![]() The challenge is great.In early January, crews will move the large orange external tank known as “ET-94” to the east end of the California Science Center and bolt it to the solid rocket motors in the new building. We’ve got a little less than five years to fine-tune our approach, fabricate all of the exhibit experiences and create a living environment that helps to build their confidence in a future that could involve leading edge science and technology. Exposing them to an actual Space Shuttle on its launch pad will certainly be inspiring, but convincing them that they can meaningfully participate in such a noble effort is our real challenge. We believe that the kids who will become inspired by what they see and touch can become transformed by the kind of experience that we hope to provide. The task is both exciting and daunting and all of us who are a part of the project (staff, sponsors and volunteers) are determined to provide the most exciting and memorable display imaginable. The next step is the preparation of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center that will house Endeavour in launch configuration along with the Science Center’s collection of aircraft, pre-shuttle command modules and deep space probes. ![]() With Endeavour now on display, and over a million visitors have had the chance to experience the vehicle up close and personal. Endeavour is big! Measuring 122-feet from front to back, 78 feet from wing tip to wing tip and almost 60 feet to the ceiling at the tail, Endeavour is a highly complex, 145,000 pound machine that successfully managed to survive the hazards of getting into space and returning safely to the ground 25 times and flying nearly 123-million miles in the process. When entering the pavilion the usual reaction is one of stunned disbelief. Those of us who worked around the vehicle over the past two-year period have gotten somewhat used to its size and complexity, and we underestimated the impact that the first sight of Endeavour might have on those who haven’t had that opportunity. The donation of the historic Rocketdyne Operational Support Center that served as mission control during the 8.5-minute trip from the launch pad to orbit gave us a chance to illuminate that display and show Endeavour’s final flight from the perspective of the flight controllers. Pulling the tires off Endeavour, displaying the Waste Collection System (WCS or Potty) and the Galley enabled guests to get up close and personal to some of the most important objects associated with the vehicle. The California Story tells the story of California’s participation in the Space Shuttle program beginning with the loss of the Space Shuttle Challenger, for which Endeavour is a replacement. ![]() To create our initial display we decided to tell the story of the Space Shuttle program in two parts. In all, we were juggling four major efforts all at the same time. We had to move fast because our published date for opening of Octowas fast approaching and we were fully occupied with preparing for Endeavour’s move and with securing all of the ground support equipment needed to safely reposition the Orbiter a few years down the road (changing the display from from horizontal to launch position), and with the development of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center. Interpreting a SpaceshipĪbout a year before Endeavour’s arrival we started the exhibit development process to open the California Story exhibit and the Samuel Oschin Space Shuttle Endeavour Display Pavilion. ![]() Endeavour moving into the Samuel Oschin Pavilion at the California Science Center.Īnd we’re very grateful to the citizens of Inglewood and Los Angeles for their cooperation, support and help. ![]()
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