November 5, 2024 The Best Source of News, Culture, Lifestyle for Culver City, Mar Vista, Del Rey, Palms and West Los Angeles

Milestone Achieved: Endeavour Lifted for Display at California Science Center

Historic “Soft Mate” Completed in Unprecedented Shuttle Display Project

The California Science Center has achieved its aim in the Center’s ambitious project to display the space shuttle Endeavour in a ready-to-launch configuration. Today’s successful lift of the space shuttle orbiter marks the first time such a feat has been accomplished outside of a NASA or Air Force facility.

Commencing on Monday, January 29, around 9:30 pm, the intricate process, known as the “soft mate,” took just under 9.5 hours to complete. This phase involves lifting and positioning the orbiter in preparation for the subsequent “hard mate.” The latter, currently underway, involves securely fastening the flight hardware bolts and nuts, ensuring the firm placement of the orbiter. Once the hard mate is finalized, the sling supporting the orbiter will be removed, marking the completion of this groundbreaking process.

Endeavor, with a wingspan of 78 feet and a length of 122 feet, weighs an impressive 178,000 lbs. Having undertaken 25 missions in space, it stands as a testament to the achievements of the space shuttle program.

The installation of Endeavour in the future Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, an integral part of the California Science Center’s major expansion, represents the grand finale of the unprecedented Go for Stack process. This process aims to create the world’s only authentic space shuttle system display.

The press release from the Center on social media said, “The California Science Center expresses gratitude for its remarkable team of experts, many with decades of experience working with NASA and the shuttle program. Some team members have been part of the journey since the very first space shuttle launch in 1981. This marks their final collaboration to lift and mate a space shuttle, concluding with the last-ever planned space shuttle stack. The completion of this intricate project signifies a new chapter in Endeavour’s legacy and a testament to the dedication and expertise of the team behind this awe-inspiring endeavor.”

Related Posts

The Willows: 30 Years Going Strong

November 5, 2024

November 5, 2024

Founded in 1994, The Willows Community School, located in Culver City, California, is a Developmental Kindergarten through 8th grade non-profit, co-educational...

Election Day Freebies and Discounts: Where to Eat, Drink, and Watch Election Results

November 4, 2024

November 4, 2024

From Free Doughnuts To Watch Parties, How To Unwind With Election Night Deals With this election day being one of...

Early Morning Call From Community Leads to Burglary Arrest in Culver City

November 4, 2024

November 4, 2024

Police Respond To Suspicious Activity Call, Arrest Suspect With Pickaxe Culver City police arrested a man early Friday morning in...

Culver City Police Department is Prepared to Ensure Community Safety During Election Week

November 4, 2024

November 4, 2024

Enhanced Patrols, Activated Emergency Center Ready, Culver City Voting Center is Open The Culver City Police Department has announced an...

Legendary Music Icon Quincy Jones Dies at 91 in Bel Air

November 4, 2024

November 4, 2024

Celebrated Musician, Producer Leaves an Indelible Legacy By Dolores Quintana Legendary musician, music producer, film and television producer, composer of...

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Lays Off Longtime Archive and Library Staff

November 4, 2024

November 4, 2024

Downsizing and Restructuring Continue, Affecting Employees with Decades of Service By Dolores Quintana Last week, the Academy of Motion Picture...

LA County Opens 526 New Vote Centers for Early Voting, Announces Conditional Voting for Unregistered Residents

November 3, 2024

November 3, 2024

Metro LA Offers Free Rides on Election Day to Help Residents Get to the Polls Los Angeles County opened an...

New Aviation/Century Station Opens, Linking Metro’s C and K Lines

November 3, 2024

November 3, 2024

Metro’s Newest Station Paves the Way for Future LAX Transit Center The new Aviation/Century Station officially opened this week, marking...

H5N1 Detected in LA County Wastewater, Health Officials Urge Precautions for Residents

November 3, 2024

November 3, 2024

Los Angeles County Investigates Low-Level H5 Avian Flu Detected in Wastewater The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is...

Two Events in Culver City This Weekend: Bike Registration and Dance Performance

November 1, 2024

November 1, 2024

Put the Brakes on Bicycle Theft and Enjoy an Evening of Dance and Interactive Art The Culver City Police Department...

All You Need to Know to Attend the Dodgers Victory Parade Tomorrow in DTLA

November 1, 2024

November 1, 2024

World Champions and LA’s Team to Greet Angelenos After Win of NY Yankees The Los Angeles Dodgers announced that their...

Beverly Hills City Government Agrees to a Stipulated Judgment After Blocking Abortion Clinic Opening

November 1, 2024

November 1, 2024

City to Implement Training, Oversight on Reproductive Rights Following Legal Settlement  California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a legal agreement...

Dia De Los Muertos 2024: Here’s Where To Celebrate The Holiday Tradition This Weekend

October 31, 2024

October 31, 2024

Los Angeles Has a Variety of Ways to Explore Latino Culture and Honor Ancestors Starting just after Halloween, Dia de...

(Video) Downtown L.A. Reacts to World Series Victory

October 31, 2024

October 31, 2024

The Dodgers Are World Series Champs For The Eighth Time https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTFtyDDKn/

Halloween Pre-Game Party Brings Chills and Spooky Thrills to The Rose Venice

October 31, 2024

October 31, 2024

Enjoy Halloween With Festive Cocktails, Appetizers, and a Costume Contest The Rose Venice in Venice is set to host a...