Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 6 hrs ago
California Science Center opens $450 million air and space center
The California Science Center’s new air and space center opens November 13 after more than three decades in the making.
The $450 million Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center in Southern California includes more than 200 aerospace artifacts and interactive exhibits about flight, space exploration and autonomous craft.
Its centerpiece is Space Shuttle Endeavour displayed upright with its fuel tank and boosters, the only authentic shuttle shown in that launch configuration.
The center aims to help young people explore science and engineering and connect future STEM workers with career paths.
That effort matters in a region tied to California’s $366 billion space technology sector, which is seeking more STEM talent.
The center also offers free admission, science camps, educator training and high school internships, and its opening is expected to draw about 30 astronauts.
The California Science Center’s $450 million Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center is scheduled to open November 13.
Its centerpiece is the 200-foot Space Shuttle Endeavour displayed nose-up with its fuel tank and solid rocket boosters stacked for launch.
The center includes more than 200 aerospace artifacts and interactive exhibits across three galleries.
The center says the new wing aims to encourage interest in science, engineering and STEM careers.
- Who
- The California Science Center. Its president and CEO is Jeffrey Rudolph.
- What
- It is opening the $450 million Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, featuring the Space Shuttle Endeavour and more than 200 aerospace artifacts.
- When
- November 13. The opening comes after more than three decades in the making.
- Where
- The California Science Center in Southern California.
- Why
- The center aims to encourage interest in science, engineering and STEM careers and lower barriers to science.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Astronauts for America used the shuttle as a backdrop to launch a college tour encouraging students to vote.
California Governor Gavin Newsom spoke during a press preview of the center.
The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center is scheduled to open.
- Cost
- $450 million
- Opening date
- November 13
- Centerpiece
- 200-foot Space Shuttle Endeavour
- Artifacts
- More than 200 aerospace artifacts
- Galleries
- Three multilevel galleries
What people are saying
We want to be a feeder into all kinds of science, engineering, and STEM careers
There’s a war on science going on in our country right now