Space Shuttle Endeavour, one of NASA’s most iconic spacecraft, has reached a significant milestone in its journey. The California Science Center successfully lifted the shuttle into a vertical position, marking the completion of a major phase in the museum’s “Go for Stack” process. This process began last July and involved lifting various components of the shuttle into the future Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center.
The lift took place on Monday night, as a crowd gathered to witness this historic moment. With the help of a high-rise-sized crane, the 178,000-pound orbiter was raised and lowered into its new position. Now displayed in a vertical, ready-to-launch position, Endeavour stands proudly in front of an orange fuel tank and a pair of rocket boosters, making it the only space shuttle in the world with this distinction.
Although it will be a few more years before visitors can step inside the museum and get up close to Endeavour, Angelenos can catch a glimpse of the top part of the shuttle from various locations in Exposition Park. The nose half of the orbiter, along with parts of the fuel tank and rockets, are visible from anywhere in the park. The best view can be found from the plaza or green patch between the Coliseum and BMO Stadium. However, as construction continues, some viewpoints may become obstructed until a roof is built over the shuttle.
The lifting process began last July with the aft skirts, followed by the solid rocket motors and forward assemblies. ET-94, the massive orange external fuel tank, joined them earlier this month. The final piece of the puzzle was the space shuttle itself, which had been on display in a temporary building until recently. On Monday night, cranes raised it into an upright position over the course of about half an hour.
The rest of the lift was witnessed by a select few inside the under-construction Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center. After several hours of adjustments and movements, the shuttle was slowly raised, brought closer to the fuel tank, and eventually secured in a “soft mate” with the stack. The next evening, work began on a “hard mate” to secure the flight hardware bolts and nuts.
Now that the shuttle’s major move is complete, the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center will continue to be built around it. This expansion will offer visitors multiple viewpoints of varying heights, including a glass perch atop the nose, allowing for a unique and immersive experience. While the museum has not yet set an opening date, it initially estimated a three-year construction period from the groundbreaking in 2022.
The lift of Space Shuttle Endeavour was a momentous occasion, symbolizing the culmination of years of planning and preparation. With its new vertical position, the shuttle stands as a testament to human ingenuity and exploration. As construction progresses, the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center will soon become a must-visit destination for space enthusiasts and curious minds alike.
For those who missed the lift, the museum has provided a four-and-a-half-hour stream of the event, along with videos and photos capturing this extraordinary feat. The journey of Space Shuttle Endeavour continues, inspiring future generations to reach for the stars.