Space Shuttle’s Solid Rocket Motors Arrive to Fanfare at the California Science Center in LA

(October 11, 2023 – Los Angeles, CA) –  Crowds turned out today, Wednesday, October 11, to watch the arrival of two large Solid Rocket Motors (SRMs) in the next phase of Go for Stack – the complex, multi-phase process of moving and lifting each of the space shuttle components into place for Space Shuttle Endeavour’s upcoming awe-inspiring 20-story vertical display. The SRMs, donated by Northrop Grumman, had been stored at the Mojave Air and Space Port, and are the final elements of the space shuttle system to arrive at the California Science Center. The components that will make up the world’s only authentic, “ready-to-launch” space shuttle stack include the orbiter Endeavour, two Solid Rocket Boosters, and External Tank.  

The SRMs comprise the largest part of the Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs). During the space shuttle program, twin 15-story reusable SRBs would work with the space shuttle main engines to ignite and produce more than 6-million pounds of thrust – the majority of what was needed to lift a shuttle off the launch pad. After burnout, the SRBs would be jettisoned into the ocean to be recovered, refurbished, and reused.  

“Exactly eleven years after Endeavour’s memorable crosstown journey, we’re delighted that the public has once again demonstrated such enthusiasm for this historic arrival,” said Jeffrey Rudolph, President and CEO of the California Science Center. “The arrival of our SRMs propels us one step closer to the completion of the future Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, which will serve as a launchpad for creativity and innovation and will inspire future generations of scientists, engineers, and explorers.” 

The SRMs were transported overnight from the Mojave Air and Space Port by freeway until the last leg of their journey to the California Science Center. After exiting the 110 freeway the morning of October 11, the motors traveled northbound along Figueroa Street to Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, where officials, philanthropists, and Science Center leadership walked alongside the SRMs to reach the ceremonial “finish line” at 39^th Street. Excited Angelenos lined the streets to witness the historic occasion, including elementary students from the Science Center School who greeted the SRMs with a banner they made to welcome the final major elements of the space shuttle stack. Among the local dignitaries participating in the momentous occasion were California State Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer, California State Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, and Los Angeles City Councilmember Curren Price; who were joined by Doug Hurley, Former Astronaut and Senior Director, Northrop Grumman Space Systems; Mrs. Lynda Oschin, Chairperson, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Oschin Family Foundation; Kathleen Duncan, Trustee, Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation; Richard Lundquist, President, Continental Development Corporation; Billie Greer, Chair, California Science Center and Exposition Park Board of Directors; and others. 

Image courtesy of California Science Center

As part of the Solid Rocket Motor Arrival Celebration, the California Science Center opened an hour early so that guests could explore Space Shuttle Endeavour and the three flown capsules from the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo space programs; learn from expert aerospace volunteers, and experience hands-on educational demonstrations.

California Science Center President and CEO Rudolph further stated, “We want to express our immense gratitude to the City of Los Angeles staff and leadership who worked to ensure the safe delivery of the SRMs to the California Science Center; and executed it successfully.”  

The roughly six-month Go for Stack process began in July with the installation of the Solid Rocket Booster Aft Skirts. In a few weeks, the Solid Rocket Motors will be stacked, followed by the forward assemblies, to form the Solid Rocket Boosters. The next step will be the move and lift of the External Tank, ET-94; then, Space Shuttle Endeavour’s final move across Exposition Park and lift into place by a large crane; and finally, the intricate mating of the orbiter with the rest of the space shuttle stack. Once finished, Endeavour will be in a vertical configuration towering 200-feet tall. The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center building will be completed around the full shuttle stack.   

December 31, 2023 will be the last chance to see Endeavour on exhibit until the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center opens to the public in a few years. While Endeavour is off exhibit, the California Science Center remains one of the largest science centers in the nation, with multiple hands-on exhibit galleries, special exhibitions, and IMAX movies for guests to experience.   

The future Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center is a 200,000 square foot expansion that will double the Science Center’s educational exhibit space, adding an impressive collection of 100 authentic artifacts integrated with 100 new hands-on exhibits. Guests of all ages will be encouraged to investigate scientific and engineering principles of atmospheric flight and the exploration of the universe in three major galleries – the Aviation Gallery, Shuttle Gallery, and Space Gallery. As the third phase of the California Science Center’s three-phase, three-decade master plan to develop one of the world’s leading science learning centers, the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center will provide a one-of-a-kind educational opportunity for our Los Angeles community and guests from around the globe, general admission free. Building construction is underway with artifact and exhibit installation to follow.   

For more information, visit californiasciencecenter.org/goforstack. 

The California Science Center Foundation is actively fundraising to complete this ambitious project with $50 million left to raise toward the $400 million EndeavourLA Campaign goal. Everyone can help realize this exciting vision for the future Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, and donations at any level are welcomed. To contribute or learn more, go to EndeavourLA.org.