Endeavour was built as a replacement for the Space Shuttle Challenger and incorporated advanced avionics and plumbing systems.
The external tank used in the display, ET-94, is the last remaining flight-qualified external tank in existence.
The two solid rocket boosters were recovered from flight missions and restored specifically for the vertical display.
During its operational life, Endeavour spent a cumulative 299 days in space and orbited the Earth 4,671 times.
The shuttle's name was selected via a national competition involving elementary and secondary school students.
The vertical stack stands 200 feet tall, necessitating a custom-engineered seismic base isolation system.
Endeavour’s final flight, STS-134, was the penultimate mission of the entire Space Shuttle program.
Space Shuttle Endeavour is the centerpiece of the California Science Center’s Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, featuring the retired NASA orbiter mounted in a full-stack configuration with solid rocket boosters and an external tank. As of mid-2026, the shuttle is displayed in a vertical, launch-ready position within the newly completed Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center building. The orbiter flew 25 missions, including the first service mission to the Hubble Space Telescope and multiple assembly flights for the International Space Station. Endeavour is the only existing space shuttle stack that includes authentic flight-proven hardware rather than test vehicles or mockups. The surrounding exhibit hall focuses on aerospace engineering, aeronautics, and the future of space exploration. Visitors can walk around the base of the massive structure to observe the intricate heat-shield tiles and engine nozzle details up close. The exhibit is integrated into the larger California Science Center campus, which houses various permanent scientific galleries.
The base of the launch stack looking upward to capture the full scale of the external tank and orbiter.
Use the upper-level observation walkways to view the shuttle's payload bay and upper fuselage details.
Reserve your entry time in advance online, as popular exhibits at the center can reach capacity.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.
Do not attempt to arrive without a timed entry reservation if required for peak periods.
Refrain from touching the shuttle's exterior surfaces, as historical preservation protocols are strictly enforced.
