Space Shuttle Endeavour: Difference between revisions - Wikipedia

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{{~~short~~Short description|Retired Space Shuttle orbiter (1992–2011)}}

{{Use ~~mdy~~American ~~dates~~English|date=~~November~~August ~~2022~~2024}}

{{Infobox individual space vehicle

| name = ''Endeavour''

| image = STS-123 Dextre&Kibo ELM-PS in orbit (cropped).jpg

| image_alt = Top view of a spaceplane above the Earth.

| caption = ''Endeavour'' in orbit in 2008, during STS-123

| type = [[Spaceplane]]

| class = [[Space Shuttle orbiter]]

| serial = OV-105

| eponym = {{HMS|Endeavour}}

| owner = [[NASA]]

| manufacturer = [[Rockwell International]]

| dimensions =

| dry_mass = {{Convert|78000|kg}}

| communciation =

| power =

| rocket = [[Space Shuttle]]

| first_flight_date = May ~~7–16~~7 – 16, 1992

| first_flight = [[STS-49]]

| last_flight_date = May 16 – June 1, 2011

| last_flight = [[STS-134]]

| flights = 25

| time = 7,179 hours

| travelled = {{Convert|197761262|km}} around Earth

| orbits = 4,671 around Earth

| fate = [[Space Shuttle retirement|Retired]]

| location = {{Ubl|[[California Science Center]]|[[Los Angeles, California]]}}

| previous = ''[[Space Shuttle Atlantis|Atlantis]]''

}}

'''Space Shuttle ''Endeavour''''' ([[Orbiter Vehicle Designation]]: '''OV-105''') is a retired [[Space Shuttle orbiter|orbiter]] from [[NASA]]'s [[Space Shuttle program]] and the fifth and final operational [[Space Shuttle|Shuttle]] built. It embarked on its first mission, [[STS-49]], in May 1992 and its 25th and final mission, [[STS-134]], in May 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Space Shuttle Overview: Endeavour (OV-105) |url=http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/shuttleoperations/orbiters/endeavour-info.html |access-date=June 30, 2011 |publisher=NASA |archive-date=February 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200222025959/https://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/shuttleoperations/orbiters/endeavour-info.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=STS-49 |url=http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/missions/sts-49/mission-sts-49.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130217182153/http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/missions/sts-49/mission-sts-49.html |archive-date=February 17, 2013 |access-date=June 30, 2011 |publisher=NASA KSC}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=June 1, 2011 |title=Endeavour completes final mission; NASA has one left |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/US/06/01/nasa.endeavour.lands/ |access-date=June 1, 2011 |work=CNN}}</ref> STS-134 was expected to be the final mission of the Space Shuttle program,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Consolidated Launch Manifest |url=http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/structure/iss_manifest.html |access-date=June 30, 2011 |publisher=NASA |archive-date=March 7, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090307191348/http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/structure/iss_manifest.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> but with the authorization of [[STS-135]] by the [[United States Congress]], [[Space Shuttle Atlantis|''Atlantis'']] became the last shuttle to fly.▼

▲'''Space Shuttle ''Endeavour''''' ([[Orbiter Vehicle Designation]]: '''OV-105''') is a retired [[Space Shuttle orbiter|orbiter]] from [[NASA]]'s [[Space Shuttle program]] and the fifth and final operational [[Space Shuttle|Shuttle]] built. It embarked on its first mission, [[STS-49]], in May 1992 and its 25th and final mission, [[STS-134]], in May 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Space Shuttle Overview: Endeavour (OV-105) |url=http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/shuttleoperations/orbiters/endeavour-info.html |access-date=June 30, 2011 |publisher=NASA}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=STS-49 |url=http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/missions/sts-49/mission-sts-49.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130217182153/http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/missions/sts-49/mission-sts-49.html |archive-date=February 17, 2013 |access-date=June 30, 2011 |publisher=NASA KSC}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=June 1, 2011 |title=Endeavour completes final mission; NASA has one left |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/US/06/01/nasa.endeavour.lands/ |access-date=June 1, 2011 |work=CNN}}</ref> STS-134 was expected to be the final mission of the Space Shuttle program,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Consolidated Launch Manifest |url=http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/structure/iss_manifest.html |access-date=June 30, 2011 |publisher=NASA}}</ref> but with the authorization of [[STS-135]] by the [[United States Congress]], [[Space Shuttle Atlantis|''Atlantis'']] became the last shuttle to fly.

The [[United States Congress]] approved the construction of ''Endeavour'' in 1987 to replace the [[Space Shuttle Challenger|Space Shuttle ''Challenger'']], which was [[Space Shuttle Challenger disaster|destroyed in 1986]].

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NASA chose, on cost grounds, to build much of ''Endeavour'' from spare parts rather than refitting the [[Space Shuttle Enterprise|Space Shuttle ''Enterprise'']], and used structural spares built during the construction of ''[[Space Shuttle Discovery|Discovery]]'' and [[Space Shuttle Atlantis|''Atlantis'']] in its assembly.

The space shuttle will soon be on display in the upcoming ''Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center'' at the [[California Science Center]] in Los Angeles.

== History ==

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[[File:Endeavour silhouette STS-130.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|''Endeavour'' appears to straddle the [[stratosphere]] and [[mesosphere]] in this 2010 photo taken from the [[International Space Station]]]]

Following the loss of ''Challenger'', in 1986, NASA was authorized to begin the procurement process for a replacement orbiter. A major refit of the prototype orbiter [[Space Shuttle Enterprise|''Enterprise'']] was looked at and rejected on cost grounds, with instead the cache of structural spares that were produced as part of the construction of [[Space Shuttle Discovery|''Discovery'']] and [[Space Shuttle Atlantis|''Atlantis'']] earmarked for assembly into the new orbiter. Assembly was completed in July 1990, and the new orbiter was rolled out in April 1991. As part of the process, NASA ran a national competition for schools to name the new orbiter—the criteria included a requirement that it be named after an exploratory or research vessel, with a name "easily understood in the context of space"; entries included an essay about the name, the story behind it and why it was appropriate for a NASA shuttle, and the project that supported the name. Amongst the entries, ''Endeavour'' was suggested by one-third of the participating schools, with [[George H.W. Bush|President George H.W. Bush]] eventually selecting it on the advice of the NASA Administrator, [[Richard H. Truly|Richard Truly]]. The national winners were Senatobia Middle School in [[Senatobia, Mississippi]], in the elementary division and [[Tallulah Falls School]] in [[Tallulah Falls, Georgia]], in the upper school division. They were honored at several ceremonies in Washington, D.C., including a White House ceremony where President Bush presented awards to each school.<ref name="nasa.gov">{{Cite web |title=The Naming Of The Space Shuttle Endeavour |url=http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/stseducation/stories/F_The_Naming_of_Space_Shuttle_Endeavour.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823104253/http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/stseducation/stories/F_The_Naming_of_Space_Shuttle_Endeavour.html |archive-date=August 23, 2011 |access-date=June 30, 2011 |publisher=NASA}}</ref> ''Endeavour'' was delivered by [[Rockwell International]] Space Transportation Systems Division in May 1991 and first launched a year later, in May 1992, on [[STS-49]].

