But I saw Endeavor when it was still just on the ground (like Discovery). I can't wait to go back and (re)complete my collection!
Interestingly, with this display, you can now see the shuttle in all operating modes:
Endeavor is in launch configuration, Atlantis is in orbit configuration, and Discovery is in landing configuration. And if you count Independence at JSC, you can see it in transport configuration.
Which I thought was pretty cool too.
But I think I've been watching too many PC gaming hardware review videos.
I got to visit the Shuttle just before they closed it down to make this change, and it's a wonder to behold. They had it on display, about 10 feet off the ground (I forget how it was supported).
But it was an amazing piece of machinery to be in the presence of, to be so close.
They have the last boosters and last external fuel tank for this exhibit, parts I believe were originally used for testing. Seeing it upright will be amazing.
If you look at one of the photos on the site, you'll notice workmen below one of the SRB nozzles. As I understand it, that's how the entire this will be displayed -- being able to be beneath one of the nozzles. I have to assume there will be walkways to get closer to the shuttle itself.
I have some construction photos of them getting the SRBs in place. Like everything else, they're...big.
Anyway, looking forward to this exhibit reopening. Gonna be a one of kind exhibit.
Your collection is incomplete as you have not useen the Space Shuttle pass through a Wendy's drive through, the extremely rare and unlockable, hidden operating mode.
And I think some of the advertisement screens in places like Times Square could easily scale to 20 stories. I don't think they're that big now, but I think they could do it with little trouble.
On January 30, 2024 the California Science Center completed Go for Stack, the complex process of moving and lifting each of the space shuttle components into place for Endeavour’s upcoming awe-inspiring 20-story vertical display. This technically challenging feat had never been done outside of a NASA facility.
This will be the world’s only authentic space shuttle system; complete with the orbiter Endeavour, solid rocket boosters, and external tank. Learn more about the new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center and how you can support this exciting vision for the future by contributing to the EndeavourLA Campaign.
Slider info
“Go for Stack” is the complex process of moving and lifting each of the space shuttle components into place for Endeavour’s upcoming, awe-inspiring 20-story vertical display in the future Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, which is currently under construction. This technically challenging feat has never been done outside of a NASA facility.
Endeavour went off view from exhibit on December 31, 2023 and will remain so until the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center opens to the public. While Endeavour is off exhibit, guests can visit our other Air and Space exhibits to explore the science of atmospheric flight and space exploration. As one of the largest science centers in the nation, we have multiple other galleries, special exhibitions, and IMAX movies for our guests to experience.
Construction on the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center building is nearing completion, and artifact and exhibit installation are currently underway. We look forward to announcing the official opening date in the coming months.
Scaffolding covered in plywood and kevlar fabric has been erected around the full shuttle stack for protection from the elements and construction.
The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center will nearly double the California Science Center’s educational exhibit areas with an impressive artifact collection of aircraft and spacecraft, integrated with hands-on exhibits to encourage guests of all ages to investigate scientific and engineering principles of atmospheric flight and the exploration of the universe. It will also provide a fitting permanent home for Endeavour, one of only three remaining flown space shuttle orbiters and the only one of these national treasures on the west coast. Endeavour’s awe-inspiring ‘ready-to-launch’ 20-story vertical configuration, complete with solid rocket boosters and external tank, will be the world’s only display of an authentic space shuttle system.
This will be the only complete stack of authentic space shuttle flight hardware in existence, making the Endeavour exhibit even more significant than before. In addition to allowing the public unprecedented, unique vantage points, this configuration retains a complete flight stack for engineers and historians to examine in the future. NASA and aerospace companies frequently visit museums to look at hardware from previous programs in order to design for the future projects.
The California Science Center believes science education is critical for everyone and values accessibility and inclusiveness. We do not currently charge general admission, and we will not charge admission for the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center.
The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center is the third phase of the California Science Center’s three-phase, three-decade Master Plan and the most ambitious expansion project yet. The new Air and Space Center will be a launchpad for creativity and innovation to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and explorers.
The California Science Center Foundation is actively fundraising to complete the ambitious Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center project with more than $390 million raised toward the $450 million total project budget. Everyone can help realize this exciting vision and donations at any level are welcomed. To contribute or learn more, go to EndeavourLA.org.
