The California Science Center reached a major milestone in construction of the future Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center today with a ceremonial topping out celebration. Some of the final beams were hoisted into position in the complex diagrid atop the 200,000-square-foot Science Center expansion. Made up of a framework of diagonally intersecting beams, the Air and Space Center’s diagrid is self-supporting, eliminating the need for columns and allowing for a dramatic, unobstructed future view of space shuttle Endeavour in the building’s 20-story Samuel Oschin Shuttle Gallery.

The new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center will integrate a diverse collection of aircraft and spacecraft with immersive experiences and the California Science Center’s signature hands-on educational exhibits. It will include three multi-level galleries – the Samuel Oschin Shuttle Gallery, the Korean Air Aviation Gallery, and the Kent Kresa Space Gallery – while spanning four floors and covering 100,000 square feet of exhibit space.

Dennis R. Jenkins worked as a contractor to NASA for 33 years, mostly on the Space Shuttle Program in a variety of engineering and management roles.

As the centerpiece of the long-envisioned third phase (Phase III) of the California Science Center’s three-decade Master Plan, ZGF architects were commissioned to design a 200,000 square foot expansion to the Science Center, creating a permanent home for space shuttle Endeavour and a diverse collection of aircraft and spacecraft, immersive experiences and the Science Center’s signature hands-on, educational exhibits that encourage active learning through discovery.

Endeavour, also identified by NASA as Orbiter Vehicle 105 or OV-105:

Endeavour went off view from exhibit on December 31, 2023 and will remain so until the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center opens to the public. Endeavour was moved from its exhibit space and lifted into the full shuttle stack configuration in the future Air and Space Center in January 2024.

The California Science Center aspires to stimulate curiosity and inspire science learning in everyone by creating fun, memorable experiences, because we value science as an indispensable tool for understanding our world, accessibility and inclusiveness, and enriching people’s lives.

The California Science Center Foundation extends our heartfelt thanks to those who have generously provided support to the EndeavourLA Campaign, helping us bring space shuttle Endeavour to the Science Center, build the future Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, and sustain ongoing exhibit, programs, and operations. Their generosity enables the California Science Center to realize our ambitious goals and advance our mission to stimulate curiosity and inspire science learning in everyone.