The California Science Center is giving visitors one last chance to explore the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center Work in Progress Gallery, which will close permanently on May 11, 2025. Since its debut in June 2024, the gallery has served as a special preview of the exciting additions coming to the future Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center.
A Rare Glimpse at Space History
The Work in Progress Gallery showcases a stunning collection of historical space capsules and rockets, temporarily displayed with optimal lighting and preservation conditions. Featured artifacts include the:
- Mercury-Redstone 2 Capsule (1961)
- Gemini 11 Capsule (1966)
- Apollo Soyuz Command Module (1975)
- Viking Lander engineering model
All three capsules are on loan from the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, while the Viking Lander model is on loan from Lockheed Martin. These artifacts are seldom displayed outside of protective cases, making this a unique viewing opportunity.
Also featured are more recent contributions to spaceflight:
- An Electron Rocket from Rocket Lab
- A Dragon cargo spacecraft from SpaceX
- A Space Shuttle Main Engine from Aerojet Rocketdyne
These items will be relocated after the exhibit closes and will not be viewable again until the official opening of the completed Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center.
Multimedia and Future Vision
In addition to physical artifacts, the gallery includes time-lapse videos, renderings, and a detailed scale model of the future Air and Space Center. Visitors can relive major milestones such as:
- The arrival of space shuttle Endeavour
- The transport of External Tank ET-94
- The stacking of solid rocket motors
- The assembly of the world’s only full Space Shuttle System in launch position (Go for Stack)
Visit Details
- Location: California Science Center, 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90037
- Gallery Open Until: May 11, 2025
- Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Admission: Free (IMAX and special exhibits require ticket purchase)
- Website: californiasciencecenter.org
EndeavourLA Campaign
The EndeavourLA Campaign supports the development of the new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, backed by the Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Oschin Family Foundation, the State of California, Korean Air, the Kresa Family Foundation, and other donors. With $375 million raised to date, fundraising continues, and the public is encouraged to contribute at EndeavourLA.org.