''Endeavour'' cost $1.7 billion to build.<ref name="nasaFS-2011-7-142-KSC">{{Cite web |date=2011-07-15 |title=Space Shuttle Era Facts |url=https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2011.07.05-shuttle-era-facts.pdf |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=NASA}}</ref> The orbiter is named after the British [[HMS Endeavour|HMS ''Endeavour'']], the ship which took Captain [[James Cook]] on his [[First voyage of James Cook|first voyage]] of discovery (1768–1771).<ref>[http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/resources/orbiters/Endeavour.html John F. Kennedy Space Center – Space Shuttle ''Endeavour''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110521101826/http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/resources/orbiters/endeavour.html |date=May 21, 2011 }}. Pao.ksc.nasa.gov. Retrieved on May 20, 2012.</ref> This is why the name is spelled in the [[British English]] manner, rather than the [[American English]] ("Endeavor"). This has caused confusion, including when NASA itself misspelled a sign on the launch pad in 2007.<ref name="spellingoops">{{Cite web |title=Shuttle's Name Misspelled On NASA Launch Pad Sign |url=http://www.local6.com/technology/13675075/detail.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070716003421/http://www.local6.com/technology/13675075/detail.html |archive-date=July 16, 2007 |publisher=[[WKMG-TV]]}}</ref> The Space Shuttle carried a piece of the original wood from Cook's ship inside the cockpit.<ref>[http://www.dailybreeze.com/general-news/20120912/125000-see-endeavour-land-satellite-rescue-highlights-maiden-trip 125,000 see Endeavour land: Satellite rescue highlights maiden trip]. [[Daily Breeze]]. Retrieved on July 21, 2015.</ref> The name also honored ''Endeavour'', the [[Apollo command and service module|command module]] of [[Apollo 15]], which was also named for Cook's ship.

On May 30, 2020, [[SpaceX Dragon 2|Dragon 2]] capsule C206 was named ''[[Crew Dragon Endeavour|Endeavour]]'' during the [[Crew Dragon Demo-2]] mission by astronauts [[Doug Hurley]] and [[Bob Behnken]] in honor of the shuttle, on which both astronauts took their first flights ([[STS-127]] and [[STS-123]] respectively).

== Service ==

On its first mission, it captured and redeployed the stranded ''[[Intelsat~~|INTELSAT~~]] VI'' communications satellite. The first African-American woman astronaut, [[Mae Jemison]], was launched into space on the mission [[STS-47]] on September 12, 1992.

''Endeavour'' flew the first servicing mission [[STS-61]] for the [[Hubble Space Telescope]] in 1993. In 1997 it was withdrawn from service for eight months for a retrofit, including installation of a new airlock. In December 1998, it delivered the [[Unity (ISS module)|Unity Module]] to the [[International Space Station]].

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=== Early milestones ===

{| class="wikitable"

|-▼

! style="background:#efefef;" | Date

! style="background:#efefef;" | Milestone<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shuttle Orbiter ''Endeavour'' (OV-105) |url=http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/resources/orbiters/endeavour.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501130312/http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/resources/orbiters/endeavour.html |archive-date=May 1, 2011 |access-date=November 28, 2012 |publisher=NASA/KSC}}</ref>

| 1982 February 15

| Start structural assembly of crew module (built as structural spare alongside ''Discovery'' and ''Atlantis'')<ref>{{Cite web |last=Marconi |first=Elaine |title=NASA – Space Shuttle Overview: Endeavour (OV-105) |url=http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/shuttleoperations/orbiters/endeavour-info.html |website=www.nasa.gov |access-date=March 12, 2008 |archive-date=February 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200222025959/https://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/shuttleoperations/orbiters/endeavour-info.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

| 1987 July 31

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Modifications resulting from a 2005–2006 refit of ''Endeavour'' included:

* The ''[[Station-to-Shuttle Power Transfer System]]'' (SSPTS), which converted 8 kilowatts of DC power from the ISS main voltage of 120VDC to the orbiter bus voltage of 28VDC. This upgrade allowed ''Endeavour'' to remain on-orbit while docked at ISS for an additional 3- to 4-day duration. The corresponding power equipment was added to the ISS during the [[STS-116]] station assembly mission, and ''Endeavour'' flew with SSPTS capability during [[STS-118]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vehicle Upgrades: Station-Shuttle Power Transfer System (SSPTS) |url=http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/space/returntoflight/vehicleupgrades/sspts.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070318231812/http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/space/returntoflight/vehicleupgrades/sspts.html |archive-date=March 18, 2007 |publisher=Boeing: Integrated Defense Systems}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 26, 2003 |title=NASA Presolicitation Notice: Station-Shuttle Power Transfer System (SSPTS) |url=http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewsr.html?pid=10776 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120703155317/http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewsr.html?pid=10776 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 3, 2012 |access-date=June 30, 2011 |publisher=NASA }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 2, 2005 |title=NASA's Space Shuttle Processing Status Report: S05-034 |url=http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2005/dec/HQ_S05034_shuttle_status.html |publisher=NASA |access-date=September 14, 2006 |archive-date=December 8, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071208185057/http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2005/dec/HQ_S05034_shuttle_status.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Final flights ===

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''Endeavour'' flew its final mission, STS-134, to the [[International Space Station]] (ISS) in May 2011. After the conclusion of STS-134, ''Endeavour'' was formally decommissioned.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 30, 2014 |title=OV-105 "Endeavour" |url=http://californiasciencecenter.org/exhibits/air-space/space-shuttle-endeavour/ov-105-endeavour |access-date=September 12, 2016 |website=California Science Center |language=en-US}}</ref>

