Los Angeles: The California Science Center on Wednesday unveiled the first public view of Space Shuttle Endeavour in its permanent display, marking a major milestone more than three decades after the spacecraft's first mission.
The iconic orbiter is now housed in a vertical launch position alongside two solid rocket boosters and a full external fuel tank, recreating the configuration used during space missions.
According to the California Science Center, the installation will be the only exhibit in the world to feature a complete and authentic space shuttle system displayed in launch configuration.
Jeffrey Rudolph, president and CEO of the California Science Center, said the exhibit fulfils a long-held vision of bringing the shuttle to its permanent home.
"We really set out to create that sense of awe and wonder," Rudolph said.
Former NASA astronaut Dr John "Danny" Olivas said the exhibit could inspire future generations to pursue careers in science and space exploration.
"Children can come here and get inspired. They can see what can be when human beings work together," Olivas said, adding, "Just because it's hard doesn't mean it's impossible."
The shuttle stack stands nearly 200 feet (about 60 metres) tall, allowing visitors to walk beneath Endeavour's main engines and access elevated viewing platforms overlooking the spacecraft.
Officials said the exhibit will open to the public on 13 November.
Endeavour first flew in 1992 and completed 25 missions during its service with NASA before being retired in 2011.
(With agency inputs from Reuters)
