Endeavour Space Shuttle Lands in Los Angeles: A New Era for California Science Center

As the sun set over Exposition Park on Monday night, a small crowd gathered on State Drive to witness a momentous occasion - the successful lift of the Space Shuttle Endeavour into its new home at the California Science Center. After months of preparation and construction, the iconic spacecraft finally took its place in front of an orange fuel tank and two rocket boosters, marking the completion of the 'Go for Stack' process.

The 116-foot-tall solid rocket motors had previously undergone the same transformation in November, followed by the forward assemblies atop them. The aft skirts, or conical bases of the rocket boosters, were lifted into place via crane last July. Now, the Space Shuttle Endeavour is ready to be admired from afar as it stands tall and proud in its new vertical position.

The best views of the shuttle can be had from the plaza or green patch between the Coliseum and BMO Stadium, although visitors can also get a closer look near the rose garden to the north. The nose half of the orbiter, as well as much of the fuel tank and rockets, are visible from most areas of Exposition Park.

While it will be a few years before visitors can step inside the museum and see the retired NASA shuttle up close again, Angelenos can easily catch a glimpse of Endeavour's top part right now. The Space Shuttle Endeavour has had an impressive travel itinerary, including 25 trips into space, a one-way flight to Los Angeles on top of a 747, and a parade along the city's surface streets.

As construction continues, scaffolding will soon block some viewpoints of the stack, but for now, visitors can take in the sight of this American icon as it stands ready to inspire future generations of scientists, engineers, and explorers. With its successful lift, Space Shuttle Endeavour has added one final expedition to its lengthy journey - a ride on a high-rise-sized crane.

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