Journey to the Stars: The Endeavour Exhibit at the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center
The Space Shuttle Endeavour is set to embark on its final mission as it becomes a permanent exhibit at the California Science Center's Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center. Opening to the public on November 13, the $450-million addition will showcase the shuttle in its vertical "ready-to-launch" position, surrounded by the complete shuttle stack, including the orbiter, solid rocket boosters, and an external tank. This unique display is expected to attract visitors from around the world.
The completion of the Air and Space Center marks the realization of the Science Center's master plan from 1993. The Endeavour, which completed 25 successful missions between 1992 and 2011, arrived at LAX in 2012 and underwent a procession through the streets of Los Angeles to reach its final destination at Exposition Park. The construction of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, designed by ZGF Architects, was completed in April.
The gallery's centerpiece, the Endeavour, holds special significance for many involved in the project. Lynda Oschin, the widow of Samuel Oschin, expressed that the shuttle embodies her husband's passion for exploration and inspiration. Dennis R. Jenkins, project director at the California Science Center, who spent decades working on space shuttles, finds the sight of the Endeavour in its vertical position awe-inspiring.
Retired astronaut Barbara Morgan, who flew aboard the Endeavour in 2007, believes that the shuttle will inspire future generations of space enthusiasts. The gallery will feature a video of the shuttle's history, produced by J.J. Abrams' company, Bad Robot, culminating in a simulated launch experience for visitors to enjoy.
Visitors to the gallery will have the opportunity to view the Endeavour from various angles, including inside the payload bay and underneath the shuttle's engines. A glass elevator will take guests to the 20th story for a bird's-eye view of the shuttle through a glass floor. Despite the shuttle's grandeur, the Science Center aims to present it as close to mission-ready as possible, showcasing the wear and tear from its space missions.
The exhibit's hardware, including unique bolts and nuts, posed a challenge to source since many pieces are no longer in production. The external fuel tank, ET-94, was a particularly difficult artifact to obtain, as external tanks were typically jettisoned and burned up in the atmosphere. Jenkins managed to secure the tank to complete the Endeavour's full shuttle stack.
In addition to the Endeavour, the gallery will feature interactive elements such as a slide mimicking the reentry path of a space shuttle, providing visitors with a thrilling experience. The Science Center's goal is to ignite excitement for space exploration in the next generation of scientists and engineers, making the exhibit a source of inspiration for children and visitors of all ages.
The opening of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center represents a significant milestone for the California Science Center, showcasing the Endeavour's legacy and inspiring future generations to reach for the stars.