STS-134 was intended to launch in late 2010, but on July 1 NASA released a statement saying the ''Endeavour'' mission was rescheduled for February 27, 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 1, 2010 |title=NASA Updates Shuttle Target Launch Dates For Final Two Flights |url=http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2010/jul/HQ_10-157_STS_Launch_Dates.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120612111532/http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2010/jul/HQ_10-157_STS_Launch_Dates.html |archive-date=~~Jun~~June 12, 2012 |access-date=May 20, 2012 |website=NASA}}</ref>

"The target dates were adjusted because critical payload hardware for STS-133 will not be ready in time to support the previously planned 16 September launch," NASA said in a statement. With the ''Discovery'' launch moving to November, ''Endeavour'' mission "cannot fly as planned, so the next available launch window is in February 2011," NASA said, adding that the launch dates were subject to change.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 1, 2010 |title=NASA reschedules two final space shuttle launches |url=http://www.space-travel.com/reports/NASA_reschedules_two_final_space_shuttle_launches_999.html |access-date=November 20, 2016 |website=Space Travel}}</ref>

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The launch was further postponed until April to avoid a scheduling conflict with a Russian supply vehicle heading for the International Space Station.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 4, 2011 |title=Unmanned Russian cargo ship heads for space station |url=http://articles.cnn.com/2011-04-04/us/shuttle.endeavor.delay_1_russian-cargo-ship-international-space-station-insulation-foam?_s=PM:US |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120114205123/http://articles.cnn.com/2011-04-04/us/shuttle.endeavor.delay_1_russian-cargo-ship-international-space-station-insulation-foam?_s=PM:US |archive-date=January 14, 2012 |work=CNN}}</ref> STS-134 did not launch until May 16 at 08:56 [[Eastern Time Zone|EDT]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=STS-134 |url=http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/main/index.html |access-date=May 20, 2012 |publisher=NASA}}</ref>

''Endeavour'' landed at the [[Kennedy Space Center]] at 06:34 [[Coordinated universal time|UTC]] on June 1, 2011, completing its final mission.<ref name="finallanding">{{Cite news |date=June 1, 2011 |title=Endeavour completes final mission; one flight left for NASA |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/US/06/01/nasa.endeavour.lands/ |access-date=June 3, 2011 |work=CNN}}</ref> It was the 25th night landing of a shuttle.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dunn, |first=Marcia |date=~~January~~May 631, 2011 |title=Endeavour's last landing sparks pride and sadness |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/43228059 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131209163147/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/43228059/ |archive-date=December 9, 2013 |access-date=May 20, 2012 |work=NBC News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Harwood, William |date=June 1, 2011 |title=Endeavour ends final mission with smooth landing; The Space Shot |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-19514_3-20067830-239.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326033405/https://www.cnet.com/19514_3-20067830-239.html |archive-date=March 26, 2020 |access-date=May 20, 2012 |work=CNET News}}</ref> Over its flight career, ''Endeavour'' flew {{convert|122,883,151|mi|km}} and spent 299 days in space.<ref>{{Citation |title=Space Shuttle Era Facts |date=July 5, 2011 |work=NASA |url=https://www.nasa.gov/pdf/566250main_2011.07.05%20SHUTTLE%20ERA%20FACTS.pdf |access-date=August 2, 2016 |archive-date=July 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714112826/https://www.nasa.gov/pdf/566250main_2011.07.05%20SHUTTLE%20ERA%20FACTS.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> During ''Endeavour's'' last mission, the Russian spacecraft Soyuz TMA-20 departed from the ISS and paused at a distance of {{convert|200|m}}. Italian astronaut Paolo Nespoli took a series of photographs and videos of the ISS with ''Endeavour'' docked.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 23, 2011 |title=Soyuz TMA-20 captures historic photography prior to perfect landing |url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/05/soyuz-tma-20-historic-photographic-event-landing/ |access-date=October 12, 2012 |website=NASASpaceFlight}}</ref> This was the second time a shuttle was photographed docked and the first time since 1996. Commander [[Mark Kelly]] was the last astronaut off ''Endeavour'' after the landing, and the crew stayed on the landing strip to sign autographs and pose for pictures.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 1, 2011 |title=Next-to-last space shuttle flight lands on Earth |url=https://www.deseret.com/2011/6/1/20195388/next-to-last-space-shuttle-flight-lands-on-earth |access-date=February 9, 2023 |publisher=Deseret News}}</ref>

STS-134 was the penultimate Space Shuttle mission; [[STS-135]] was added to the schedule in January 2011, and in July ''Atlantis'' flew for the final time.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 27, 2011 |title=STS-135: The Final Voyage |url=https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/launch/sts-135_mission-overview.html |access-date=February 3, 2017 |website=NASA |archive-date=July 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190727080027/https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/launch/sts-135_mission-overview.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

== Flights ==

{| class="wikitable sticky-header"

▲|-

~~|- class="is-sticky"~~

! scope="col" style="background:#efefef;" | #

! scope="col" width=18% style="background:#efefef;" | Date

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| 39-A

| Kennedy

| Four spacewalks conducted.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 24, 2009 |title=Space Shuttle Mission STS-122 |url=http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html |access-date=July 17, 2009 |publisher=Nasa.gov}}</ref> Installation of the [[International Space Station]] S5 Truss, of the [[Integrated Truss Structure]]. Carried a [[SPACEHAB]] module carrying 5,000 pounds of supplies and equipment to the [[International Space Station]]. Crew included the [[Educator Astronaut Project|Educator Astronaut]] [[Barbara Morgan]]. Thermal tiles protecting the underside of the vehicle were damaged during launch. NASA decided not to fix this damage in-flight as it was not believed to be serious enough to result in loss of vehicle or crew. The craft landed a day early due to the possibility that [[Hurricane Dean]] would force Mission Control to evacuate.

