The monumental task of moving the Space Shuttle Endeavour’s iconic orange external fuel tank, ET-94, to its final resting place at the new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center in Exposition Park, was successfully completed after a complex and challenging two-day operation.
The 65,000-pound fuel tank, which was used on over two dozen missions to propel astronauts into space, was carefully lifted by a crane and positioned vertically between two 149-foot solid rocket boosters. Workers faced numerous obstacles, including inclement weather and technical issues, before finally securing ET-94 in its designated location.
The completion of this move marks a significant milestone in the ambitious new space shuttle exhibit under construction at the California Science Center. Once fully assembled, the exhibit will showcase the Space Shuttle Endeavour in a full-stack arrangement, pointing skyward as if ready for launch.
The tank’s historic journey began when it arrived in Los Angeles in 2016, after a 5,000-mile sea voyage through the Panama Canal. Its transport to the California Science Center was carefully executed, mirroring the precision and care required for its final placement between the solid rocket boosters.
The new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, which is expected to be completed in the coming years, is an expansion of the California Science Center and aims to honor the legacy of space exploration. The new exhibit will allow visitors to experience an unprecedented display of a space shuttle configured in a vertical position, unlike any other public exhibit of a retired space shuttle.
The completion of this move is a monumental achievement, marking the culmination of years of planning and meticulous execution. Once the exhibit is fully built, it will stand as a lasting tribute to the technological feats and historic achievements of the Space Shuttle Endeavour and its contributions to space exploration.
As a result of transformative financial contributions from the Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Oschin Family Foundation, the museum wing is set to become a landmark in the Los Angeles city skyline, providing an unparalleled experience for visitors to witness the marvels of space exploration.
The completion of this stage in the construction of the exhibit marks a significant step toward the final assembly of the Space Shuttle Endeavour and the opening of the new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, allowing future generations to witness history and gain a deeper appreciation for the monumental achievements of space exploration.
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