There is a new exhibit being developed at the California Science Center—and it’s going to be out of this world!

Construction is currently underway to build the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, a 200,000-square-foot addition to the science center’s main building. The new addition will feature space shuttle Endeavour in a 20-story vertical configuration, complete with solid rocket boosters and external tank. This will be the world’s only display of an authentic space shuttle system!

While the new display of Endeavour will allow the public to see it from exciting, unique vantage points, it is not the first time Endeavour will be on display at the museum. The shuttle had been on display since 2012, but it was displayed in a horizontal position, allowing people to walk under Endeavour. 

Jeffrey Rudolph, president and chief executive officer of the California Science Center is very excited for the world to see the new view of Endeavour.

“We felt that that view of the full stack, ready to launch, was the most impressive, most inspiring way you could ever display a space shuttle, and it lets you tell the whole story of the amazing amount of energy it takes to get off planet Earth and into space,” said Rudolph.

Seeing it on the ground, it may be easy to OVERLOOK Endeavor’s years of service for NASA. Endeavour was one of five different orbiters that flew into space as part of the space shuttle program. Endeavour was the final orbiter to join the shuttle fleet, and it flew 25 missions between 1995 and 2011. It’s one of three shuttles that remain in existence, and it is the only one on the West Coast.

Though the opening date for the new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center has yet to be announced, Endeavour will be a fitting centerpiece to inspire and thrill visitors. The center will also display an artifact collection of aircraft and spacecraft, integrated with hands-on exhibits that allow visitors to explore atmospheric flight and the universe.