| 21

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| [[STS-126]]

| 39-A

| Edwards<ref name="rss3">{{Cite web |last=~~NASA~~ |date=November 30, 2008 |title=NASA RSS archive |url=http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/rss_feed_above_snip_collection_archive_1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091016191143/http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/rss_feed_above_snip_collection_archive_1.html |archive-date=October 16, 2009 |access-date=November 30, 2008 |publisher=NASA}}</ref>

| [[International Space Station]] assembly mission that brought equipment and supplies in the [[Multi-Purpose Logistics Module]] ''Leonardo'', and Expedition 18 crew rotation, [[Sandra Magnus]] replaced [[Gregory Chamitoff]]. ''Endeavour'' was the only orbiter to land on the temporary Runway 4 at Edwards AFB, as the refurbished main runway will be operational from [[STS-119]] onwards.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bergin |first=Chris |date=November 30, 2008 |title=Endeavour lands at Edwards to conclude STS-126 |url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2008/11/endeavour-lands-at-edwards-to-conclude-sts-126/ |access-date=November 30, 2008 |publisher=NASASpaceflight.com}}</ref>

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| 39-A

| Kennedy

| [[International Space Station]] assembly mission which delivered the last two elements of Japan's [[Japanese Experiment Module|''Kibo'' Module]] along with the Spacelab Pallet-Deployable 2, and an Integrated Cargo Carrier-Vertical Light Deployable.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 31, 2009 |title=STS-127 MCC Status Report No. 32 |url=http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts127/news/STS-127-32.html |access-date=August 1, 2009 |publisher=NASA |archive-date=August 1, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090801223642/http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts127/news/STS-127-32.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

| 24

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| Kennedy

| [[International Space Station]] assembly mission which delivered the [[Tranquility (ISS module)|Node 3]] and the [[Cupola (ISS module)|Cupola]] observatory to the station. This brought the ISS to 98 percent completion.

|-<ref>{{Cite web |title=ISS Assembly missions |url=http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/structure/iss_assembly.html |publisher=NASA |access-date=August 16, 2012 |archive-date=October 16, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081016060935/http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/structure/iss_assembly.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

| 25

| 2011-05-16

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| [[International Space Station]] assembly mission which delivered the [[Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer]] and the [[ExPRESS Logistics Carrier|ELC-3]] to the space station. This was the final mission of ''Endeavour''. Although originally planned to be the last Space Shuttle program flight, one additional flight of ''Atlantis'', [[STS-135]], was flown in July 2011.

<small>‡ Longest shuttle mission for ''Endeavour''</small>▼

~~<small>~~

▲‡ Longest shuttle mission for ''Endeavour''</small>

=== Tribute and mission insignias ===

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{| class="wikitable" align=" center" style="margin: auto; width:100%"

! colspan="8" | NASA Orbiter Tribute for Space Shuttle ''Endeavour''

! colspan="8" | <div style="text-align: center;">[[File:Space Shuttle Endeavour Tribute.jpg|center|650x650px]]</div>

! colspan="8" | Mission insignia for ''Endeavour'' flights

| <div style="text-align: center;">[[File:Sts-49-patch.png|center|100x100px]]</div>

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| <div style="text-align: center;">[[File:Sts-57-patch.png|center|100x100px]]</div>

| <div style="text-align: center;">[[File:Sts-61-patch.png|center|100x100px]]</div>

| <div style="text-align: center;">[[File:STS-59 patch.svg|center|100x100px]] </div>

| <div style="text-align: center;">[[File:Sts-68-patch.png|center|100x100px]]</div>

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* 01/1991 – ?: [[John J. "Tip" Talone Jr.]] (previously Flow Director for ''[[Space Shuttle Discovery|Discovery]]'')<ref>{{Cite web |title=KSC Names Two Space Shuttle Flow Directors |url=http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/missions/status/r5-91.ksc |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101160554/http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/missions/status/r5-91.ksc |archive-date=January 1, 2014 |access-date=September 8, 2013}}</ref>

* 08/2000 – 05/2006: [[Tassos Abadiotakis]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=KSC |first=Kay Grinter |title=NASA – Biography of Tassos Abadiotakis |url=http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/about/biographies/abadiotakis.html |website=www.nasa.gov |access-date=September 8, 2013 |archive-date=September 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925081954/https://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/about/biographies/abadiotakis.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

* STS-126 --- [[Ken Tenbusch]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Regan |first=Rebecca |title=NASA – Biography of Ken Tenbusch |url=https://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/about/biographies/tenbusch.html |access-date=August 5, 2023~~-08-05~~ |website=www.nasa.gov |language=en |archive-date=August 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230805214536/https://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/about/biographies/tenbusch.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

* Until 08/2012: [[Dana M. Hutcherson]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=NASA – Dana M. Hutcherson, Launch Vehicle Systems Office Deputy Manager, NASA's Commercial Crew Program |url=http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/about/biographies/hutcherson.html |website=www.nasa.gov |access-date=September 8, 2013 |archive-date=September 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925081055/https://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/about/biographies/hutcherson.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

== Decommissioning ==

After more than twenty organizations submitted proposals for the display of an orbiter,<ref name="latshuttle">{{Cite news |last=Simon |first=Richard |date=August 14, 2010 |title=With shuttles becoming museum pieces, cities vie to land one |url=https://~~articles~~www.latimes.com/~~2010~~archives/la-xpm-2010-aug/-14~~/nation/~~-la-na-space-shuttle-20100815-story.html |access-date=October 14, 2012 |work=Los Angeles Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=November 1, 2010 |title=Discovery's Final Home 'Up In The Air' |url=http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2010/11/01/Discoverys-final-home-up-in-the-air/UPI-15431288644749/ |access-date=October 14, 2012 |work=United Press International}}</ref> on April 12, 2011, NASA announced that the Space Shuttle ''Endeavour'' would go to the [[California Science Center]] in [[Los Angeles]].<ref name="usatodayshuttle">{{Cite news |last=Stanglin |first=Douglas |date=April 12, 2011 |title=NYC, L.A., Kennedy Space Center, Smithsonian to get the 4 retired space shuttles |url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/ondeadline/post/2011/04/kennedy-space-center-air-and-space-museum-likely-to-get-2-of-the-4-retiring-shuttle-vehicles/1 |access-date=October 14, 2012 |work=USA Today}}</ref> The Space Shuttle was mounted on the [[Shuttle Carrier Aircraft]] and departed from the [[Kennedy Space Center]] on September 19, 2012, heading to the [[Los Angeles International Airport]], with some refueling stops in [[Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base|Ellington Field]] and [[Edwards Air Force Base]]. After low level flyovers above NASA and civic landmarks across the country and in California, it was delivered to LAX on September 21.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Simon |first=Richard |date=April 12, 2012 |title=Delivering the space shuttles is tougher than you think |url=https://www.latimes.com/news/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-shuttle-delivery-20120411,0,7851736.story |access-date=April 19, 2012 |work=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> It was then hoisted off the aircraft and ~~was~~ placed inside a United Airlines hangar to prepare for its transportation through the streets of Los ~~Angels~~Angeles.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pearlman |first=Robert Z. |date=~~2012-09-~~September 21, 2012 |title=Space Shuttle Endeavour Lands in L.A. for Display at California Science Center |url=https://www.space.com/17718-space-shuttle-endeavour-lands-los-angeles.html |access-date=March 4, 2024~~-03-04~~ |website=Space.com |language=en}}</ref>

