Space Shuttle Endeavour is now standing tall at the California Science Center, poised for an imaginary launch into the skies over Exposition Park.
The shuttle’s final mission has been completed after a challenging six-month process, during which workers carefully lifted the shuttle into the construction site at the California Science Center, successfully mating it with its massive external tank and two rocket boosters.
Jeffrey Rudolph, president and CEO of the California Science Center, described the process as particularly challenging, emphasizing that a space shuttle stack like this has never been put together outside of a NASA or Air Force facility. The crews faced difficulties such as battling winds and changing weather conditions, and there is still plenty of work ahead.
Despite the challenges, Science Center officials expressed admiration for the shuttle display under the blue skies on Friday afternoon. However, they revealed that the shuttle will soon be covered with protective fabric, surrounded by scaffolding, and have a roof built above it as construction continues for the future Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center.
Alyson Goodall, senior vice president of the California Science Center, highlighted the significance of having the space shuttle in South L.A., stating that it will motivate and inspire millions of kids for generations to come, encouraging them to reach for the stars.
Endeavour, which flew 25 space missions, has already attracted around 20 million visitors since arriving in Los Angeles in 2012. The anticipation for the construction of the shuttle’s new $400 million home at the California Science Center has been building, with Rudolph expressing his amazement at seeing the shuttle all together, exceeding all expectations.
