What's Happening?
Senator Mark Kelly, the last astronaut to command the Space Shuttle Endeavour, was present at the California Science Center on Friday for the opening of the new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center. The centerpiece of this new exhibit is the Space Shuttle Endeavour, displayed
in its nearly 200-foot-tall launch configuration, complete with authentic solid rocket boosters and an external tank. This setup, according to the Science Center, creates the only complete, authentic space shuttle system on public view globally. Senator Kelly, who commanded Endeavour's final mission, STS-134, in 2011, shared his reflections on his experiences with the spacecraft. His first flight on Endeavour was in 2001, shortly after the September 11 attacks. The 200,000-square-foot expansion of the Science Center nearly doubles its exhibit space, featuring 100 aerospace artifacts and 100 hands-on exhibits focused on science and engineering.
Why It's Important?
The opening of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center with the Space Shuttle Endeavour as its focal point is a significant cultural and educational event for the United States. It preserves a crucial piece of American space exploration history and makes it accessible to the public, inspiring future generations in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Senator Kelly's presence and personal reflections add a powerful human element to the exhibit, connecting visitors to the real-world experiences of astronauts. The display of a complete space shuttle system is unique and offers an unparalleled educational opportunity to understand the scale and complexity of space travel. For the U.S., this exhibit reinforces its legacy in space exploration and serves as a reminder of the national effort and innovation involved in the space shuttle program, which employed thousands of union workers, engineers, and scientists. It also highlights the importance of public science centers in fostering scientific literacy and interest.
What's Next?
The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center will open to the public on Friday, November 13, 2026. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience various interactive exhibits, including a shuttle landing simulator, a replica flight deck, and a 45-foot slide designed to mimic re-entry into Earth's atmosphere. The center also features three multilevel galleries: the Samuel Oschin Shuttle Gallery, the Korean Air Aviation Gallery, and the Kent Kresa Space Gallery, showcasing a wide array of aircraft and flown spacecraft. The inclusion of exhibits developed with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, such as miniature Mars rover programming, indicates a continued focus on engaging visitors with current and future space exploration endeavors. The center is expected to become a major attraction, drawing visitors from across the nation and internationally, further cementing Los Angeles's role as a hub for science and innovation.
