Discover the Exciting Expansion Plans for Space Shuttle Endeavour’s New Home

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Astronaut floating in space above Earth, waving.

The Space Shuttle Endeavour is now on display at the California Science center. This was part of the 400 million expansion at the center. The Endeavor is currently the centerpiece of the new 200,000 square foot facility. The general public is sure to enjoy this display of space exploration technology.

A New Era for Space Education in Los Angeles

The California Science Center in Los Angeles has achieved a remarkable milestone in space history preservation. The center has completed the world’s only authentic space shuttle system display in launch configuration, featuring the Space Shuttle Endeavour. The general public is sure to enjoy this Crown Jewel of the future Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center.

It took six months to finish the “Go for Stack” installation procedure. The exterior tank ET-94 and the two solid rocket boosters were fully mated to Endeavour on January 31, 2024, resulting in the magnificent 20-story space shuttle stack that will be the focal point of the new center.

Expanding Horizons: The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center

For the California Science Center, the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center is a major advancement. The 200,000 square feet of this $400 million expansion will almost double the center’s display space. Three significant galleries will be housed in the new building: the Kent Kresa Space Gallery, the Samuel Oschin Shuttle Gallery, and the Korean Air Aviation Gallery.

“Today we take a substantial step toward realizing the vision for the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, which will be a launch pad for creativity and innovation and inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and explorers,” California Science Center President/CEO Jeffrey Rudolph said during the event.

About 20 aircraft will be on display at the Korean Air Aviation Gallery, including a Boeing 747 fuselage and a Wright Brothers 1902 Glider replica. The Kent Kresa Space Gallery will focus on space exploration machines and include spacecraft from various stages of America’s space program. Visitors should expect an extensive journey through the history of flight and space exploration from these exhibits.

A Monumental Achievement in Space History Preservation

The vertical display of Space Shuttle Endeavour is a testament to American ingenuity and the enduring legacy of our space program. This unique exhibit offers visitors an unprecedented view of a space shuttle in its launch configuration, something previously only seen at NASA facilities.

“With the lift and mating of Endeavour, we have successfully completed the last-ever space shuttle stack. This is a dream over thirty years in the making, and a feat that has never before been accomplished outside of a NASA or Air Force facility,” shared Jeffrey Rudolph, the President and CEO of the California Science Center.

The construction of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, which began in 2022, is a marvel of engineering in its own right. The structure is designed to be earthquake-resistant, ensuring the safety of both the priceless artifacts and the millions of visitors expected to explore the center in the coming years.

While an exact opening date has not been announced, the California Science Center aims to unveil Endeavour in its new home within the next few years. This highly anticipated reveal will mark a new chapter in space education and inspire future generations of scientists, engineers, and explorers.

Sources:

https://www.dailynews.com/2024/10/10/the-highest-beams-were-raised-into-place-at-space-shuttle-endeavour-exhibit/

https://www.americaspace.com/2024/02/06/space-shuttle-endeavour-stacked-for-breathtaking-museum-display/

https://www.space.com/space-shuttle-endeavour-exhibit-closing-california-science-center

https://californiasciencecenter.org/exhibits/endeavour-experience/space-shuttle-endeavour

http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-013024a-space-shuttle-endeavour-stack-ca-science-center.html

https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/its-moving-day-for-space-shuttle-endeavour-at-the-california-science-center/3322912/

https://laist.com/news/los-angeles-activities/the-endeavours-new-home-is-more-than-halfway-done-heres-a-first-look-at-the-exhibits

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/space-shuttle-endeavour-is-now-fully-stacked-and-mated-completing-worlds-only-ready-to-launch-space-shuttle-display-302050052.html

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Quotes:

“With the lift and mating of Endeavour, we have successfully completed the last-ever space shuttle stack. This is a dream over thirty years in the making, and a feat that has never before been accomplished outside of a NASA or Air Force facility,” shared Jeffrey Rudolph, the President and CEO of the California Science Center. … Source #1

“Today we take a substantial step toward realizing the vision for the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, which will be a launch pad for creativity and innovation and inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and explorers,” California Science Center President/CEO Jeffrey Rudolph said during the event. … Source #2

“Workers guide the last beam into place on top of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024.” … Source #3

“The Space Shuttle Endeavour, encapsulated in a protective layer of shrink wrap, is attached to the External Tank and Solid Rocket Boosters which will join her on display. Credit: California Science Center.” … Source #4

“A crane lifts Endeavour inside NASA’s Vehicle Assembly Building. A similar procedure was used to add the orbiter to the California Science Center’s Shuttle exhibit on Monday. Credit: Jeff Seibert/AmericaSpace.” … Source #4

“Following the retraction of the Rotating Service Structure, Space Shuttle Endeavour awaits the launch of her final mission, STS-134. Credit: Mike Killian/AmericaSpace.” … Source #4

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