By Rodd A. Amos for The LA Sentinel
Originally published Nov. 4, 2026
The California Science Center’s (CSC) highly anticipated Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, the permanent home of Space Shuttle Endeavour, will open to the public on Nov. 13. The center is the only place in the world to see a complete, authentic space shuttle system displayed in a 20-story-tall launch position.
The new space could open doors to STEM education and aerospace careers for South LA students, inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders.
Dr. Ken Phillips, curator for Aerospace Science at CSC and Adjunct Professor of Physics and Astronomy at USC, was instrumental in bringing the 200-foot, 172,000-pound shuttle to Southern California.
He shared, “We made NASA a promise when we put in the proposal to receive an orbiter that we would treat the shuttle not only with respect, but do something spectacular with it. Today, we have kept that promise.
“We’ve created a space that’s extremely pleasant to be in, has an almost unlimited number of opportunities for hands-on learning, and has the objects that inspire that learning. It’s a free institution, with the opportunity to remove nearly every barrier to learning that we can. When you come in here, we’ve got your back,” he said.
NASA veteran Dr. Garrett Reisman, who flew on all three Space Shuttles as a mission specialist astronaut, including Endeavour, listed the school subjects that prepared him for a career in space exploration.
“All my science and math studies as a kid,” he beamed. “When you’re in your math or science class, that’s astronaut training. Because we were all something before we were astronauts — either pilots, engineers, scientists, or physicians. All those things require math and science.
“The only way a career in space exploration is out of reach is if you don’t extend your hand. It’s possible, but it takes a lot of effort, dedication, and hard work. If you have the talent, nothing is out of your reach,” he said.
CSC President and CEO Jeffrey Rudolph shared what it means for young people to experience space exploration up close and discover their next steps toward a career in science, technology, or aerospace.
“Most kids, particularly in this community, get just about no science or engineering education in school,” he stated. “Our goal is to make science and engineering fun. It’s the first door to stimulate their curiosity.
“They can go deep into the Science Center, learn something new and transformative, create that sense of awe, and get that spark of understanding. This addresses all that on a scale that’s hard to imagine. We’re thrilled to be right here where people can walk over anytime,” he said.
Other Space Center exhibits include:
Experience the “interior” of Endeavour’s flight deck, complete with commander and pilot’s seats and views through the forward windows.
Take a 45-foot drop in elevation down a tubular slide representing the shuttle’s descent and landing.
Take a five-minute video “flight” aboard a Boeing 747-400 from LA to Seoul to learn what makes flight possible.
Test your piloting ability and try to land Endeavor on a runway.
Lie on your stomach and pull yourself through the International Space Station using real footage taken aboard the ISS.
For more information, visit: EndeavorLA.org.