Space Shuttle Endeavour Lifted Onto Fuel Tank, Boosters at California Science Center

EXPOSITION PARK, LOS ANGELES, Jan. 30 (KNN) — It was an exciting moment overnight for the California Science Center in Downtown Los Angeles when space shuttle Endeavour was lifted onto its fuel and rocket boosters for a much anticipated future display at the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center currently under construction.

Key News Network’s incredible time lapse video of the breathtaking moment shows the shuttle being placed into position by a 450-foot crane. The feat actually took several hours to place the 172,000-pound shuttle into place.

“This monumental and technically challenging process has never-before been accomplished outside of a NASA or Air Force facility,” stated the California Science Center on their website.

Dr. Kenneth Phillips, Curator of Aerospace Science at the California Space Center, spoke with Key News Network at the center and explained the procedure in placing the shuttle in position.

Phillips also said that before the tension is taken off the crane, the crews are going to wait to make sure everything is in position exactly how they want it before they torque everything in place.

He mentioned how the shuttle was shrink wrapped to protect it and won’t be removed for several more years until the center is ready to be opened.

Oscar Sol, Video Journalist / KNN