Go for Stack
Go for Stack
Go for Stack
Endeavour is off display
Endeavour is off display until the future Samuel Oschin Air and Space Centeropens to the public. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates and support the project.
How we stack a space shuttle
On January 30, 2024 the California Science Center completed Go for Stack, the complex process of moving and lifting each of the space shuttle components into place for Endeavour’s upcoming awe-inspiring 20-story vertical display. This technically challenging feat had never been done outside of a NASA facility.
Watch the lift and install of Space Shuttle Endeavour
View Video
The California Science Center is lifting and installing Space Shuttle Endeavour as the culmination of Go for Stack—the complex, six-month-long, multi-phase process of stacking each of the space shuttle components in vertical configuration.
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Step 1
The roughly six-month long process started with the installation of the aft skirts which attach the entire space shuttle stack to seismic isolators beneath the new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center building.
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Step 2
On top of the aft skirts the solid rocket motors were stacked to form the tall, white solid rocket boosters (SRBs).
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Step 3
Forward assemblies were placed on top of the solid rocket motors to complete the tall, white solid rocket boosters (SRBs).
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Step 4
The orange external tank, ET-94, was lifted and attached to the SRBs.
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Step 5
Finally, space shuttle orbiter Endeavour was moved and lifted into place by a large crane, and the orbiter was mated with the rest of the space shuttle stack. Endeavour is in ready-to-launch configuration.
Image
Step 1
The roughly six-month long process started with the installation of the aft skirts which attach the entire space shuttle stack to seismic isolators beneath the new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center building.
Image
Step 2
On top of the aft skirts the solid rocket motors were stacked to form the tall, white solid rocket boosters (SRBs).
Image
Step 3
Forward assemblies were placed on top of the solid rocket motors to complete the tall, white solid rocket boosters (SRBs).
Image
Step 4
The orange external tank, ET-94, was lifted and attached to the SRBs.
Image
Step 5
Finally, space shuttle orbiter Endeavour was moved and lifted into place by a large crane, and the orbiter was mated with the rest of the space shuttle stack. Endeavour is in ready-to-launch configuration.
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Stack Assembly
This will be the world’s only authentic space shuttle system; complete with the orbiter Endeavour, solid rocket boosters, and external tank. Learn more about the new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Centerand how you can support this exciting vision for the future by contributing to the EndeavourLA Campaign.
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Image attribution
California Science Center
Solid rocket booster aft skirt being lowered onto the seismic isolator pad.
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Image attribution
California Science Center
Solid rocket booster aft skirts in position on the seismic isolator pad.
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Image attribution
California Science Center
Solid rocket motors on trucks moving to the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center site.
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Image attribution
California Science Center
Two large solid rocket motors sit in front of the California Science Center waiting for their turn to move to the Samuel Oschin air and Space Center and attach to the aft skirts.
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Image attribution
California Science Center
The second solid rocket motor being lifted by crane into the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center construction site.
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Image attribution
California Science Center
Both tall white solid rocket motors sitting in the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center construction site in the future Shuttle Gallery.
View Video
Watch the California Science Center's Solid Rocket Motor Installation
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Image attribution
California Science Center
The external tank, ET-94, prepares for its lift into the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center.
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Image attribution
California Science Center
ET-94 lifting into the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center construction site.
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Image attribution
California Science Center
Aerial view of Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center after ET-94's lifting and mating to the SRBs.
View Video
Watch the full ET-94 lift and installation.
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Image attribution
California Science Center
Space Shuttle Endeavour moving in preparation for lifting into the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center.
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Image attribution
California Science Center
Space Shuttle Endeavour with a view of its external tank and solid rocket booster in the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center.
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Image attribution
California Science Center
The 122-foot-long Space Shuttle Endeavour lifting into Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center.
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Image attribution
California Science Center
Space Shuttle Endeavour being lifted into Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center.
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Image attribution
California Science Center
Space Shuttle Endeavour being lowered into Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center.
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Image attribution
California Science Center
Solid rocket booster aft skirt being lowered onto the seismic isolator pad.
Image
Image attribution
California Science Center
Solid rocket booster aft skirts in position on the seismic isolator pad.
Image
Image attribution
California Science Center
Solid rocket motors on trucks moving to the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center site.
