Space Shuttle Endeavour goes on display upright | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News - NHKニュース

The retired Space Shuttle Endeavour is now standing vertically, just as it did before launch, at a science museum's new facility in the western US city of Los Angeles.

The California Science Center in the city built the facility to give visitors an up-close look at the impressive scale of one of the space shuttles that once played a leading role in space exploration. The facility was unveiled to the media on Wednesday.

The Space Shuttle Endeavour is exhibited in an upright, ready-to-launch position, making it the first display of its kind in the world. It stands about 60 meters tall, roughly the height of a 20-story building with its fuel tank and solid rocket boosters attached.

Visitors can view the shuttle from various angles and heights at multiple viewing platforms.

Tires used during the shuttle's landing on Earth and a replica of its flight deck are also on display. Other exhibits highlight the missions of all five space shuttles that traveled to space, including the contributions of Japanese astronauts who flew aboard them. Endeavour carried three Japanese astronauts, including Mohri Mamoru.

Jeffrey Rudolph, the president and CEO of the California Science Center, said, "It's a unique thing to see a space shuttle ready to launch, and we'll really inspire awe and get people wanting to learn more." He also said that staff hope people from around the world will come to see it.

The new facility is scheduled to open to the public on November 13.