The California Science Center has offered an update on the construction of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center. When completed, the center will be home to the Space Shuttle Endeavour, which will be configured in a ‘ready-to-launch’ system complete with the orbiter Endeavour, solid rocket boosters, and external tank.

As we reported in June 2022, the ZGF Architects-designed scheme will house 150 exhibits across three multi-level galleries, and will more than double the California Science Center’s educational exhibit area. The central gallery containing the Space Shuttle Endeavour will rise 20 stories to a maximum height of 200 feet.

On July 20th, 2023, the center will commence ‘Go for Stack,’ a complex process of moving and lifting each of the space shuttle components into place. The six-month process will begin with the installation of the aft skirts, on top of which the solid rocket motors will be stacked to form the solid rocket boosters. This will be followed by the move and lift of the external tank before Space Shuttle Endeavour’s final move across Exposition Park to be lifted into place by a large crane.

“Endeavour will be the star attraction of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, a launchpad for creativity and innovation that will inspire future generations of scientists, engineers, and explorers,” said Jeff Rudolph, President and CEO of the California Science Center. “We are grateful to be at this point in the construction of the new Air and Space Center, and thrilled to start Go for Stack on July 20 to commemorate Space Exploration Day.”

The center has currently raised $320 million of its $400 million goal to fund the wider upgrade of its facility, which is being completed in three phases across three decades. When completed, the expansion will add 100,000 square feet and 100 new educational exhibits.