posted 09-05-2012 06:23 PM               

According to the Los Angeles Times, 128 trees lining the streets in Inglewood and about 265 alongside roadways in L.A. are being trimmed and toppled. Many of the trees were already under consideration for removal, including 91 that bordered an airport fence.

"While we welcome the space shuttle with open arms, we recognize the effect it'll have on surrounding communities and are working hard to mitigate those impacts," said Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa in a statement.

For every tree brought down, the CSC plans to plant two in its place. The science center is investing $500,000 toward landscaping and roadway improvements after Endeavour passes through.

posted 09-14-2012 12:07 AM               

Toyota Tundra truck to tow space shuttle to California Science Center

Space shuttle Endeavour has been moved by rockets, its own engines and thrusters, tank-like transporters and industrial tows. Now retired and museum- bound, the NASA winged orbiter will add another, perhaps unexpected form of locomotion to its well-travelled history: a Toyota Tundra pickup truck.

Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. announced on Wednesday (Sept. 12) that its Tundra full-size pickup truck is slated to tow Endeavour during its delivery to the California Science Center (CSC), where both the space shuttle and truck are destined for display. Endeavour will travel the 12 miles (19 kilometers) from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to the science center on city streets, with the Tundra towing the shuttle during the last quarter mile (400 meters).

posted 09-14-2012 02:31 PM               

quote:

---

Originally posted by cycleroadie:
...CSC I am sure is getting some money towards their future building where Endeavour will reside permanently.

---

posted 09-18-2012 02:36 PM               

To garner residents' support, the [science] center sweetened the deal at the last minute and agreed to replant four times as many trees, repair additional sidewalks, and offer scholarships and job training.

posted 10-05-2012 01:02 PM               

Yesterday morning I was at the California Science Center's press conference outlining their plan to drag a massive spaceship across Los Angeles. It was one of those times where logistics can make even the most outlandish plans seem boring, as they went over schedules and road closures and the like. While they were describing the locations where Endeavour would be stopped for viewing or technical reasons, I realized that this was the most exposed this priceless spaceship will ever be. Which, of course, got me thinking. Could someone steal the Space Shuttle?

...Naturally, I couldn't quit thinking about it. After sketching out some bad ideas ... I think I came up with a viable plan, in seven steps.

posted 10-16-2012 05:07 PM               

To me, this idea immediately evokes the double exposure photo used as the inside cover on the presentation folder for the STS-8 flown philatelic covers. I was fascinated by that image when it first came out in 1983, and could easily see how a real-life recreation could be even more impressive.

posted 10-25-2012 12:07 PM               

Space Shuttle Endeavour Grand Opening Ceremony

A Space Shuttle Endeavour Grand Opening Ceremony on Oct. 30 will formally inaugurate the Endeavour exhibition with remarks from NASA administrators and elected officials.

This private event and news conference will include a look at the Space Shuttle Endeavour exhibition which includes two galleries "Endeavour: The California Story" and "Space Shuttle Endeavour in the Samuel Oschin Pavilion."

• President, California Science Center Jeffrey Rudolph
  
• NASA Representative Administrator Charles Bolden
  
• Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa
  
• Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts

  Other astronauts in addition to Charles Bolden:

• James M. Kelly
  
• R. Shane Kimbrough
  
• Leland D. Melvin
  
• Barbara R. Morgan
  
• Garrett E. Reisman

posted 10-31-2012 05:53 PM               

Space shuttle Endeavour exhibit opens at California Science Center

Space shuttle Endeavour debuted on public display Tuesday (Oct. 30) at the California Science Center (CSC) in Los Angeles, where thousands turned out and lined up to be among the first to see the retired NASA orbiter inside its new home.

"Today, the Endeavour goes on display and the public can experience this landmark and the history of technology and space travel," L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said in a ceremony that was staged and sat invited guests under the shuttle. "Visitors from up and down the Golden State, from all across the country, and from the four corners of the Earth will have a chance to share in the Endeavour experience."

"This isn't just a ribbon cutting for Endeavour's home, this is a ribbon cutting for the future of L.A.," Villaraigosa said.

For more photographs, see the gallery: Space shuttle Endeavour at the California Science Center

posted 10-31-2012 06:27 PM               

quote:

---

Originally posted by onesmallstep:
Good that the science center is displaying some of Endeavour's 'innards' that would otherwise be left inside and unseen by the public.

---

posted 10-31-2012 06:34 PM            

In light of the issues with how Enterprise was displayed (and the unfortunate damage this week), I thought the Earthquake isolators were particularly interesting. They have clearly prepared to protect Endeavour from the local environmental hazards. Well done.

posted 11-01-2012 07:06 AM               

Also I think having the payload bay doors open is a good idea. It would allow people to have a good look at the payload bay, which is something that is seldom seen. Especially since Endeavour's payload bay differs slightly from the rest of the orbiters.