LOS
ANGELES, June 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The
Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center Work in Progress
gallery, a dynamic exhibition that offers a sneak peek at new
artifacts planned for the new Air and Space Center while reliving
past milestones of Space Shuttle Endeavour's historic arrival and
dramatic stacking process, is now open at the California Science
Center. Guests will have the opportunity to explore select new
space artifacts, view construction progress through time-lapse
imagery, and learn more about the future Samuel Oschin Air and
Space Center.
Construction of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, a major
expansion of the California Science Center and Space Shuttle
Endeavour's permanent home, began in 2022 and is expected to
continue for about another year. Following artifact and exhibit
installation, it will be ready to welcome guests in a few years.
Science Center President and CEO Jeffrey
Rudolph observed: "As we watch the exciting progress of the
new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center being constructed around the
space shuttle stack, we celebrate our journey through the Work
in Progress gallery, showcasing new artifacts while reflecting
on the incredible feats that brought us to today."
Among the highlights of the Work in Progress
gallery is a Dragon cargo spacecraft donated by SpaceX and on
public display in California for
the first time. This vehicle was the first to reach orbit three
times and spent almost 99 days in space in support of NASA's
Commercial Resupply Services missions. The Dragon cargo spacecraft
delivers crucial supplies, experiments and equipment to astronauts
aboard the space station, ensuring continued scientific research
and human presence in space.
Also newly on display is an Electron rocket donated by Rocket
Lab, a small orbital-class rocket used to deliver satellites to
Earth's orbit. This 60-foot rocket uses a cluster of 10 Rutherford
engines, designed and 3D printed locally in Long Beach, CA. Both the SpaceX Dragon cargo
spacecraft and the Rocket Lab Electron are examples of the
commercial sector's commitment to space exploration.
A large wall projection traces the construction progress of the
Samuel Oshin Air and Space Center, together with a building model
and artist renderings of the major galleries in the new 200,000
square-foot addition to the Science Center. A time-lapse film
details Go for Stack, the unprecedented, six-month process
of lifting and installing Endeavour into the future Samuel Oschin
Air and Space Center, creating the world's only authentic
space shuttle stack in "ready to launch" position.
Additionally, the Work in Progress gallery will
feature several favorites from the former Samuel Oschin Endeavour
Pavilion, including an interactive video tour of the interior of
Endeavour, and the Space Shuttle Main Engine, designed and
manufactured locally by Aerojet Rocketdyne in Canoga Park, CA to help propel the shuttle
into orbit. Mission 26: The Big Endeavour photo
exhibition returns, including over 80 photographs documenting Space
Shuttle Endeavour's final flight over California and 12-mile, 68-hour journey
through the streets of Los Angeles
to the Science Center.
The future Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center will serve as a
launchpad for creativity and innovation which will inspire future
generations of scientists, engineers, and explorers. The
significant expansion will nearly double the Science Center's
educational exhibition space, adding an impressive collection of
100 authentic artifacts integrated with 100 new hands-on exhibits.
Guests of all ages will be encouraged to investigate scientific and
engineering principles of atmospheric flight and the exploration of
the universe in three major galleries—the Samuel Oschin Shuttle
Gallery, the Korean Air Aviation Gallery, and the Kent Kresa Space
Gallery.
About the EndeavourLA Campaign
EndeavourLA is the California Science Center Foundation's
$400 million fundraising campaign
that enabled the acquisition and previous temporary display of
space shuttle Endeavour and supports our plans to build the Samuel
Oschin Air and Space Center and sustain ongoing exhibits, programs,
and operations. The project's lead donors are the Mr. and Mrs.
Samuel Oschin Family Foundation and the State of California, joined by principal
donors Korean Air and the Kresa Family Foundation, along with
hundreds of individuals, foundations, and corporate supporters.
The California Science Center Foundation is actively fundraising
to complete this ambitious project with more than $365 million raised. Everyone can help realize
this exciting vision for the future Samuel Oschin Air and Space
Center, and donations at any level are welcomed. To contribute or
learn more, go to EndeavourLA.org.
About the California Science Center
The
California Science Center is a dynamic destination where families,
adults and children can explore the wonders of science through
interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, innovative programs and
awe-inspiring films. The California Science Center and IMAX Theater
are located in historic Exposition Park just west of the Harbor
(110) Freeway at 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the California Science Center
has free general admission.
Media Contacts:
Kristina Kurasz Cutting |
Director of Communications | California Science Center
Kkurasz@californiasciencecenter.org | 213-744-7446
Sophie Jefferies | Communications
Specialist | California Science Center
sjefferies@californiasciencecenter.org | 213-744-7491
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SOURCE California Science Center Foundation