I saw the Space Shuttle Discovery up close at the amazing Udvar-Hazy Center in/near Washington DC. The scarred shielding tiles, partly because they are on the surface closest to visitors, were something really special - made the whole thing as an experienced object very real.

Not every other craft in the museum was built for war or commerce as there were many experimental aircraft built by hobbyists, but the shuttle was an iconic thing. I'd had shuttle toys in the 80s. Where other exhibits were more "Oh, that's cool", seeing the Discovery had a real impact on me.

If you're ever anywhere near that area, go take a look. Free entrance, $15 for parking, and you will spend hours there. It's a separate facility to the National Air and Space Museum that most people would visit in the centre of Washington DC - which is also very good.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_F._Udvar-Hazy_Center#Co...