[[File:Space Shuttle Endeavour in Los Angeles - 2012 (37919560104).jpg|thumb|''Endeavour'' moving through Los Angeles]]

On October 11 at 11:30pm, ''~~Endeavor~~Endeavour'' left the hangar on four self-propelled robotic transporters and the orbiter was slowly left the airport and was carefully transported through the streets of Los Angeles.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pearlman |first=Robert Z. |date=~~2012-10-~~October 12, 2012 |title=Space Shuttle Endeavour Embarks on L.A. Road Trip |url=https://www.space.com/18032-shuttle-endeavour-los-angeles-road-trip.html |access-date=~~2024-03-~~March 29, 2024 |website=Space.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Space shuttle Endeavour route, street closures & viewing areas |url=http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/feature?section=news/local&id=8842882 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014185240/http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/feature?section=news%2Flocal&id=8842882 |archive-date=October 14, 2012 |access-date=October 12, 2012 |work=ABC7 News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Mather |first=Kate |last2=Flores |first2=Adolfo |last3=Geber |first3=Marisa |last4=Khouri |first4=Andrew |last5=Weiss |first5=Ken |date=October 13, 2012 |title=Space shuttle Endeavour rolls on toward its new home |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/10/space-shuttle-endeavour-rolls-on-toward-its-new-home.html |access-date=October 13, 2012 |work=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> The Space Shuttle's {{convert|12|mi|km|adj=on}} journey was meticulously measured and each move was carefully choreographed.<ref name="LA Times">{{Cite web |last=Anton |first=Mike |date=September 16, 2012 |title=Shuttle Endeavour's final journey is carefully choreographed |url=https://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-shuttle-transport-20120916-story.html |access-date=December 19, 2017 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> In multiple locations, there were only inches of clearance for the shuttle's wide wings between telephone poles, apartment buildings and other structures. Many street light standards and traffic signals were temporarily removed as the shuttle passed through. It was necessary to remove over 400 street trees as well, some of which were fairly old, leading to concern.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Singh |first=Timon |date=September 9, 2012 |title=400 Trees Cut Down to Make Way For Space Shuttle Endeavour's Los Angeles Arrival |url=http://inhabitat.com/400-trees-cut-down-to-make-way-for-space-shuttle-endeavours-los-angeles-arrival |work=Inhabitat – Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building}}</ref> However, the removed trees were replaced two-for-one by the Science Center, using part of the $200 million funding for the move.<ref name="LA Times" />

The power had to be turned off and power carrying poles had to be removed temporarily as the orbiter crept along the streets. News crews lined the streets along the path with visible news personalities in the news trucks. Police escorts and other security personnel, among them including the [[Los Angeles Police Department|LAPD]], [[Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department|LASD]], [[California Highway Patrol|CHP]], and NASA officials, controlled the large crowds gathered, with support from the [[Los Angeles City Fire Department|LAFD]] and [[Los Angeles County Fire Department|LACoFD]] to treat heat exhaustion victims as ''Endeavour'' made its way through the city.<ref>{{Cite news |last=CBS News |date=October 14, 2012 |title=Space shuttle Endeavour's slow commute through Los Angeles |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPz52Bo5t7k |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190813032302/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPz52Bo5t7k&gl=US&hl=en |archive-date=August 13, 2019 |access-date=February 14, 2019 |work=CBS News Los Angeles}}</ref> ''Endeavour'' was sometimes parked for a few hours at certain places, such as [[Randy's Donuts]], and [[Kia Forum|The Forum]] where it was available for viewing.<ref>{{Cite web |date=~~2012-10-~~October 12, 2012 |title=Hole punched in doughnut shop's hopes for shuttle celebration |url=https://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-1012-beat-randys-donuts-endeavour-20121012-story.html |access-date=~~2024-03-~~March 19, 2024 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="casc">{{Cite web |year=2012 |title=Space Shuttle Endeavour homepage |url=http://www.californiasciencecenter.org/Exhibits/AirAndSpace/endeavour/endeavour.php |access-date=October 13, 2012 |website=California Science Center |publisher=}}</ref>

