The California Science Center is advancing a transformative project to inspire a new generation of scientists, engineers and explorers. EndeavourLA is the California Science Center Foundation’s fundraising campaign to create the new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center and support ongoing exhibits, programs and operations.
Endeavour LA Campaign
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Our Biggest Endeavour Yet
Construction is underway to build the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, a 200,000 square foot addition to the California Science Center's main building, joining existing exhibits and galleries. Long envisioned as Phase III of the Science Center’s three-decade Master Plan, this major expansion will include a diverse collection of aircraft and spacecraft, immersive experiences and the Science Center’s signature hands-on, educational exhibits that encourage active learning through discovery.
The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center will feature three major multi-level galleries—the Samuel Oschin Shuttle Gallery, the Korean Air Aviation Gallery, and the Kent Kresa Space Gallery. As the centerpiece of Phase III, space shuttle Endeavour will be an awe-inspiring sight, towering 200 feet tall in vertical "ready for launch" configuration. The new Air and Space Center will be a fitting permanent home for Endeavour, one of just three remaining flown space shuttle orbiters and the only one of these national treasures on the west coast. It will be the only place in the world to see a complete Space Shuttle System with authentic flight hardware, including Endeavour mated to real solid rocket boosters and external tank.
Construction on the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center began in 2022 and every day brings us closer to completing this one-of-a-kind educational resource for California.
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ZGF
The future Samuel Oschin Shuttle Gallery
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The future Korean Air Aviation Gallery
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The future Kent Kresa Space Gallery
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Exterior rendering of the future Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center
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ZGF
The future Samuel Oschin Shuttle Gallery
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The future Korean Air Aviation Gallery
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The future Kent Kresa Space Gallery
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Exterior rendering of the future Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center
Endeavour Together
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our major donors and community supporters, as well as significant public funding, nearly $375 million has been raised toward the $425 million total project budget. You can be a part of this historic effort and invest in science learning for everyone with a gift to the EndeavourLA Campaign. Contact us at 213-744-7495 or email the campaign team to discuss your contribution or learn more about ways to support the California Science Center Foundation.
Key Milestones
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Image attribution
Chuck Null
On October 10, 2024, we celebrated the “topping out” of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center during which the final steel beams were lifted atop the diagrid structure that forms the iconic curved roof above the space shuttle stack.
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In April and May of 2024, the three pieces of our gantry, made of high-strength steel, were lifted into place and assembled near the fully completed shuttle stack. The gantry in the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center will take guests to multiple platforms to experience different views of Endeavour.
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California Science Center
On January 29, 2024, Endeavour was lifted into the future site of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center to join the previously installed external tank and solid rocket boosters.
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ET-94 was lifted and mated to the SRBs over two nights in the middle of January 2024.
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The forward assemblies were installed in early December 2023, topping off the solid rocket boosters.
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In November 2023, the solid rocket motors were lifted into the construction site and mated to the previously installed aft skirts.
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Go for Stack began on July 20, 2023 with the lift and installation of the rocket aft skirts on to the construction site.
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On June 1, 2022 some 200 guests attended a ceremonial Groundbreaking Celebration to mark the start of construction of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center.
In April 2016, ET-94 — the last remaining flight-qualified space shuttle external tank — travelled from NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana to the California Science Center for display alongside Endeavour.
In October 2012, Endeavour took three days and three nights to carefully move through the streets of Inglewood and Los Angeles to its final home at the California Science Center.
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NASA/Jim Ross
In September 2012, Endeavour toured the length of California atop a modified 747 carrier aircraft before landing at Los Angeles International Airport.
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Image attribution
Leroy Hamilton
In late 2012, a transformative gift from the Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Oschin Family Foundation launched the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center project.
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Leroy Hamilton
In October 2012, Endeavour officially became the property of the California Science Center Foundation with a formal title transfer. Endeavour is the only space shuttle not still owned by the US Government.
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Image attribution
NASA/Kim Shiflett
In April 2011, NASA awarded space shuttle Endeavour to the California Science Center for permanent display.
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Image attribution
Chuck Null
On October 10, 2024, we celebrated the “topping out” of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center during which the final steel beams were lifted atop the diagrid structure that forms the iconic curved roof above the space shuttle stack.
Image
In April and May of 2024, the three pieces of our gantry, made of high-strength steel, were lifted into place and assembled near the fully completed shuttle stack. The gantry in the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center will take guests to multiple platforms to experience different views of Endeavour.
Image
Image attribution
California Science Center
On January 29, 2024, Endeavour was lifted into the future site of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center to join the previously installed external tank and solid rocket boosters.
Image
ET-94 was lifted and mated to the SRBs over two nights in the middle of January 2024.
Image
The forward assemblies were installed in early December 2023, topping off the solid rocket boosters.
Image
In November 2023, the solid rocket motors were lifted into the construction site and mated to the previously installed aft skirts.
Image
Go for Stack began on July 20, 2023 with the lift and installation of the rocket aft skirts on to the construction site.
Image
On June 1, 2022 some 200 guests attended a ceremonial Groundbreaking Celebration to mark the start of construction of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center.
In April 2016, ET-94 — the last remaining flight-qualified space shuttle external tank — travelled from NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana to the California Science Center for display alongside Endeavour.
In October 2012, Endeavour took three days and three nights to carefully move through the streets of Inglewood and Los Angeles to its final home at the California Science Center.
Image
Image attribution
NASA/Jim Ross
In September 2012, Endeavour toured the length of California atop a modified 747 carrier aircraft before landing at Los Angeles International Airport.
Image
Image attribution
Leroy Hamilton
In late 2012, a transformative gift from the Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Oschin Family Foundation launched the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center project.
Image
Image attribution
Leroy Hamilton
In October 2012, Endeavour officially became the property of the California Science Center Foundation with a formal title transfer. Endeavour is the only space shuttle not still owned by the US Government.
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Image attribution
NASA/Kim Shiflett
In April 2011, NASA awarded space shuttle Endeavour to the California Science Center for permanent display.
Team Endeavour
Support the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center by sponsoring one of Endeavour's thermal tiles.
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NASA
Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center
Learn about Endeavour's future home and so much more!
Your Legacy. Their Future.
Planned Giving
Explore ways to support the EndeavourLA Campaign with a planned gift.
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Nathan Alexander
Give & Join
Become a Member or support the California Science Center in a variety of ways
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Nathan Alexander
