Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Space Shuttle Endeavour Will Arrive in L.A. September 20
Photo by jurvetson via Flickr
We're getting to be experts here in Los Angeles at moving large objects from one location to another, aren't we? Our transport skills will be put to the test soon when the retired space shuttle Endeavour is taken to its new forever home at the California Science Center, but first up for the shuttle is a rest stop at Los Angeles International Airport next month.
Endeavour will arrive at LAX on September 20, according to City News Service. It will fly in on the back of a NASA-modified Boeing 747. The spacecraft will hang out at the aiport until October 13, which is when the shuttle will be shuttled on city streets to the Science Center.
So how's that going to go down? The "celebratory affair" will be much like the journey of LACMA's "Levitated Mass" boulder, with special accommodations for its girth--in this case, it's Endeavor's 78-foot wingspan. To make the trek, trees will need to be removed or trimmed along the route. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said two trees would be planted for every tree that needs to be removed. Fanfare will include a welcoming ceremony at Inglewood City Hall, and a similar event, produced by dancer/choreographer Debbie Allen, in the Crenshaw area.
A new wing of the Science Center will be built to house the Endeavor, which will be on permanent exhibit. Funding for the construction came from an "extraordinary" donation from the foundation of late businessman and philanthropist Samuel Oschin.
The Palmdale-built Endeavor made its last landing in Florida in 2011. It was made in 1987 to replace the Challenger, which tragically exploded just after takeoff in 1986. (The late astronaut Sally Ride was part of the team who investigated that accident.)
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
