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Space Shuttle Endeavour Soars Anew!
3 Jul
Summary
- Space Shuttle Endeavour is now on display vertically.
- The exhibit opens on November 13 at the California Science Center.
- Endeavour completed 12 missions, including ISS assembly.
The Space Shuttle Endeavour is poised to take center stage at its new permanent home in Los Angeles, opening to the public on November 13 at the California Science Center's Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center. The retired orbiter has been meticulously assembled into a 20-story tall, vertical display, simulating a ready-to-launch posture.
This groundbreaking exhibit marks the final mission of the legendary Endeavour, NASA's fifth and final shuttle. Built to replace the lost Challenger, Endeavour embarked on its maiden voyage in May 1992 and participated in crucial missions, including the first servicing of the Hubble Space Telescope and extensive assembly work on the International Space Station over its 12 missions.
Endeavour's final landing occurred on June 1, 2011, in Florida, shortly before the conclusion of NASA's 30-year shuttle program. Since its retirement, it has been on display at the California Science Center, but never in this dramatic, vertically stacked arrangement. The "Go for Stack" process, which began on July 20, 2023, took six months to complete, culminating in the mating of the orbiter with its solid boosters and external tank.
This unique "ready-for-launch" display is the only one of its kind globally, celebrating Endeavour's soaring legacy and offering visitors an unparalleled experience of spaceflight history.
