California is preparing to open a major new attraction that promises to celebrate the state’s rich aerospace heritage while inspiring future generations of scientists and explorers.
State officials have announced that the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center at Exposition Park in Los Angeles will officially welcome visitors this November, marking a significant expansion of the California Science Center.
The facility’s centerpiece will be the iconic Space Shuttle Endeavour, displayed in a way never before seen anywhere in the world.
Endeavour Takes Center Stage in Historic Display
The new center will house Space Shuttle Endeavour in a full launch-ready configuration, complete with its external fuel tank and twin solid rocket boosters.
According to state officials, it will be the first and only authentic display on Earth showing a space shuttle in a vertical launch position.
The installation is expected to provide visitors with a rare opportunity to experience one of the most recognizable achievements in American space exploration up close.
California Governor Gavin Newsom described the project as a reflection of California’s long-standing commitment to science, innovation, and education, noting that the state has played a pivotal role in shaping the history of aviation and space travel.
New Attraction Expands Popular Science Destination
The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center adds approximately 200,000 square feet to the California Science Center, one of the state’s most visited educational attractions.
Developed through a partnership between public institutions and private supporters, the project received backing from both the Newsom administration and the California Legislature.
Officials say the expanded complex will remain free to the public, making science and space exploration accessible to millions of visitors each year.
First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom said the center is designed not only as an educational resource but also as a place that fosters curiosity, creativity, and community engagement among young people.
Exposition Park Continues Its Transformation
The opening of the air and space center forms part of a broader transformation taking place at Exposition Park, which is emerging as one of Southern California’s most important cultural and entertainment hubs.
The area recently welcomed visitors during the FIFA World Cup festivities and is expected to attract global attention again during the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
Upcoming attractions, including the new air and space center and the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, are expected to draw millions of additional visitors from around the world.
The Legacy of Space Shuttle Endeavour
Endeavour occupies a special place in NASA history.
As the last space shuttle ever built, it completed 25 missions during its operational life after first launching in 1992.
The shuttle played a key role in assembling the International Space Station, servicing the Hubble Space Telescope, and conducting scientific missions that expanded humanity’s understanding of Earth and space.
Following its retirement in 2011, NASA selected the California Science Center as its permanent home, recognizing California’s deep connections to the aerospace industry.
Every NASA space shuttle was assembled in Southern California, making the state an integral part of the shuttle program’s legacy.
California Doubles Down on Aerospace Investment
The unveiling of the new center comes as California continues investing heavily in its aerospace and defense industries.
State officials estimate that the sector contributes roughly $35 billion annually to California’s economy.
Recent initiatives have included funding programs, tax incentives, and grants aimed at supporting workforce development, research, manufacturing, and technological innovation.
Several aerospace companies have recently announced major expansions across the state, bringing billions of dollars in investment and thousands of new jobs to communities throughout California.
NASA’s Presence Strengthens California’s Leadership
California remains a central hub for NASA operations and research.
The state is home to several major facilities, including the NASA Ames Research Center, the NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
These institutions drive advancements in aeronautics, robotic exploration, climate science, and deep-space missions while supporting thousands of high-skilled jobs across the state.
Recent figures indicate California receives more NASA procurement funding than any other state, generating billions of dollars in economic activity and supporting tens of thousands of jobs.
Celebrating a History of Exploration
California’s role in America’s space program stretches back decades.
Components of the historic Saturn V rockets that carried astronauts to the Moon were built in the state, while the Space Shuttle fleet itself was assembled in Palmdale.
From the Apollo era to modern missions and future exploration efforts, California has remained at the forefront of aerospace innovation.
With the opening of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center later this year, state leaders hope a new generation will be inspired by that legacy and encouraged to pursue careers in science, engineering, and space exploration.
