Space Shuttle Endeavour Gets a Spectacular New Home in Los Angeles

The Space Shuttle Endeavour is about to get a brand-new permanent home. The California Science Center in Los Angeles will open a stunning new gallery for the famous shuttle on November 13. For the first time ever, visitors will be able to see a space shuttle displayed in a 20-story-tall launch position, just as it looked on the launchpad before blasting into space.

The new space is called the Samuel Oschin Shuttle Gallery. It is the centerpiece of a much larger expansion project known as the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center. The expansion cost $450 million and nearly doubles the amount of exhibit space at the science center. It also took more than ten years to plan and build.

The gallery is part of a three-phase, three-decade master plan to make the California Science Center one of the best science learning centers in the world. Along with seeing the shuttle in launch position, visitors can explore around 100 artifacts and enjoy hands-on activities focused on science and engineering. Guests will be able to view the shuttle from multiple heights and angles, giving them a truly unique experience.

The Endeavour flew its last mission, called STS-134, in May 2011. It was officially retired from service in 2012 after completing 25 missions. After retirement, the shuttle was loaded onto a special NASA-modified Boeing 747 airplane and flown to Los Angeles. It was then slowly towed through the streets of the city before arriving at the California Science Center.

For several years, the shuttle was displayed lying on its side, alongside the ET-94 — the last surviving external fuel tank that was built to actually fly in space. Then, in 2022, workers began building a new 200-foot-tall building at the science center. The goal was to house both the orbiter and the tank standing upright together, the way they would have appeared before a real launch.

California Governor Gavin Newsom praised the new center and what it means for the state. He said California has long been a leader in aviation and space exploration, from early pilots to modern astronauts and engineers. He called the new center a reflection of the state's commitment to science, education, and discovery for future generations.