California Science Center breaks ground for new Endeavour space shuttle exhibit

A groundbreaking ceremony for a brand new exhibit dedicated to Endeavour, the well-known space shuttle that operated over the greater part of 20 years, took place at the California Science Center Wednesday. 

Since 2012, the Endeavour has called the California Science Center in Exposition Park home, after it was retired in 2011. However, after more than 10 years, officials have decided to open a massive 200,000-square-foot exhibit for the shuttle.

Currently displayed in a horizontal position, the shuttle will also be equipped with  two solid rocket boosters and a large external fuel tank and displayed in an upright, "ready to launch" position.

The Endeavour took part in 25 different missions during its time as an active spacecraft, beginning in 1992. 

"It's a completely authentic spacecraft, and it's not just the space shuttle part, but the part that lifts it from the Earth, into space," said Dr. Kenneth Phillips, curator for the California Science Center.

The exhibit, which will be called The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, will also feature various other galleries and displays, as well as an events center. 

Concept art handed out at the groundbreaking displayed the exterior and interior of the new exhibit, showcasing various other aircraft and presentations.

Prominent Los Angeles and California figures alike attended the groundbreaking ceremony, including Governor Gavin Newsom (via video conference) Mayor Eric Garcetti, County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, Science Center President/CEO Jeffrey Rudolph, three former space shuttle astronauts, Lynda Oschin, chair of the Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Oschin Family Foundation and Senator Alex Padilla. 

"I'll never forget that last voyage," said Mayor Garcetti, who also noted that the shuttle was built in Palmdale. "I was on top of City Hall watching it, and to me it wasn't just seeing one of these amazing craft that went into the heavens, it was knowing that it came from L.A."

Arizona state Senator Mark Kelly, a former astronaut who was commander of the Endeavour's final mission in 2011 also attended the ceremony via video conference.

The project is expected to take at least three years to complete.