''Endeavour''<nowiki/>'s biggest part of the journey was ~~acrossing~~crossing the [[California State Route 42|Manchester Boulevard]] Bridge over [[Interstate 405 (California)|Interstate 405]]. However, due to weight restrictions of the bridge, the shuttle was moved from itthe robotic transporters to a lighter non-powered dolly and was towed across the bridge by an unmodified [[Toyota Tundra]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Morton |first=Neal |date=October 13, 2012 |title=Shuttle Endeavour hitches a ride with S.A. truck |url=http://www.mysanantonio.com/default/article/Shuttle-Endeavour-hitches-a-ride-with-S-A-truck-3944110.php |access-date=October 14, 2012 |work=San Antonio Express-News}}</ref> Once it had completely crossed the bridge, the shuttle was then returned to the robotic transporters to continue its course. [[Toyota]] used the footage of ''Endeavour'' crossing the bridge in a commercial for the [[Super Bowl XLVII|2013 Super Bowl]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Harwood |first=Allyson |date=October 15, 2012 |title=How a 2012 Toyota Tundra Towed the Space Shuttle Endeavour |url=http://www.trucktrend.com/features/news/2012/163_news121015_2012_toyota_tundra_tows_endeavour/ |access-date=July 17, 2013 |work=Motor Trend's Truck Trend}}</ref> and the Tundra used to pull the shuttle was donated to the Science Center, ~~becoming~~where it became part of an exhibit on leverage. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Toyota |title=California Science Center Unveils Giant Lever Exhibit Featuring the Toyota Tundra Used During Space Shuttle Endeavour Transport |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/california-science-center-unveils-giant-lever-exhibit-featuring-the-toyota-tundra-used-during-space-shuttle-endeavour-transport-209711431.html |access-date=~~2024-04-~~April 15, 2024 |website=www.prnewswire.com |language=en}}</ref> Having taken longer than expected, ''Endeavour'' ~~finally~~ reached the Science Center on October 14 at 7:30pm.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 14, 2012 |title=Endeavour Arrives at California Science Center |url=http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Thousands-Watch-as-Shuttle-Nears-California-Science-Center-Endeavour-174096871.html |access-date=October 14, 2012 |publisher=NBC News Los Angeles}}</ref> Prior to itits arrival, a temporary building was constructed on the side of the museum to house the Space Shuttle, ~~until~~while ~~its~~it ~~new~~awaited its permanent home ~~is being built~~.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Lin II |first=Rong-Gong |date=October 9, 2014 |title=Space shuttle Endeavour inches closer to completion of final exhibit |url=https://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-endeavour-lab-20141010-story.html |access-date=June 2, 2019 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> The Space Shuttle's entire journey through the streets of Los Angeles was often dubbed as ''Mission 26: The Big Endeavour'', a nod to its 25 space missions during its career.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Malik |first=Tariq |date=~~2012-10-~~October 17, 2012 |title=Shuttle Endeavour's L.A. Journey Stars in Stunning Time-Lapse Movie |url=https://www.space.com/18109-space-shuttle-endeavour-time-lapse-video.html |access-date=April 7, 2024~~-04-07~~ |website=Space.com |language=en}}</ref>

=== California Science Center ===

[[File:Space Shuttle Endeavor at the California Science Center.jpg|thumb|~~Space Shuttle~~ ''Endeavour'' in the temporary Samuel Oschin Pavilion (~~Feb~~February 2023)]]On October 30, 2012, the Space Shuttle ''Endeavour'' was opened to the public.<ref name="casc" /> The shuttle was display inside the temporary [[Samuel Oschin]] Pavilion,<ref name=":0" /> where guests offered to not only walk around Endeavour, but also under it, as the vehicle was displayed in the horizontal atop raised mounted on four friction-pendulum [[Seismic base isolation|seismic isolators]] to protect it from earthquakes.<ref name="casc" /> The shuttle remained inside the temporary pavilion until December 31, 2023~~, in order to prepared for the upcoming new display at the ''Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center''~~.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pearlman |first=Robert Z. |date=~~2023-12-~~December 31, 2023 |title=End of year, end of exhibit: Space shuttle Endeavour goes off view for a few years |url=https://www.space.com/space-shuttle-endeavour-exhibit-closing-california-science-center |access-date=January 1, 2024~~-01-01~~ |website=Space.com |language=en}}</ref> A companion exhibit, "''Endeavour'': The California Story" (later renamed, "''Endeavour Together:'' Parts & People"), features images and artifacts that related the Space Shuttle program to [[California]], where the orbiters were originally constructed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Welcome to the California Science Center |url=http://www.californiasciencecenter.org |publisher=California Science Center}}</ref>

On May 28, 2015, NASA donated the last remaining [[Space Shuttle external tank|external tank]], which was displayed in 2016, outside with the Samuel Oschin Pavilion.<ref>{{cite news |date=May 28, 2015 |title=NASA gives California Science Center museum last remaining space shuttle fuel tank |url=http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-space-shuttle-20150528-story.html |access-date=March 6, 2016 |newspaper=LA Times}}</ref><ref name="ET-94toCSS">{{cite web |title=The California Science Center's External Tank |url=http://californiasciencecenter.org/exhibits/air-space/space-shuttle-endeavour/external-tank |access-date=May 29, 2015 |website=California Science Center}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Pearlman |first=Robert Z. |date=May 22, 2016 |title=Space Shuttle External Tank Completes Road Trip to CA Science Center |url=https://www.space.com/32949-space-shuttle-external-tank-completes-road-trip-to-ca-science-center.html |access-date=March 31, 2024 |website=Space.com |language=}}</ref> On September 20, 2020, [[Northrop Grumman]] donated a pair of flight-proven [[Solid rocket booster|solid rocket boosters]] for ''Endeavour''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Evans |first=Ben |date=September 20, 2020 |title=Northrop Grumman Donates Flight-Proven SRBs to Endeavour Exhibit at CSC - AmericaSpace |url=https://www.americaspace.com/2020/09/20/northrop-grumman-donates-flight-proven-srbs-to-endeavour-exhibit-at-csc/ |access-date=April 16, 2024 |website=AmericaSpace |language=en-US}}</ref>

