"We have achieved this groundbreaking milestone because of all of you, and together we will inspire the next generation." "On behalf of the citizens of California, thank you to the many generous supporters of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center project," said Gavin Newsom, governor of California. The science center plans to raise the remaining $120 million during the construction period and is still accepting members for Team Endeavour by sponsoring one of the shuttle's thermal tiles. Other major donors include The Ahmanson Foundation, Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation, Weingart Foundation and Ibrahim El-Hefni Technical Training Foundation.
"Their early contribution was catalytic in bringing space shuttle Endeavour to the California Science Center and we are forever thankful for this additional commitment that has propelled us forward to groundbreaking on the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center." Lynda Oschin for the unparalleled gift," said Rudolph. "Few institutions have seen this level of generosity and we are tremendously grateful to Mrs.
Combined with the support provided by the State of California and numerous foundations, individuals and corporate donors, the science center has now raised $280 million toward its $400 million goal to cover the past, present and future of Endeavour's display. Samuel Oschin Family Foundation was the largest the California Science Center has ever received. "It gives me enormous pleasure to see this vision becoming a reality for the millions of young people who will be inspired to reach for the stars."Īlthough the amount was not disclosed, the gift from the Mr. "This gift is to honor the legacy of my dear husband Samuel Oschin, who was passionate about adventure and the pursuit of knowledge, especially in the fields of science and engineering," said Lynda Oschin. A day long in the making - early plans for the expansion were in place when Endeavour was delivered to the science center in 2012 - it has again been made possible by a donation from the new museum's namesake. Local and state elected officials, former NASA astronauts, students and donors were invited to join Rudolph and other science center leaders for Wednesday's private ceremony. "The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center will be a launchpad for creativity and innovation to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and explorers." "The California Science Center is thrilled to celebrate this milestone today,"Jeffrey Rudolph, president and chief executive officer of the California Science Center, said in a statement. Unlike the science center's current display of the orbiter, which for the past 10 years has had Endeavour positioned horizontally atop its mobile transporter, the new exhibit will showcase the full space shuttle stack - including an external tank and twin solid rocket boosters - in a gallery towering 20 stories tall at Exposition Park in Los Angeles. The California Science Center on Wednesday (June 1) is breaking ground for its new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, which will become the permanent home of NASA's retired space shuttle Endeavour. It is an up-close sight that gave astronauts a reason to pause and soon it will be one that the public can see for themselves: a space shuttle standing poised for launch.