Image
Image attribution
California Science Center
Two large solid rocket motors sit in front of the California Science Center waiting for their turn to move to the Samuel Oschin air and Space Center and attach to the aft skirts.
Image
Image attribution
California Science Center
The second solid rocket motor being lifted by crane into the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center construction site.
Image
Image attribution
California Science Center
Both tall white solid rocket motors sitting in the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center construction site in the future Shuttle Gallery.
View Video
Watch the California Science Center's Solid Rocket Motor Installation
Image
Image attribution
California Science Center
The external tank, ET-94, prepares for its lift into the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center.
Image
Image attribution
California Science Center
ET-94 lifting into the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center construction site.
Image
Image attribution
California Science Center
Aerial view of Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center after ET-94's lifting and mating to the SRBs.
View Video
Watch the full ET-94 lift and installation.
Image
Image attribution
California Science Center
Space Shuttle Endeavour moving in preparation for lifting into the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center.
Image
Image attribution
California Science Center
Space Shuttle Endeavour with a view of its external tank and solid rocket booster in the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center.
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Image attribution
California Science Center
The 122-foot-long Space Shuttle Endeavour lifting into Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center.
Image
Image attribution
California Science Center
Space Shuttle Endeavour being lifted into Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center.
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Image attribution
California Science Center
Space Shuttle Endeavour being lowered into Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center.
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Frequently asked questions
##### What is “Go for Stack?”
“Go for Stack” is the complex process of moving and lifting each of the space shuttle components into place for Endeavour’s upcoming, awe-inspiring 20-story vertical display in the future Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, which is currently under construction. This technically challenging feat has never been done outside of a NASA facility.
##### How long will Endeavour be off view?
Endeavour went off view from exhibit on December 31, 2023 and will remain so until the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center opens to the public. While Endeavour is off exhibit, guests can visit our other Air and Space exhibits to explore the science of atmospheric flight and space exploration. As one of the largest science centers in the nation, we have multiple other galleries, special exhibitions, and IMAX movies for our guests to experience.
##### When will the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center open?
Construction on the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center building is nearing completion, and artifact and exhibit installation are currently underway. We look forward to announcing the official opening date in the coming months.
##### How will Endeavour be protected during construction of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center?
Scaffolding covered in plywood and kevlar fabric has been erected around the full shuttle stack for protection from the elements and construction.
##### What will people see and do at the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center?
The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center will nearly double the California Science Center’s educational exhibit areas with an impressive artifact collection of aircraft and spacecraft, integrated with hands-on exhibits to encourage guests of all ages to investigate scientific and engineering principles of atmospheric flight and the exploration of the universe. It will also provide a fitting permanent home for Endeavour, one of only three remaining flown space shuttle orbiters and the only one of these national treasures on the west coast. Endeavour’s awe-inspiring ‘ready-to-launch’ 20-story vertical configuration, complete with solid rocket boosters and external tank, will be the world’s only display of an authentic space shuttle system.
##### What is the significance of having a complete space shuttle system?
This will be the only complete stack of authentic space shuttle flight hardware in existence, making the Endeavour exhibit even more significant than before. In addition to allowing the public unprecedented, unique vantage points, this configuration retains a complete flight stack for engineers and historians to examine in the future. NASA and aerospace companies frequently visit museums to look at hardware from previous programs in order to design for the future projects.
##### Will there be a separate charge for the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center?
The California Science Center believes science education is critical for everyone and values accessibility and inclusiveness. We do not currently charge general admission, and we will not charge admission for the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center.
##### How does the new building fit into the California Science Center’s master plan?
The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center is the third phase of the California Science Center’s three-phase, three-decade Master Plan and the most ambitious expansion project yet. The new Air and Space Center will be a launchpad for creativity and innovation to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and explorers.
##### How can people support this project?
The California Science Center Foundation is actively fundraising to complete the ambitious Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center project with more than $390 million raised toward the $450 million total project budget. Everyone can help realize this exciting vision and donations at any level are welcomed. To contribute or learn more, go to EndeavourLA.org.
Press coverage
"Space shuttle Endeavour preps for move to vertical landing in new museum"
"The massive fuel tank — dubbed ET-94 — carefully positioned vertically"
"Space shuttle Endeavour gets new out-of-this-world display"
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