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November launch set for space shuttle Endeavour's towering display
The $450 million expansion will feature the only complete shuttle stack on display worldwide, with Endeavour positioned vertically as it appeared on the launchpad.
The California Science Center announced Wednesday that the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center will open November 13, 2026, housing Space Shuttle Endeavour in a vertical, ready-to-launch position.
Project Director Dennis Jenkins led a six-month 'Go for Stack' process in early 2024, mating the orbiter with real solid rocket boosters and ET-94, the last flight-qualified external tank. The resulting 185-foot stack is believed to be the world's tallest indoor museum exhibit.
The $450 million expansion spans 200,000 square feet, including the Korean Air Aviation Gallery and Kent Kresa Space Gallery. Visitors will ascend 140 feet via gantry-style elevator along the stack and descend 115 feet down a tubular slide representing shuttle landing.
Due to anticipated high demand, the center will implement timed reservations for entry with a small service fee. Rudolph stated the gallery aims to "stimulate curiosity and inspire science learning" by offering views previously reserved only for flight crews.
Chairperson Lynda Oschin of the Mr. and Mrs. Oschin Family Foundation noted the center honors her late husband, Samuel Oschin. The project, supported by over 1,100 donors, completes a three-decade master plan establishing one of the world's premier science learning centers.