![]() ![]() The chilly late night departure from the hangar at LAX was the start of the transport, but Endeavour’s journey to Exposition Park really started more than a year beforehand. But, despite spending so much of its career nearly weightless, it was too heavy for a helicopter, and it couldn’t be dismantled without causing permanent damage to the heat tiles, so the Science Center decided to foot the roughly $10 million it would take to move the shuttle overland. Although Endeavour traveled into space 25 times, launched a number of satellites, visited Mir, helped assemble the International Space Station, and even repaired the Hubble Telescope, it was never designed to navigate the busy streets of an urban area. On today’s episode, we’re talking about the Space Shuttle Endeavor Transport project.Īs midnight approached on Octothe Space Shuttle Endeavour began its harrowing (if somewhat sluggish) journey from LAX airport to the California Science Center near downtown LA. I’m Grady, and this is Practical Engineering. This October marks the 10 year anniversary of the nearly 3-day trip, so let’s reminisce on this incredible feat and dive into what it took to get the orbiter safely to its final home. Endeavour’s 26th mission was a lot slower and a lot shorter than the previous 25, but it was still full of fascinating engineering challenges. But even though the orbiter was decommissioned after its final launch in 2011, it had one more mission to complete: a 12 mile (or 19 kilometer) trip through the streets of Los Angeles to be displayed in the California Science Center. ![]() Endeavour went on to fly 25 missions, spending nearly a year total in space and completing 4,671 trips around the earth. That first mission was a big one: the crew captured a wayward communications satellite stuck in the wrong orbit, attached a rocket stage, and launched it back into space in time to help broadcast the Barcelona Summer Olympics. ![]() Alex Padilla, D-California.In May of 1992, the Space Shuttle Endeavour launched to low earth orbit on its very first flight. Now it gives me enormous pleasure to see this vision becoming a reality for the millions of young people who will be inspired to reach for the stars.”Īlso among those attending the ceremony Wednesday were Mayor Eric Garcetti, county Supervisor Holly Mitchell, Science Center President/CEO Jeffrey Rudolph, three former space shuttle astronauts and Sen. “Just as Sam desired to create opportunities for learning and discovery for others, I was inspired to support this project when I saw the enthusiasm of schoolchildren who met the crew of astronauts from space shuttle Endeavour’s final mission. “This gift is to honor the legacy of my dear husband Samuel Oschin, who was passionate about adventure and the pursuit of knowledge, especially in the fields of science and engineering,” Lynda Oschin said. The donation was billed as the largest ever received by the Science Center. The amount was bolstered by an unspecified gift from the Mr. “We have achieved this groundbreaking milestone because of all of you, and together we will inspire the next generation.”Īccording to the Science Center, roughly $280 million has been raised toward the $400 million project goal. Gavin Newsom, who made a video appearance at the ground-breaking ceremony, said in a statement. “On behalf of the citizens of California, thank you to the many generous supporters of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center project,” Gov. In its new home, however, the shuttle will be paired with two solid rocket boosters and large external fuel tank and displayed vertically in its launch position, making it the only shuttle display of its type. The shuttle is currently displayed horizontally. The highlight of the new space center will be the reconfigured display of the Endeavour shuttle, which has been housed at the Science Center for about a decade. The new facility will also house an events and exhibit center that will house large-scale rotating exhibitions. The building will include three multi-level galleries, themed air, space and shuttle. The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center in Los Angeles’ Exposition Park will nearly double the Science Center’s educational exhibition space, officials said. A host of local dignitaries gathered at the California Science Center on Wednesday, June 1, to break ground on a 200,000-square-foot pavilion that will become the future home of the space shuttle Endeavour, which will be displayed permanently in an upright, ready-to-launch position. ![]()
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