December 31, 2023 will be the last chance to see Endeavour on exhibit for several years until the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center opens to the public. Space shuttle Endeavour will be moved off display to prepare for a final move across Exposition Park to be lifted into the future Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, which will then be completed around the full shuttle stack.
Go for Stack
Endeavour goes off display in...
How we stack a space shuttle
On July 20, 2023 the California Science Center commenced Go for Stack, the complex process of moving and lifting each of the space shuttle components into place for Endeavour’s upcoming awe-inspiring 20-story vertical display. This technically challenging feat has never been done outside of a NASA facility.
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Step 1
The roughly six-month long process started with the installation of the aft skirts which attach the entire space shuttle stack to seismic isolators beneath the new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center building.
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Step 2
On top of the aft skirts the solid rocket motors will be stacked to form the tall, white solid rocket boosters (SRBs).
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Step 3
Forward assemblies are placed on top of the solid rocket motors to complete the tall, white solid rocket boosters (SRBs).
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Step 4
This will be followed by the move and lift of the orange external tank, ET-94, which is attached to the SRBs.
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Step 5
Finally, space shuttle orbiter Endeavour’s move and lift into place by a large crane, and the intricate mating of the orbiter with the rest of the space shuttle stack. Once finished, Endeavour will be in a vertical configuration.
Image
Step 1
The roughly six-month long process started with the installation of the aft skirts which attach the entire space shuttle stack to seismic isolators beneath the new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center building.
Image
Step 2
On top of the aft skirts the solid rocket motors will be stacked to form the tall, white solid rocket boosters (SRBs).
Image
Step 3
Forward assemblies are placed on top of the solid rocket motors to complete the tall, white solid rocket boosters (SRBs).
Image
Step 4
This will be followed by the move and lift of the orange external tank, ET-94, which is attached to the SRBs.
Image
Step 5
Finally, space shuttle orbiter Endeavour’s move and lift into place by a large crane, and the intricate mating of the orbiter with the rest of the space shuttle stack. Once finished, Endeavour will be in a vertical configuration.
Image
These aft skirts from Endeavour's solid rocket boosters (SRBs) will be the first part of the space shuttle to be installed. Each one will be attached to the floor with four giant bolts and together they hold up the rest of the shuttle stack.
This will be the world’s only authentic space shuttle system; complete with the orbiter Endeavour, solid rocket boosters, and external tank. Learn more about the new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center and how you can support this exciting vision for the future by contributing to the EndeavourLA Campaign.
Frequently asked questions
What is “Go for Stack?”
“Go for Stack” is the complex process of moving and lifting each of the space shuttle components into place for Endeavour’s upcoming, awe-inspiring 20-story vertical display in the future Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, which is currently under construction. This technically challenging feat has never been done outside of a NASA facility.
Will Endeavor go off view? For how long?
Yes. December 31, 2023 will be the last chance to see Endeavour on exhibit for several years until the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center opens to the public. Endeavour will be moved off display and positioned in the Air and Space Center, which will then be completed around the full shuttle stack. While Endeavour is off exhibit, we remain one of the largest science centers in the nation, with multiple other galleries, special exhibitions, and IMAX movies for our guests to experience.
When will the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center open?
Building construction is underway and together with artifact and exhibit installation, is estimated to take several years. We look forward to announcing the official opening date well in advance of the public opening.
What is the significance of the Aft Skirt installation?
The placement and installation of the Aft Skirts will serve as the foundation of the vertical shuttle stack and mark the beginning of a six-month-long process to create the world’s only authentic space shuttle stack.
What are the next steps in the stacking process?
Following the installment of the aft skirts, two solid rocket motors will be assembled and stacked directly above, followed by the installation of the forward assemblies at the top of each rocket, forming the complete solid rocket boosters (SRBs). The external tank, known as ET-94, will then be moved out of its current location and mated to the solid rocket boosters, hanging between them. Lastly, space shuttle orbiter Endeavour will make its final move to the site of the future Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center. There, the orbiter will be lifted into place by a large crane and mated with the rest of the space shuttle stack.
Are the Aft Skirts authentic?
Yes. The two aft skirts flew on a combined 15 space shuttle flights, dating back to 1982, STS-3, the third mission.
How will Endeavour be protected during construction of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center?
Scaffolding will be erected around the full shuttle stack for protection from the elements and construction. Scaffolding will be covered with plywood and kevlar fabric and there will be a positive purge using filtered air to minimize dust near the vehicle.
Endeavour LA Campaign
Help us fulfill our vision for the new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, the future home of space shuttle Endeavour.
Image attribution
NASA/Kim Shiflett
