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Space Shuttle Endeavour To Permanently Land At California Science Center
Space Shuttle Endeavour on Pad39A at Kennedy Space Center (Photo by jurvetson via Flickr)
With about a dozen facilities vying for the honor, NASA announced today that the California Science Center in Exposition Park has been chosen as the final landing place for space shuttle Endeavour which will be retired after its final mission later this month. The announcement Tuesday coincides with the 30th anniversary of the first space shuttle launch.
The shuttle will be ready for sendoff by mid-2012, reports NBC LA , and Endeavour will make its way to California on the back of a NASA-modified Boeing 747.
Given its forthcoming proximity to USC it seems prudent to remind Kappa Sigma, despite how awesome it would be, to please not have sex inside the space shuttle.
Endeavour, notes the Daily News , was "built in Palmdale to replace the destroyed Challenger shuttle" which exploded 73 seconds after launch in January 1986. Construction on the craft began in 1987 and was finished in 1991.
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"When its final mission is completed, Endeavour will have traveled 115 million miles during 25 flights, carrying 139 people into orbit. It was the final shuttle built, but was the first to include safety improvements such as a drag parachute deployed on landing, and nose-wheel steering to prevent wear on the tires during runway rollout."
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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