The Unveiling of Endeavour: A Spectacular Display at the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center
Get ready for an out-of-this-world experience as NASA’s retired Space Shuttle Endeavour takes center stage at the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center in Los Angeles. In a carefully orchestrated operation, this iconic spacecraft was delicately lifted into place, creating a breathtaking display that will leave visitors in awe.
A Monumental Task
Using a massive crane, Endeavour, measuring an impressive 122 feet in length with a wingspan of 78 feet, was hoisted into the partially built Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center. The building itself will be completed around the spacecraft, ensuring a truly immersive experience for all who visit.
A Unique Display
The display will feature Endeavour in a vertical launch configuration, making it appear as if it is ready to blast off into space. The authenticity of the exhibit is truly remarkable, with all parts of the shuttle system being genuine components, including the flight-qualified external tank.
A Sturdy Foundation
Safety is a top priority when it comes to showcasing this national treasure. The 20-story-tall display stands on an 1,800-ton concrete slab, supported by six base isolators designed to protect Endeavour from earthquakes. Visitors can rest assured that this remarkable spacecraft is in safe hands.
A Rich History
Endeavour holds a special place in NASA’s legacy. It completed an impressive 25 missions between 1992 and 2011, when the shuttle program came to an end. Now, its story continues to inspire and captivate audiences as it takes its rightful place in the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center.
A Journey to Remember
The arrival of Endeavour in Los Angeles was nothing short of extraordinary. In 2012, the shuttle was transported from the Kennedy Space Center atop a NASA Boeing 747, creating a spectacle as it made its way through the city streets to Exposition Park. The external tank also arrived by barge and embarked on a similar journey.
A Vision Becomes Reality
The dream of creating a permanent home for Endeavour became a reality with the groundbreaking ceremony for the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center in 2022. Coinciding with the 11th anniversary of Endeavour’s final return from space, this milestone marked the beginning of a new chapter in the shuttle’s legacy.
Go for Stack!
The process of assembling the shuttle system in a vertical configuration, aptly named “Go for Stack,” has been a meticulous undertaking. It began with the precise installation of the bottom segments of the side boosters, known as aft skirts, outside of a NASA facility for the first time. These boosters, when attached to the external tank, played a crucial role in propelling the shuttle into space.
A Display of National Significance
NASA operated a total of five shuttles in space, each with its own unique story. However, tragedy struck with the loss of Challenger in 1986 and Columbia in 2003. Today, retired shuttles Atlantis and Discovery, along with the test ship Enterprise, are on display across the country, serving as reminders of the bravery and dedication of the astronauts who ventured into the unknown.
Atlantis can be found at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where it is showcased as if in orbit with its payload doors open and robotic arm extended. Discovery rests on its landing gear at the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. Meanwhile, Enterprise, used for approach and landing tests, is proudly displayed at the Intrepid Museum in New York.
Prepare to be amazed as you witness the unveiling of Endeavour at the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center. This extraordinary display is a testament to human ingenuity and exploration, and it invites visitors to embark on a journey through time and space. Don’t miss your chance to experience this captivating exhibit that celebrates the triumphs of NASA’s space shuttle program.
