California Science Center to unveil Space Shuttle Endeavour in vertical launch position

The California Science Center will open its new 200,000-square-foot expansion, the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, to the public on November 13. The centerpiece of the exhibit is the Space Shuttle Endeavour, which will be displayed in a vertical “go for launch” position. Standing approximately 20 stories tall, the shuttle is mated to an external tank and two solid rocket boosters, allowing visitors to view the vehicle's intricate details, such as engines and thermal tiles, from a perspective previously reserved for ground crews and astronauts.

Reservations for the new center will be available to museum members starting October 19, with general public reservations opening on October 21. While general admission to the center is free, a $4 reservation service fee applies per person, which is waived for members. The exhibit marks the first time the public can stand directly beneath a complete, authentic Space Shuttle system in its vertical assembly.