I went to the science museum "CALIFORNIA SCIENCE CENTER", a cosmic fan casting that is near the Space Shuttle Endeavor

In America · Los Angeles "California Science Center (California Science Center)In 2012, Space Shuttle's Orbiter "Endeavor (Endeavor)"Is being exhibited. Since it is said that Endeavor can be seen in the near future, I have experienced a part of the history of space development in America.

Space Shuttle Endeavor | California Science Center
https://californiasciencecenter.org/exhibits/air-space/space-shuttle-endeavour

The California Science Center where Endeavor is exhibited is in front of "Expo Park" station of Metrotrail · Expo Line. It is about 20 minutes by train (metro) from "7th Street" station in the center of downtown.


Get off the metro and cross the track and cross the street on the west side of the station ... ...


You see the park "Expo Park" where you can see the fountain.


The building of the blue roof behind the fountain is the Science Center.


As I approached, a huge fighter plane came into sight.



The building of Science Center is a heavy design decorated.


Go inside and walk through the hall ......


Fighter aircraft inside the building.



The foreground is "Northrop T-38 Talon"And the back is"F-20 Tigershark"


A model of a pilot was on board.


Take the stairs in front of the ticket counter and science center.


Admission to the Science Center is free.


Go up the escalator and on the second floor,1902 Wright GliderThere are exhibits such as "Endeavor". Proceed left.


I entered the exhibition hall called "Ecosystems".


There was a corner of Endeavor.


Some Michelin made real tires used at the final flight of Endeavor STS - 134 are on display. This tire is OK to the touch.


Nose cone of Endeavor's external fuel tank.


Furthermore, the design of the space shuttle and ... ...


Fuel cells are on exhibition. We were using water born as a byproduct of fuel cell for drinking water.


This is a space shuttle toilet.


There is also a section to reproduce "Rocketdyne Operations Support Center (control room)".


Even just showing Endeavor's in-flight equipment, the stomach is already getting full, but I will go ahead in search of the actual machine. There is a corner "Extreme Zone" on the way to the destination, but Endeavor's huge flag is visible on the first floor.


So skip the Extreme Zone and go down the stairs.


When approaching the backyard on the first floor floor ... ...


Endeavor's entrance to the exhibition hall. There was information that entrance fee of 2 dollars (approx. 230 yen) is necessary for Endeavor exhibition hall, but on this day we were able to enter free without asking for tickets in particular.


Opening the door behind the aisle leading to the backyard ......


Finally I face Endeavor. Anyway it's awesome ... .... With a lens of 28 mm in terms of 35 mm, it is huge that we can not accommodate the entire shuttle.


Nose that draws a soft curve.


Cockpit window


Aircraft side




A support rod supporting a large body of Endeavor exceeding 100 metric tons is also huge, 37 meters in length.


The exterior of Endeavor returned from space can be confirmed in various places, such as "paint rasping" and "burning" that occurred when entering the atmosphere.


Size overwhelmed by wings.




Vertical tail and three main engines are powerful behind the aircraft.






Apart from the main engine, a small engine is for maneuvering in orbit.


Painful burning is a testimony of returning from space 25 times and is like a medal.


You can pass under the huge Endeavor.


On the bottom of the aircraft, patches of ceramic tiles finely adhered. The distance is nearer than I imagined, the more I realize that the hands seem to reach. An irresistible sight spreads for aviation and space fans.


To pay the entire endeavor too big, we needed a wide angle camera such as GoPro and a fisheye lens.



There is also a little goods selling place in front of Endeavor so you can purchase souvenirs.


Among the Endeavor exhibition hall are the main engines ......



Experiments and cargo transport space "SPACEHAB" etc. were displayed.



On the side of the Endeavor exhibition hall, the panel explains all the missions that supported the Space Shuttle program.


The first flight is the Colombian issue of 1981


Panel of the final flight of the Endeavor exhibited.


Of course, the Challenger and Columbia accident are also part of the history of the Space Shuttle.


At the California Science Center where the Space Shuttle Endeavor was exhibited, various exhibitions on science as well as the space shuttle and fighter aircraft are being held and it is possible to recommend it regardless of age and sex as a space where you can experience science It was a facility.