The Historic Launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour: A Milestone in Space Exploration

On July 20, the California Science Center in Los Angeles marked a significant milestone in its efforts to display the iconic space shuttle Endeavour. The aft skirts, which are as wide as 18 feet and weigh 13,000 pounds, were carefully positioned on a concrete pad, kicking off an operation worthy of an actual NASA mission. When complete, the exhibit will stand at an impressive 200 feet tall, equivalent to 20 stories high.

The Endeavour, which made 25 trips to space and back, is being displayed horizontally for now, but plans are underway to move it into a vertical position, where it will be showcased with its solid rocket boosters and external fuel tank attached. This will give visitors a unique perspective on the shuttle's size and complexity.

The Endeavour's final flight took place on May 16, 2011, marking the end of an era in space exploration. The shuttle is one of five that have been retired from service, with Enterprise serving as a prototype that never flew into space but did glide through the atmosphere. Discovery is on display at the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia, while Atlantis is displayed at an angled position at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida.

The Endeavour exhibit promises to be an unforgettable experience, allowing visitors to walk under it and look up at the tiles, as described by Jeffrey Rudolph, president and CEO of the California Science Center. This will be a unique opportunity for the public to appreciate the shuttle's sheer size and complexity, making it an unmissable attraction for space enthusiasts.

In conclusion, the Endeavour's vertical display is set to be an awe-inspiring sight, offering visitors a new perspective on this historic spacecraft. The exhibit is a testament to NASA's achievements in space exploration and its commitment to sharing these accomplishments with the public.

Space shuttle endeavour launch