Ethan Carter
Endeavour, NASA’s iconic space shuttle, is set to have a permanent exhibit at the California Science Center.
The California Science Center has officially revealed that Endeavour, the last shuttle built by NASA, will be permanently showcased at the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center starting November 13, 2026. This new 200,000 square-foot expansion will not only feature the shuttle but also include a collection of 100 artifacts, highlighting rare and historic items from aerospace history.
While Endeavour has been on display at the California Science Center since 2012 in a horizontal position, this upcoming exhibit will present the shuttle in its majestic launch configuration, complete with solid rocket boosters and an external tank. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to ascend a 140-foot gantry elevator adjacent to the shuttle, closely mirroring the experience astronauts go through just before takeoff.
NASA designed the Space Shuttle Endeavour as a replacement for the Challenger, which tragically exploded in 1986. Endeavour began its operational journey in 1992, successfully completing numerous missions that included satellite repairs, servicing the Hubble Space Telescope, and transporting astronauts to the International Space Station. The shuttle was officially retired in 2011, and NASA announced its permanent resting place would be in Los Angeles, a decision made in 2012. That same year, Endeavour made a slow and challenging 12-mile journey from Los Angeles International Airport to the California Science Center, where it has remained since.
Daniel Mercer
