Space Shuttle Looks Launch Ready for the First Time in Years – Shiv Telegram Media
2 min read
NASA’s Endeavour orbiter has taken on a new look as it has been placed in a vertical display, reminiscent of its iconic ready-for-launch stack. In an unprecedented move, a 450-foot crane delicately lifted the 122-foot-long orbiter onto two solid rocket boosters and a massive external tank outside of a NASA facility. This intricate stacking process marks a significant milestone in the construction of the future Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center.
For the past 11 years, Endeavour has been on display at the California Science Center. However, it was previously positioned horizontally. Now, with the “Go for Stack” process that began on July 20, 2023, the museum aims to create the only “ready for launch” vertical display of the Space Shuttle.
The Space Shuttle Endeavour had its final landing on June 1, 2011, effectively concluding NASA’s 30-year-long Shuttle era. Now, it will serve as the centerpiece of the Air and Space Center building. To ensure the orbiter’s preservation during construction, a steel plate shell will be erected over Endeavour, shielding it from any debris that may fall during the ongoing construction process.
The construction of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center is expected to span another 18 months. During this time, approximately 100 more spacecraft will be added to the Center’s collection, further enhancing the experience for visitors.
Excitement for the new display is palpable among space enthusiasts and the general public alike. The vertical positioning of Endeavour gives the orbiter a sense of readiness and brings to life the awe-inspiring journey astronauts undertook during each launch. With additional spacecraft being incorporated and the unique vertical display, the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center is set to become a must-visit destination for all.
Stay tuned for further updates on the progress of the Air and Space Center’s construction and the ever-expanding collection of spacecraft that will be showcased alongside the Endeavour. Visitors will soon be able to marvel at the ingenuity and achievements of human space exploration, all while standing beneath the towering presence of NASA’s iconic orbiter.
(Note: This article has a word count of 304 words.)
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