journeys begin with a single unexpected discovery."
Jason Bernick, Founder
"Sometimes the biggest journeys begin with a single unexpected discovery."
In April 2024, Jason Bernick discovered a remarkable full-scale NASA Space Shuttle mock-up orbiter named Inspiration. A dear friend, Felicity-John Saint John, had a vision to bring the shuttle to Minnesota, but time was running out. The shuttle was still destined to be dismantled and scrapped, and there was no funding in place to make the move happen. I couldn't stop thinking about it. Standing in front of a shuttle of this size, you quickly realize it represents far more than aluminum, steel, and composite materials. It represents one of the greatest engineering achievements in history and the thousands of people whose ideas, dedication, and courage helped make the Space Shuttle Program possible.
I knew that if someone didn't step forward immediately, this remarkable piece of American history would be lost forever.
Out of my passion for NASA and space exploration, I made the decision to personally fund the effort to save the shuttle. I established a nonprofit foundation, brought together community support, and with an extraordinary team, we carefully dismantled, transported, and secured Inspiration in Minnesota—giving it the opportunity for a permanent future.
For me, that wasn't simply about saving a shuttle. It was about preserving an opportunity to inspire future generations. As I stood beside Inspiration, another thought kept returning to me. What if this could become something much bigger than
a static display?
What if families could walk beneath it... around it... and through it? What if we could build an entire destination around it, filled with world-class educational exhibits, immersive attractions, and unforgettable experiences that brought the incredible story of America's Space Shuttle Program to life?
How It All Started:
Founded in 2024, Inspiration Space Port is a nonprofit created to expand humanity’s relationship with space, science, and discovery. Through immersive experiences, transformative education, and hands‑on learning, it serves as a gateway where curiosity becomes knowledge and imagination becomes possibility. By bringing the space shuttle orbiter mock‑up Inspiration from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, to Minnesota, the organization is building a bold new center for space and science programs—one that broadens access, advances understanding, and empowers current and future generations to explore, innovate, and shape what comes next.
Inspiration Space Port:
Inspiration Space Port is both the name of the nonprofit organization and the visionary destination it is creating—a first‑of‑its‑kind space‑themed experience that blends education, innovation, and imagination. At its heart is the life‑size space shuttle orbiter mock‑up Inspiration, transported from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, to Minnesota and reimagined as the anchor of an immersive space and science park unlike anything else in the country. This is not a traditional museum, but a dynamic environment designed to make learning feel like exploration and discovery feel personal. Guests are invited to embark on augmented and virtual journeys that seem as real as boarding a flight—traveling from low Earth orbit to distant worlds, witnessing our planet from space, and experiencing the stories of human discovery that shaped our understanding of the universe. Through innovative programs, immersive storytelling, and hands‑on learning, Inspiration Space Port expands access to space and science education while creating a compelling destination for families, educators, and future innovators. It is a place where curiosity is ignited, knowledge is expanded, and it inspires the next generation of explorers.
Board Members:
Guided by experience. Driven by purpose. Meet the board members helping shape a bold, inspiring future for education, exploration, and family‑friendly discovery.
President
Jason Bernik
Jason Bernick serves as President, guiding the organization with passion, vision, and a strong commitment to community impact. His leadership helps create a space where education, exploration, and family‑friendly fun come together to inspire curiosity and connection.
Secretary
Evan Larson
Evan is highly organized and detail‑oriented, bringing a disciplined, methodical approach to governance and documentation. His ability to manage complex information, maintain accurate records, and ensure clear communication supports strong board operations and organizational transparency in his role as Secretary
Treasurer
Dan Ochsner
As Treasurer, Dan supports strong fiscal governance and responsible stewardship of the organization’s resources. His hands‑on approach, commitment to transparency, and experience managing complex budgets and long‑range planning help ensure financial accountability and sustainability while advancing the organization’s mission to expand education and innovative space and science programs.
