They will be connected to each other using the same hardware that was used for launches. "Įach component will be raised individually by crane, with the solid rocket boosters going up first, followed by the external tank and then Endeavour. So we went back to doing it the 'old fashioned' way, just without a VAB. "The further we got into it, though, the more it was causing us grief. "We did a lot of a lot of engineering on horizontal stack concepts because we honestly thought it was going to be easier," said Dennis Jenkins, a veteran shuttle engineer and director of the science center's project to display Endeavour. (Image credit: California Science Center/ZGF) At one point, the prevailing thought was to mount the full shuttle stack in the horizontal and then lift it all together, but it turned out the tried-and-true way was still the best way.Įndeavour: NASA's youngest space shuttle (reference)Īrtist's rendering the space shuttle Endeavour inside the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center. The California Science Center has recruited a team of former and current space program workers with experience mating the space shuttle and NASA's new Space Launch System (SLS) megarocket to stack Endeavour. There it will joined by External Tank-94 (ET-94), NASA's last remaining shuttle fuel tank built for flight, and two solid rocket boosters assembled from segments that were used in the launch of 81 shuttle missions. Roughly a year and a half from now, in the second half of 2023, Endeavour will be taken off display and moved the short distance to where it will displayed in the new air and space center. "Then probably the most notable next public thing will be installing Endeavour and the full stack." "The demolition of the old buildings is done already, so the next step will be excavation and shoring to get the building going," Rudolph told collectSPACE in an interview. The footprint for the 200,000-square-foot (19,000 square meters) Samuel Oschin Air and Space Museum was cleared ahead of Wednesday's ceremony. "We have achieved this groundbreaking milestone because of all of you, and together we will inspire the next generation." Going up "On behalf of the citizens of California, thank you to the many generous supporters of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center project," said Gavin Newsom, governor of California. The science center plans to raise the remaining $120 million during the construction period and is still accepting members for Team Endeavour by sponsoring one of the shuttle's thermal tiles. Other major donors include The Ahmanson Foundation, Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation, Weingart Foundation and Ibrahim El-Hefni Technical Training Foundation. "Their early contribution was catalytic in bringing space shuttle Endeavour to the California Science Center, and we are forever thankful for this additional commitment that has propelled us forward to groundbreaking on the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center."Īrtist's rendering of the exterior of the new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center in Los Angeles. Lynda Oschin for the unparalleled gift," said Rudolph. "Few institutions have seen this level of generosity, and we are tremendously grateful to Mrs. Combined with the support provided by the State of California and numerous foundations, individuals and corporate donors, the science center has now raised $280 million toward its $400 million goal to cover the past, present and future of Endeavour's display. Samuel Oschin Family Foundation was the largest the California Science Center has ever received. "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."Īlthough the amount was not disclosed, the gift from the Mr. "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," said Lynda Oschin.
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