The California Science Center unveiled its new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center on Wednesday, introducing the retired space shuttle Endeavour to its permanent home. The attraction, set to open to the public on November 13, features the Endeavour in a dramatic 20-story launch configuration, a display described by the Science Center as the only complete, authentic space shuttle system on public display worldwide.
The 200,000-square-foot expansion significantly increases the Science Center's exhibition space. It also incorporates 100 aerospace artifacts and 100 hands-on exhibits designed to engage visitors with science and engineering principles.
Endeavour, the fifth and final orbiter in NASA's fleet, was built to replace the Challenger after the 1986 disaster. It first launched in May 1992 and completed 25 missions before its retirement. Now, it is presented vertically alongside authentic solid rocket boosters and an external fuel tank.
"The opening of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center is the fulfillment of a decades-long dream to create one of the world’s leading science centers," said Jeffrey Rudolph, President and CEO of the California Science Center. He added that the exhibit will "stand as an enduring source of inspiration for generations of scientists, engineers, and explorers."
The new center offers interactive experiences for visitors, including a 140-foot elevator ride up the launch structure to a glass-floor observation platform above the orbiter. Visitors can also utilize a shuttle landing simulator, explore a replica flight deck, and experience a 45-foot slide designed to simulate the shuttle's re-entry through Earth's atmosphere.
The project is named for Samuel Oschin, a philanthropist who died in 2003. His widow, Lynda Oschin, whose family foundation is a lead donor, noted that Endeavour represented her husband's passions for astronomy, math, science, exploration, and inspiring children.
The opening day celebration on November 13 is expected to include approximately 30 astronauts, including the six crew members from Endeavour's final mission, STS-134. While general admission to the California Science Center is free, timed reservations for the new attraction are strongly encouraged. Online reservations incur a $4 service fee.