So You Wanna See a Space Shuttle in Cali? We Got You Covered (Unless You're Claustrophobic)
Ah, California, the land of sunshine, celebrities, and... wait for it... space shuttles! Believe it or not, you can actually snag a glimpse of these once-majestic space workhorses chilling out in the Golden State. But fear not, history buff, because this ain't your grandpappy's dusty museum exhibit. We're talking about the real deal, folks.
Buckle Up, Because We're Going to Endeavour (See What We Did There?)
The shuttle in question is the legendary Space Shuttle Endeavour. Now, Endeavour wasn't just some also-ran in the space shuttle fleet. This machine has a resume that would make Elon Musk jealous. We're talking 25 missions under its belt, including the very first servicing mission to the Hubble Space Telescope (you're welcome for those clearer space pics, Instagram).
Endeavour's New digs: From Horizontal Chill to Vertical Thrill
Endeavour landed (well, more like was carefully placed) at the California Science Center in Los Angeles back in 2012. For over a decade, it's been relaxing in a horizontal position, like a space cat basking in the California sun. But that's all about to change!
As of January 2024, Endeavour is undergoing a major transformation. They're literally flipping the thing on its side and putting it in a vertical launch position. That's right, folks, they're basically prepping it for a mission that will never happen (unless Hollywood gets hold of it and decides to make a "Space Shuttle Endeavour Escapes Again" movie). But hey, at least you'll get to see it in all its glory, ready to touch the stars (or at least pretend to).
So When Can You See This California Space Oddity?
Hold your horses, space cowboy! The new Endeavour exhibit is still under construction. But fear not, because the California Science Center expects to unveil it sometime in the next few years. In the meantime, you can always check out their website for updates.
Pro-Tip: While you wait, why not brush up on your space shuttle trivia? Impress your friends at the next barbeque with how many times Endeavour flew or the crazy things it hauled into space (like a giant space pizza for the astronauts, maybe? We can only dream).
There you have it, folks! Your one-stop guide to seeing a real-life space shuttle in California. Remember, space exploration is pretty darn cool, and Endeavour is a shining example of human ingenuity. So get out there, learn a little something, and maybe even pretend to pilot the shuttle when you finally see it. Just don't blame us if you get the urge to yell, "Houston, we have a tourist!"
