Space Shuttle Endeavour will finally take center stage in its permanent launch position beginning November 13, 2026
Space enthusiasts have a new reason to plan a trip to Los Angeles this fall. The California Science Center has officially announced that its long-awaited Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center will open to the public on November 13, 2026, unveiling one of the world’s most impressive aerospace museums and the permanent home of Space Shuttle Endeavour.
The 200,000-square-foot expansion will nearly double the Science Center’s exhibit space and become the only place on Earth where visitors can see a complete, authentic space shuttle system displayed vertically in launch configuration.
The announcement was made inside the Samuel Oschin Shuttle Gallery by California Science Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rudolph, alongside representatives from the Oschin Family Foundation, Los Angeles County, and former NASA astronaut John “Danny” Olivas.
A One-of-a-Kind Home for Space Shuttle Endeavour
The centerpiece of the new facility is undoubtedly Space Shuttle Endeavour, standing nearly 200 feet tall in its dramatic launch position attached to authentic solid rocket boosters and the last remaining flight-qualified external fuel tank, ET-94. Visitors will be able to experience the shuttle from multiple elevations and perspectives, gaining a rare appreciation for both its immense scale and groundbreaking engineering.
The gallery will also tell the story of NASA’s 135 Space Shuttle missions, highlighting how the reusable spacecraft transformed human spaceflight and paved the way for future exploration beyond low Earth orbit. Tributes throughout the exhibit will honor the astronauts and rescue personnel who lost their lives during the Shuttle Program.
More Than a Museum
The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center isn’t simply a place to admire historic spacecraft—it was designed to immerse visitors in the science behind aviation and space exploration.
More than 100 aerospace artifacts and 100 interactive exhibits will fill three major galleries:
- Samuel Oschin Shuttle Gallery
- Korean Air Aviation Gallery
- Kent Kresa Space Gallery
Hands-on experiences include:
- Riding a 140-foot gantry-style elevator alongside the shuttle stack, recreating an astronaut’s trip to the launch pad.
- Sliding down a 115-foot Shuttle Descent Slide that simulates a shuttle’s fiery return through Earth’s atmosphere with lighting and sonic effects.
- Sitting inside a replica Space Shuttle flight deck, complete with authentic-style controls, joysticks, switches, and pedals.
The museum hopes these interactive experiences will inspire future generations of scientists, engineers, and explorers.
A Century of Aerospace Innovation
The opening represents the final phase of the California Science Center’s three-decade master plan to become one of the world’s premier science education destinations.
Construction milestones over the past several years have steadily transformed the vision into reality. In early 2024, Endeavour was lifted into its permanent vertical configuration during the massive “Go for Stack” operation. Since then, additional aircraft and spacecraft have been installed throughout the new galleries, including a Hawker Siddeley Harrier T.4 fighter jet, a Rocket Lab Electron launch vehicle, a Space Shuttle Main Engine, and numerous historic aerospace artifacts.
Free Admission with Timed Entry
Like the rest of the California Science Center, general admission will remain free, making one of the nation’s most significant aerospace museums accessible to everyone.
Because of anticipated demand, visitors will need to reserve timed-entry tickets for the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center. Reservations will include a small service fee and are expected to become available before the November opening.
Planning Your Visit
Located in Exposition Park near downtown Los Angeles, the California Science Center is already one of Southern California’s most popular attractions. With the addition of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, it is poised to become an essential destination for aviation enthusiasts, families, and anyone fascinated by space exploration.
Whether you’re seeing Space Shuttle Endeavour up close for the first time or returning to witness its spectacular new launch position, the museum promises an unforgettable experience unlike anywhere else in the world.
The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center officially opens November 13, 2026, ushering in a new era of science education and celebrating one of America’s greatest engineering achievements.
For the latest visitor information and reservation updates, visit the California Science Center’s official website.