The Samuel Oschin Space Shuttle Endeavour Display Pavilion at the California Science Center in Exposition Park has been officially opened to the public as part of the Science Center’s 25 year master plan.

Designed by Arup’s Los Angeles office with Zimmer Gunsul Frasca, the Boeing Company and the Sarens Group, the complex facility has been specifically created to protect the Endeavour from any earthquake damage whilst enhancing the visitor experience. Arup are also designing the permanent home of the Endeavour, the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center.

Speaking on the design of the Display Pavilion, Atila Zekioglu, Building Design Principal at Arup detailed: “The four friction-pendulum seismic isolators will break the connection between Endeavour and the ground, dissipating the energy released in the event of an earthquake.

"The seismic isolators enable Endeavour to glide gently back and forth on low-friction sliders, thus protecting the shuttle from the direct impact of an earthquake.”