After its decommissioning, ''Endeavour''{{'}}s [[Canadarm]] (formally the 'Shuttle Remote Manipulator System') was removed in order to be sent to the Canadian Space Agency's [[John H. Chapman Space Centre]] in [[Longueuil]], [[Quebec]], a suburb of Montreal, where it was to be placed on display.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=The Canadarm Is Returning Home |date=July 16, 2012 |publisher=Canadian Space Agency. [|url=http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/media/advisories/2012/0716.asp ~~The~~|access-date=October ~~Canadarm~~19, Is2012 ~~Returning Home] {{Webarchive~~|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140326011053/http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/media/advisories/2012/0716.asp |archive-date=March 26, 2014 |location=Montreal}}~~, Montreal: Canadian Space Agency press release, July 16, 2012. Retrieved October 19, 2012.~~</ref> In a Canadian poll on which science or aerospace museum should be selected to display the Canadarm, originally built by [[Spar Aerospace|SPAR Aerospace]], the Canadian Space Agency's headquarters placed third to last with only 35 out of 638 votes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Canadian Space Agency Requests Proposals To Display Canadarm At St. Hubert Headquarters |url=http://spaceref.ca/missions-and-programs/canadian-space-agency/canadian-space-agency-plans-to-display-canadarm-at-st-hubert-headquarters-1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130115145723/http://spaceref.ca/missions-and-programs/canadian-space-agency/canadian-space-agency-plans-to-display-canadarm-at-st-hubert-headquarters-1.html |archive-date=January 15, 2013 |access-date=October 19, 2012 |website=SpaceRefCanada}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=April 12, 2011 |title=Endeavour's Canadarm coming home |url=~~http~~https://www.cbc.ca/news/~~technology~~science/~~story/2011/04/12/technology~~endeavour-s-canadarm-~~endeavour~~coming-~~shuttle~~home-1.~~html~~1035189 |access-date=October 14, 2012 |work=CBC}}</ref> ''Endeavour''{{'}}s Canadarm has since gone on permanent display at the [[Canada Aviation and Space Museum]] in [[Ottawa]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Johnson |first=Andy |date=May 2, 2013 |title=Unveiling exhibit, Hadfield sends first Canadarm 'last command' from space |url=http://www.ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/unveiling-exhibit-hadfield-sends-first-canadarm-last-command-from-space-1.1263958 |access-date=May 2, 2013 |work=CTV News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Howell |first=Elizabeth |date=May 2, 2013 |title=Space Shuttle's Robotic Arm Goes on Display at Canadian Museum |url=http://www.space.com/20949-space-shuttle-canadarm-museum-exhibit.html |access-date=May 2, 2013 |work=Space.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=~~Canadian Space Agency~~ |date=May 2, 2013 |title=Minister Moore Unveils Exhibit for Canada's National Space Icon: the Canadarm |url=http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/media/news_releases/2013/0502.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130506062113/http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/media/news_releases/2013/0502.asp |archive-date=May 6, 2013 |access-date=July 1, 2013 |work=Canadian Space Agency}}</ref> In August 2015, NASA engineers removed a few of the tanks from ''Endeavour'' for reuse as storage containers for potable water on the International Space Station.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 19, 2015 |title=Tanks from retired shuttle Endeavour will be used for water storage on space station |url=https://www.usnews.com/news/science/news/articles/2015/08/19/tanks-from-retired-shuttle-endeavour-going-to-space-station?int=aa3609 |access-date=November 20, 2022 |publisher=U.S. News & World Report}}</ref>

A new addition to the ~~California~~ Science Center, called the ''Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center'', will serve as ''Endeavour's'' new permanent home. Once finished, it will be the only Space Shuttle mounted vertically in [[Launch pad|launch position]],. aA 20-story-tall display with an [[Space Shuttle external tank|external fuel tank]], (ET-94, the last mission-ready one in existence as all others were destroyed during launch) and a pair of [[Solid rocket booster|solid rocket boosters]]., (SRBs) ~~The Space Shuttle will be raised in an upright position,~~ as if looks like ''Endeavour'' were to make one more flight. One payload door will be opened out to reveal a demonstration payload inside.<ref name="casc" /> Originally slated to open in 2015, construction on the new ~~began on the new Air and Space Center~~building started on June 1, 2022.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lin II |first=Rong-Gong |last2=Campa |first2=Andrew J. |date=June 1, 2022 |title=Space shuttle Endeavour is getting its own grand museum in L.A., displayed in launch position |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-06-01/endeavour-space-shuttle-california-science-center-groundbreaking |access-date=June 4, 2022 |work=Los Angeles Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wisdom |first=McKenzie |date=June 9, 2022~~-06-09~~ |title=Groundbreaking at California Science Center's Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center |url=https://www.mattconstruction.com/blog/non-profit/groundbreaking-at-california-science-centers-samuel-oschin-air-and-space-center/ |access-date=~~2023-10-~~October 11, 2023 |website=MATT Construction |language=en-US}}</ref> ET-94 underwent restoration after being used to analyze the foam on its sister tank, which was a factor in the failure of [[STS-107]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Branson-Potts |first=Hailey |date=April 10, 2016 |title=Last flight-qualified space shuttle fuel tank in existence begins its journey to L.A. |url=https://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-0411-space-shuttle-tank-20160411-story.html |access-date=April 20, 2019 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> ▼

~~==== Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center ====~~

[[File:Construction of a viewing gallery around Space Shuttle Endeavour, its external tank, and solid rocket boosters at Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, Los Angeles, California, US.jpg|thumb|Final preparations for joining ''Endeavour'' to its fuel tank and boosters, January 29, 2024]]

▲A new addition to the California Science Center, called the ''Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center'', as ''Endeavour's'' new permanent home. Once finished, it will be the only Space Shuttle mounted vertically in [[Launch pad|launch position]], a 20-story-tall display with an [[Space Shuttle external tank|external fuel tank]], (ET-94, the last mission-ready one in existence as all others were destroyed during launch) and a pair of [[Solid rocket booster|solid rocket boosters]]. (SRBs) The Space Shuttle will be raised in an upright position, as if looks like ''Endeavour'' were to make one more flight. One payload door will be opened out to reveal a demonstration payload inside.<ref name="casc" /> Originally slated to open in 2015, construction on the new began on the new Air and Space Center started on June 1, 2022.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lin II |first=Rong-Gong |last2=Campa |first2=Andrew J. |date=June 1, 2022 |title=Space shuttle Endeavour is getting its own grand museum in L.A., displayed in launch position |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-06-01/endeavour-space-shuttle-california-science-center-groundbreaking |access-date=June 4, 2022 |work=Los Angeles Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wisdom |first=McKenzie |date=2022-06-09 |title=Groundbreaking at California Science Center's Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center |url=https://www.mattconstruction.com/blog/non-profit/groundbreaking-at-california-science-centers-samuel-oschin-air-and-space-center/ |access-date=2023-10-11 |website=MATT Construction |language=en-US}}</ref> ET-94 underwent restoration after being used to analyze the foam on its sister tank, which was a factor in the failure of [[STS-107]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Branson-Potts |first=Hailey |date=April 10, 2016 |title=Last flight-qualified space shuttle fuel tank in existence begins its journey to L.A. |url=https://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-0411-space-shuttle-tank-20160411-story.html |access-date=April 20, 2019 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref>

