Saying Goodbye to Space Shuttle Endeavour: A New Chapter Unfolds

As we bid farewell to an iconic legend, the Space Shuttle Endeavour, we can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over us. This remarkable spacecraft has been on public display for about a decade, and its move to the new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center marks the beginning of a new chapter in its storied history.

The new building will house an events and exhibit center that will feature large-scale rotating exhibitions. While an opening date has not yet been determined, one thing is certain - the Endeavour's new home will be nothing short of spectacular. The 200,000-square-foot Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center will include three multi-level galleries, each themed around air, space, and shuttle.

At the heart of the center will be a stunning display featuring the Space Shuttle Endeavour itself, along with its external fuel tank, rocket motors, and forward assembly. The rocket motors stand at an impressive 100-feet tall, making them a striking addition to the exhibit. The boosters were recently moved into place in early December, and a crane will lift the shuttle into vertical position alongside two 149-foot tall solid rocket boosters.

The external fuel tank is particularly noteworthy, as it's the only one built for flight but never flown. This unique piece of history weighs over 100 tons and measures 122 feet long and 58 feet in diameter. According to Larry Clark, a retired space shuttle engineer, moving this massive structure is no easy feat. 'It's not just about weights and distances,' he said. 'You have to consider the obstacles you'll encounter along the way.'

The move itself will be an impressive spectacle, with the external tank being transported on a self-propelled transporter for a two-hour journey past the Science Center building and Exposition Park Rose Garden to its new home. When complete, the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center will provide an unparalleled experience for visitors of all ages.

As we bid farewell to the Space Shuttle Endeavour, we can't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to have witnessed this incredible spacecraft up close. Its legacy will live on in the new center, inspiring generations to come.

Space shuttle endeavour