On July 20, 2023, the assembly of the stack began with the aft skirts (bottom segments of the SRBs) being precisely positioned on a concrete slab supported by six [[Seismic base isolation|base isolators]] that will protect ''Endeavour'' from earthquakes.<ref>{{Cite news |date=~~2023-07-~~July 20, 2023 |title=California Science Center starts complex process to display Space Shuttle Endeavour vertically |url=https://ktla.com/news/local-news/ap-california-science-center-starts-complex-process-to-display-space-shuttle-endeavour-vertically/ |access-date=~~2023-07-~~July 21, 2023 |work=KTLA |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> The SRBs was fully assembled on December 5.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Endeavour's Final Move |url=https://californiasciencecenter.org/about-us/samuel-oschin-air-and-space-center/go-for-stack |website=California Science Center}}</ref> On January 3, 2024, ''Endeavour'' was protected in a shrink wrap, likely to stay on until after the construction is complete.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pearlman |first=Robert |date=January 3, 2024~~-01-03~~ |title=Up next for Endeavour LA exhibit: Tank lift and shuttle shrink wrap |url=https://news.yahoo.com/next-endeavour-la-exhibit-tank-200043669.html |access-date=April 3, 2024~~-04-03~~ |website=Yahoo News |language=en-US}}</ref> The ET-94 tank was then moved into its permanent position in January 16.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lin II |first=Rong-Gong |date=January 2, 2024~~-01-02~~ |title=Space shuttle Endeavour's giant orange external tank begins final journey |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-01-02/space-shuttle-endeavours-giant-orange-external-tank-begins-final-journey |access-date=January 3, 2024~~-01-03~~ |work=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Campa |first=Andrew J. |last2=Lin II |first2=Rong-Gong |date=~~2024-01-~~January 12, 2024 |title=Mission accomplished: Space shuttle Endeavour's giant orange fuel tank moved into viewing spot in L.A. |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-01-12/shuttle-endeavours-giant-orange-fuel-tank-lifted-but-winds-delay-final-placement |access-date=~~2024-01-~~January 16, 2024 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref> On January 30, the Space Shuttle was then moved into its permanent position, completing the stack. Once all components of ''Endeavour'' are in place, construction on the ''Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center'' continues, as it will be built around it. The new building is estimated to be open in 2025.▼

▲On July 20, 2023, the assembly of the stack began with the aft skirts (bottom segments of the SRBs) being precisely positioned on a concrete slab supported by six [[Seismic base isolation|base isolators]] that will protect ''Endeavour'' from earthquakes.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-07-20 |title=California Science Center starts complex process to display Space Shuttle Endeavour vertically |url=https://ktla.com/news/local-news/ap-california-science-center-starts-complex-process-to-display-space-shuttle-endeavour-vertically/ |access-date=2023-07-21 |work=KTLA |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> The SRBs was fully assembled on December 5.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Endeavour's Final Move |url=https://californiasciencecenter.org/about-us/samuel-oschin-air-and-space-center/go-for-stack |website=California Science Center}}</ref> On January 3, 2024, ''Endeavour'' was protected in a shrink wrap, likely to stay on until after the construction is complete.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pearlman |first=Robert |date=2024-01-03 |title=Up next for Endeavour LA exhibit: Tank lift and shuttle shrink wrap |url=https://news.yahoo.com/next-endeavour-la-exhibit-tank-200043669.html |access-date=2024-04-03 |website=Yahoo News |language=en-US}}</ref> The ET-94 tank was then moved into its permanent position in January 16.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lin II |first=Rong-Gong |date=2024-01-02 |title=Space shuttle Endeavour's giant orange external tank begins final journey |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-01-02/space-shuttle-endeavours-giant-orange-external-tank-begins-final-journey |access-date=2024-01-03 |work=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Campa |first=Andrew J. |last2=Lin II |first2=Rong-Gong |date=2024-01-12 |title=Mission accomplished: Space shuttle Endeavour's giant orange fuel tank moved into viewing spot in L.A. |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-01-12/shuttle-endeavours-giant-orange-fuel-tank-lifted-but-winds-delay-final-placement |access-date=2024-01-16 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref> On January 30, the Space Shuttle was then moved into its permanent position, completing the stack. Once all components of ''Endeavour'' are in place, construction on the ''Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center'' continues, as it will be built around it. The new building is estimated to be open in 2025.

== Legacy ==

[[File:The SpaceX Crew Dragon approaches the International Space Station (iss063e021463).jpg|thumb|240px|[[Crew Dragon Endeavour|Crew Dragon C206 ''Endeavour'']] was named by [[Doug Hurley]] and [[Bob Behnken]] as a tribute to the Space Shuttle ''Endeavour''.]]Following their May 30, 2020, launch on board the [[SpaceX]] [[Crew Dragon Demo-2]] vehicle, the crew announced in orbit that they had named their spacecraft ''[[Crew Dragon Endeavour|Endeavour]]''. Astronauts [[Bob Behnken]] and [[Doug Hurley]] said the name has a dual meaning: first, after the "incredible endeavor" put forth by SpaceX and NASA after the [[Space Shuttle retirement|retirement of the Space Shuttle fleet in 2011]]; and second, because both Hurley and Behnken each flew their first flight aboard the shuttle ''Endeavour'' (Behnken on [[STS-123]], Hurley on [[STS-127]]) and wanted to name this new spacecraft after the one that took each of them into space.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Boyle |first=Alan |title=Crew Dragon's astronauts give their SpaceX spaceship a storied name: Endeavour |url=https://www.geekwire.com/2020/crew-dragons-astronauts-give-spacex-capsule-storied-name-endeavour/ |access-date=May 30, 2020 |website=GeekWire}}</ref> The shuttle appeared in the 2022 films ''[[Moonfall (film)|Moonfall]]'' and ''[[Beavis and Butt-Head Do the Universe]]''.

Line 436:

*[https://web.archive.org/web/20160304104805/http://freeimagehosting.nl/pics/55a233f4db632329f663f3eb7e837999.jpg ''Endeavour'' during STS-126 mission]—MPLM visible in Payload Bay

*[https://web.archive.org/web/20111006143127/http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/7600/sts12720090717222305new.jpg Image of Space Shuttle ''Endeavour'' docked to ISS during STS-127]—created using a telescope mounted camera by astrophotographer [[Ralf Vandebergh]]

*[https://archive.today/20130221204811/http://nasatech.net/ntTREndeavour_PAGE.html Transition & Retirement Processing in OPF-2] — over, under, around and through ''Endeavour'' with high-resolution spherical panoramas

*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070928002632/http://www.exploration-space.com/16-apr-2007-nasa.html Consolidated Launch Manifest (2007)]—Space Shuttle Flights and ISS Assembly Sequence

*[https://timelines.latimes.com/endeavours-trek-through-la Endeavour's trek through L.A.]